Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-12-21

his report for full statement of the condition Of
the Indian tribes within our jurisdiction. The
Executive has abated no effort in carrying into
effect the welI-established policy of the Govern
ment, which cOntemplates q removal of oil the
tribes residing within the limits Of the severa
States, beyond those limits; and it is now enabled
to congratulate the country at the prospect OF an
early consummution of this object Many OF the |
tribes have already made great progress in the
arts of civilized life; and through the operations Of
the scho, Is established among them aided by the
efforts of the pious of various religious de.
nominations--who devote themselves to the task OF
their improvement may fUn IL hope that the
remains of the formidable tribes which were once
The masters Of this country will in their transit
ton from the savage state, to condition OF re-
fnement and cultivation, add another bright trophy
to udorn the labors of well directed philanthropy
The accompanying report OF the Secretary oil
The Navy, will explain TO you the situation OF
that branch Of the service. The present organi.
cation OF the Department impsrts TO its operations
great efficiency; but concur fully in the propri-
ETY. Of division OF the Bureaux of Construction,
Equipment and repairs. into two two BureauS.
The Subjects as now arranged, are incongruous,
and require, 10 a certain extent, information and
qualifications altogether dissimilar.
The operations Of the squadron on the coast
OF Africa have been conducted with all due at.
enlion to the object which led to its organization;
and am happy 10 say that the officers and crews
enjoyed the best possible health, under the sys
tenn adopted by the officer in command. It's
believed the United States is the only nation
which has, by its laws subjected TO the punish
ment Of death, as pirates, those who may be en-
gagged 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 for the ne.
cessary grounds, operations have not yet been
commenced towards the establishment Of the Ma.
Wy Yard at Memphis So soon as the title is
perfected, no further delay will be permitted to
intervene. 1t is well worthy Of your considera.
ton, whether Congress should not direct the es
adjustment OF rope walk, ia connection with
the contemplated Navy Yard, as measure not
only OF economy, but os highly useful and ne.
cessary. The only establishment OF the sort now
connected with The service is located at Boston;
and the advantages OF similar establishment,
convenient to the hemp growing region, must be
apparent 10 all.
The report OF the Secretary presents other
matter TO your consideration, OF an important
| character in connection with the service.
In referring you to the accompanying report oil
the Postmaster General, it affords me continued
cause OF qualification to be able to advert to the
fact, that the affairs Of the department, for the
last four years. have been so conducted, as, from
its undided resources, 70 meet its large eXpendi-
lures. On my coming into office debt OF near.
| y S500.000 existed against the department,
which Congress discharged by an appropriation
from the Treasury. The Department, on the
4th OF March next, will be found under the
management Of the present efficient head, free OIL
debt or embarrassment, which could only have
been done by the observance and practice Of the
greatest vgilence and economy. The laws have
contemplated that the Department should be sell
sustained but it may become necessary, with the
wisest regard TO public interests, 10 introduce
amendments and alterations in the system. There
is strong desire manifested in many quarters, so
TO alter the tariff OF letter postage, as TO reduce
the amount Of tax at present imposed Should
such a measure be carried into effect, 10 the fnll
extent desired, it cannot we'll be doubted but
that, for the first years Of its operation, dimin.
sheG revenue would be collected, the supply OF
which would necessarily constitute charge upon
the Treasury. Whether such a result would be
desirable, it will be for Congress, in its wisdom
TO determine. 1t may in general be asserted,
that radical alterations in any system should ra.
Their 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 increase Of letters.
| The state and the condition of the public
Treasury has, heretofore, been such as to
have precluded the recommendation OF any ma.
terial change. The difficulties upon this head
have however, ceased, and large discretion is
now left 10 the Government.
cannot too strongly urge the policy Of author.
izing the establishment OF a line OF steam ships
regularly to ply between this country and foreign
ports and upon our waters. for the transportation
Of the mail. The example OF the British Gov.
eminent is well worthy Of imitation in this res.
pect. The belief is strongly entertained that the
emoluments arising from the transportation Of
mail matter to foreign counties, would operate
| itself an nducement TO cause individual en-
terprise to undertake that branch Of the task; and
the remuneration Of the Government would con.
sis in the addition readily made to our steam ma
Wy in case OF emergency by the ships so employ.
ed. Should this suggestion meet your approval
the propriety OF placing such ships under the
command Of experienced officers Of the Navy
will not escape your observation. The applica
ton OF steam TO the purpose OF naval warfare
cogently recommends an extensive steam marine
as important in estimating the delences OF the
country. Fortunately, this may be attained by
US to great extent without mourning any large
amount OF expenditure. Steam vessels 10 be
engaged in the transportation Of the mails on our
principal water courses, lakes, and parts OF our
coast, could also be so constructed as to be so
efficient as war vessels when needed; and
would OF themselves constitute a formidable
force in order 10 rePel attacks from