The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1844-12-07


di ninished revenue would be collected ,lht
supply of which would necessarily consli
uie charge upon the Treasury. Whether
such a result would be desirable, ii will be
Tor Congress, in its wisdom to determine.
IL may in general be asserted, that radical
atertlons in any system should rather be
broGght about gradually, than by sudden
changes; and by pursuing this prudent poll
cy in the reduction Of letter postage, the
Department might sill sustain itself through
the revenue which would Tccute by the iD
crease Of letters. The state and condition
Of the public Treasure has, heretofore been
such as TO have pIecluded The recommends.
lion Of any material change. The diff
fculies upon this head have, however, ,ceas
ed, and larger direction is now left 10 the
government,
| cannot to strongly urge the policy ofauthorizing
The establishment Of line Of ste mbrats regularly to
ply between this counryand foreign ports, and upon
waters, for the transportation OF the mail.
The example Of the British Government is well
worthy ofimitotion in this respect. The belief
is strongly entertained, that the emouments arising
from the transportion Of all matter to foreign
countries, would operate of itself inducement
to cause individual enterprise to idertake that
branch of the task and the remuner iton of the
Government would consist IN the addition readily
made to our steam navy in 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 he navy will not escape your observation. The
application of steam 10 the purposes Of naval war;
fare, cogentiy recommends an extensive steam
marine AS important in estimating the defcnces OF
the country, Fortunately, this may be attained
by us to great eXtentIwithout incuuing any large
amount of expenditure. Steam vessels TO be en-.
gagged n the transportation Of the mails on our
principal water courses, lakes and part of our coast
could also be constructed as to be efficient as war
vessels, ~hen needed; and would of themselves
constitute formidable force in order TO repel attacks
from abroad. We cdnuot be blind to the fact that
other nations have already added large numbers OF
steam ships to their naval ornaments; and that this
new and powerful agent is destined to revolutonize
the condition of the world. 1t becomes the United
States therefore, looking to their security 10 adopt
similar policy, aud the plan suggested will enable
them to do So at a small comparative cost.
take the greatest pleasure in bea ing testimony
to the zeal and untlrlng Industry which has char
aclerzed the conduct vi the members of the EXecu.
tive Cabinet Eoch,in his appropriate sphere has rem
dercd me the most efficient aid in canyiLg on the
Government; and it will not trust; appear out
of place, for me to bear this public testimony. The
cardinal objects which should ever be held to view
by those entrusted with the administration Of public
affairs, are rigdly, and without favor or affection, so
10 interpret the national will expressed in the laws
as that in ustice should be done TO none-iusticc
to all. This has been the rule upon which they
have acted; and thus it is believed that lew cases. il
any, exist, wherein our fellow citizens VIII !, from
time to time, have been drawn to the seat of Govern
ment for the settlement Of their Transactions with
the Government, ,haveSone away dissatisfied. Where
the testimony has been perfected, and was esteem
ed satisfactory, their claims have been promptly
audited; and this in the absence of all favortism OF
partiaItY. The Government which Is not Just to
its own People, neither claim their affection no,
the respect of The world. At the same time, the
closest attention has be been aid to those matters
which relate IN, re immediately to the great con-
Germs of the county Order and efficiency in each
branch Of the public service, have prevailed accom-
panied by a system of the most rigid responsibility
On the part of the receiving and discussing agents
The fact, in illustration OF the truth of this remark
Lesser YES TO be noticed. that the revenues of tue |
Government, amounting in the lat four years, to
upwards of Sl20 100000, have been collected and
lisbursed, through the numerous Governmental
igents, without the loss, by default, Of any amount
worthy of serious commentary.
The appropriations made by Congress for the
iarbors on the lakes are in course ei udcious
expenditure under suitable agents: and are destin-
d. il is hoped to realize all the benefits designed
0 he accomplished by Congress l cannot, how
'vcr, sufficiently impress upon Congress, the great
Importance Of Withholding appropriations from
Improvements which dre not asct rtaned, by pre-
ous examination and survey, to be necessary for
he shelter and protection of trade from the danger
{ storms and tempcss. WITHOUT this precautionl
he expenditures are but too apt to enure to the
eneh of individualt without reference to the only
onsi Grafton which render them constitutional
the public interest and the public good
| cannot too earnestly urge upon you the inter 4
SITS Of the District over which by the constitution,
congress has exclusive jurisdiction. 1t would be
eeply to- regretted should there be, at any time
round to complain of neglect on the part of a com
unity, which detached it is from the parental
are of the Staea Of Virginia and Maryland can
My expect aid from Congress, as its local egisla.
Ire. Amongst the subjects which claim your al,
ntlon, is the prompt organization of an asylum |
'r the insane, who may be found, from time to ,
me, sojournng within the district. Such course
also demanded by considerations which apply to
anches of the public service. For the necessities
this behalf invite your particular attention to
e Report of the Secretary fthe Navy. =,
have thus, gentlemen of the two Houses OF
ongress presented you true and faithful pictur,
the condition of public aflairs both ioleign and q
,mcsc. The wants of the public service are VI
ade known to you; and matters of no ordinary u
opoytance are urged upon your consideration 1
hall | not be permitted TO congratulate you on thu
Apply auspices under which you have assembled
ld at the important change in the condition OF ''
ngs which has occurred III the last three years u
urinS that neriod nuesto1s with foreign bowers | n