Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-12-12
Continued from. second page


affairs Of the Department, for The las
four years, have been so conducted as
from lis unaided resources, TO meet il
large expenditures. On my coming into
office debt Of nearly S500,OoO. existed
against The Department, which Congress
discharged BY an appropriation from the
Treasury. The Department, on the 4tl
of March next, will be found. under the
management. .of IT'S present efficient head
free Of debt or embarrassment, which
could only have been done by the obser'
vance and practice Of the greatest vigi.
lance and economy. The laws have con.
templated, throughout, that the Depart.
.nent should be sel:s.snstained; but it may
become necessary. with the wisest regard
10 the public interests, TO introduce a.
mendments and alterations in the system
There is a strong desire manifested in
many quarters, so 10 alter the tariff Of let.
Ter postage as TO reduce the amount cf tax
at present imposed.
Should such 4 measure be carried into
effect, 10 the full! extent desired, it cannot
well be doubted but that, for the first
years of IFS operation. a diminished reve.
hue would be collected. the supply oi
which would necessarily constitute a
charge upon the treasury. Whether such
result would be desirable. it will he for
Congress, IN Ms wisdom, to determine. Ii
may in general be asserted that, radical al
terations in any system should rather be
brought about gradually, than by sudden
changes: and by pursuing this prudent po-
licy 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
condition of the public treasury has, here.
tofore, been such as TO have precluded the
recommendation Of any material change.
The difficulties upon this head, have,
however, ceased, and larger discretion
Is now left TO the Government.
cannot too strongly urge the policy of
authorizing The establishment of line of
steamships regularly 10 ply between this
country and foreign ports. and upou our
own waters, for the transportation of the
mail. The example Of The British Gov
ernnent is well worthy OF imitation in this
respect. The belief is strongly entertain
cd, that the emoluments arising from the
transportation of mail matter TO foreign
countries, would operate of itself as an in
ducement TO Cause individual enterprise to
undertake that branch of the task; and the
remuneration of The government would
consist in The addition readily made TO
our. r.steam navy in case of emergency by
the ships so employed.
Should this suggestion meet your ap-
proval. the proprieiy of placing such ships
under the commend of experienced off
GERS of the navy will not escape your OBJ
servation. The application Of steam 10
The purposes of naval warfare, cogently
recommends an extensive steam marine
as important in establishing the defences
of the country. Fortunately. this may be
attained by US 10 greater extent without
mourning any large amout of expenditure.
Steam vessels4o be engaged in the trans.
portaion Of The mails on our principal wa
Ter courses, lakes and parts of our coast,
could also be so constructed as TO be efh-
rieni as war vessels when needed; and
would, OF themselves, constitute for.
midable force in order 10 repeI attacks
from abroad. We cannot be blind TO the
FACT. that other nations have already adj
led large numbers of steam ships to their
naval armaments; and that this new and
powerful agent is destined 10 rcvolutionise
he condition of The world 1t becomes
he United States, therefore, looking to
heIr security, to apopt similar policy,
md the plan suggested will enable them
o do so at q small comparative cost.
I take the greatest pleasure in bearing
estimony to the zeal and untiring industry
which has characterised the conduct OF
he members Of the Executive Cabinet.
Each, in bis appropriate sphere, has rem
Tered me the most efficient aid in carry
ng on the Government; and il will not, Il
rust appear out of place, for me to bear
his public testimony. The cardiaal OBJ
ects which should ever be held in view I,
oy those entrusted with the administration
of public affairs, are rigidIy, and without .
asof or affection, so to interpret the ma !
ional will expressed in the laws, as that
njnstice should be done TO none-iustice .
o all. This has been The rule upon which
hey have acted; and thus, it is believed !