The Arkansas banner., 1844-12-18


 or the schools established among them, aided oy the efforts of few pious men of various religious denominations-who devote them- selves to the task of their improvement-w may iondly hope that, the remains of the formidable tribes which were once masters of this country will, in their transition from the savage state, to condition of refinement and cultivation, add another bright trophy to adorn the labors of well directed philan- thropy
 The accompanying report of the Secretary oi the Navy, will explain to you the situa- ton of that branch of the service. The pre- sent organization of the Department, imparts to its operations great efficiency; but con cur fully in the propriety of division of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs, into two Bureaux. The subjects. as now arranged, are incongruous, and re- qulre, to certain extent, information and qualifications altogether dissmilar.
 The operations of the squadron on the coast ot Africa have been conducted with all due attention to the object which led to it's organ izatlon; and am happy to say that the off cers and crews have enjoyed the best possible health, under the system adopted by the off, Ger in command. It is believed the United States Is the only nation which has. by ifs laws, subjected to the punishment of death. as pirates, those who may be engaged in the slave-trade. A similar enactment on the part of other nations would not fail 10 be attended by beneficial results.
 In consequence of the difficulties which have existed in the way of securing titles fol the necessary grounds, operations have no yet been commenced towards the establish ment of the Navy Yard at Memphis. Sc soon as the title is perfected. no further delay will be permitted to intervene It is well worthy of your consideration, whether Con- gross should not direct the establishment of a rope-walk, in connection with the conenl- plated Navy Yard, as a measure not only of economy, but as highly useful and necessary The only establishment of the sort now con nected with the service is located at Boston and the advantages of similar establishment. convenient to the hemp-growing region, must be apparent to all.
 The report of the Secretary presents other matters to your consideration, of an impor- tant character in connection with the servlce.
 In referring you 10 the accompanying re- port of the Postmaster General, 1t affords me continued cause of qualification to be able to advert to the fact that, the affairs of the De pertinent, for the last four years, have been so conducted as, from it's unaided resources. to meet its large expenditures. On my com iOtr into off o,+ @f existed against the Department, Which Con gross discharged by an appropriation from the Treasury. The Department. on the 4th of March next, will be found, under the man agement of it's present efficient head free of debt or embarrassment, which could only have been done by the observance and prac- tice of the greatest vigilance and economy The laws have contemplated, throughout, that the Department should be self-sustained; but 1t may become necessary, with the wisest regard to the public interests, to introduce amendments and alterations in the system. There is strong desire manifested in many quarters, so 10 alter the tariff of letter postage as to reduce the amount of tax at present imposed. Should such measure be carried into effect, to the full extent desired. it cannot well be doubted but that, for the first years of its operation, diminished revenue would be collected, the supply of which would ne- cessarily constitute charge upon the Trea- sury. Whether such a result would be desi- rabe, it will be for Congress, i'll it's wisdom, tH determine. IL may in general be asserted that, radical alterations in any system should rather be brought about gradually, than by sudden changes; and by pursuing this prudent policy in the reduction of letter postage, the Department might still sustain itself through the revenue which would accrue by the in crease of letters. The state and condition of the public Treasury flas, heretofore, been such as to have precluded the recommends ton of any material change. The difficulties upon this head have, however, ceased, and a larger discretion is now left to the Govern- ment.
 l cannot too strongly urge the policy of authorizing the establishment of line of steamships regularly to ply between this coun- try and foreign ports, and upon our own waters, for the transportation of the mail- The example of the British Government is well worthy of imitation in this respect. The belief is entertained, that the emoluments aris- ing from the transportation of mail matter to foreign countries, would operate of itself as an lnducement to cause individual enterprise to undertake that branch of the task; and the remuneration of the Government would con- sst in the addition readily made to our steam navy in case of emergency by the ships so employed. Should this suggestion meet your approval, the propriety of placing such ships under the command of experienced officers of the navy wtll not escape your observation The application of steam to the purposes oi naval warfare, cogenty recommends an ex- tensive steam marine as important in esti- mating the defences of the country. Fortu- nately, this may be attained by us to great extent without mourning any large amount of expenditure. Steam vessels to be engaged in the transportation of the mails on our prin- cipal water courses, lakes aud parts of our coast, could also be so constructed as to be efficient as war vessels when needed; and would, of themselves, constitute formidable