The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-12-11
The difficulties

| upon TINS nead nave, Ho"e'S''
| and large discretion is now lett to The
government.
cannot too strongly urge the policy OF au-
thorizing the establishment OF line oil steam
sbips regularly TO ply between this country
and foreign ports, and upon our own waters,
for the transportation Of the mail. The eX-
annie of the British Government is well wor-
thy Of imitation in this respect. The belief
is strongly entertained that the emolu-
ments arising from the transportation of mail
matter to loreigc countries, would operate of
itself as an inducement TO cause individuals
to undertake that branch ofthe task; and the
remuneration of the Government would con-
sist in the addition readily made TO our steam
navy in case of emergency by the ships so en-
ploved. 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 application of steam 10 the naval warfare,
cogentiy recommends an extensive steam
marine as important in estimating the defen-
ces of the country. Fortunately, this may be
attained, by us to great extent without in
curing any large amount OF expenditure
Steam vessels to be engaged IN the trans
portations of the mails on our principal wa
ter courses, lakes and parts of our coast,
could alsu be so constructed as to be efficient
as war vessels when needed; and would of
themselves constitute formidable force in
order to repel attacks from abroad. We
cannot be blind to the fact,th other nations
| have already added large numbers of steam
ships to their naval ornaments, and this new
| aud powerful agent is destined to revolution
| ize the condition ofthe world. Ii becomes the
| United States therefore, looking TO their Sc
curity, to adopt similar policy; and the
plan suggested will enable them to do so at
a small comparative cost.
| take the greatest pleasure in bearing
testimony to the zeal and untiring indus
try which has characterized the conduct
Each, in his appropriate sphere, has rem
| dered me the most efficient aid in carry
ing on the government, and it will not
trust, appear out Of place for me, to bear
this public testimony. The cardinal OBJ
jects which should ever be held in view
by those entrusted with the administra-
ton of public affairs, are rigidly, and
without favor or affection, so to interpret
the national will, expressed in the laws,
as that injustice should be done to nome
! Justice to all. This has been the rule
upon which they have acted and thus it
is believed that few cases, if any, exist,
wherein our fellow citizens who from
time to time have been drawn to the seat
of government for the settlement of their
transactions with the g overDment, have
gone away dissatisfied. Where thetesti-
mony has been perfected, and was es-
teemed satisfactory their claims have been
promptly audited, and this in the absence
of all favor ltism or Partially. The govern
ment which is not Just to its own people,
can neither claim their affection nor the
respect of the world. At the same time
the closest attention has been paid to those
matters which relate Immediately to the
great concerns of the country. Order and
efficiency in each branch of the public
service have prevailed, accompanied by
a system of the most rigid responsibility
on the part of the receiving and disburs-
ing agents. The fact, in illustration of
the truth of this remark, deserves to be
noticed that the revenues of the govern
ment, amounting in the last years to
upwards of Sl20, 600 600, have been col
| lected and disbursed, through the numer-
Gus government agents, without the loss,
by default, of any amount worthy OF Sc
rious commentary.
The appropriations made by Congress
| for the improvement OF the rivers OF The west
and ofthe harbors on the lakes, are in
| course of iudicious expenditure under suita
1 L a. 10 4, hah
10 realize all the benefits designed 10 be &C
complished by Congress. lcannot however
sufficiently impress upon Congress the great
| importance Of Withholding appropriations
from improvements which are not ascertain
ed. by previous examination and survey, to
be necessary for The shelter and protection of
trade from The dangers of storms and tenn
pests Without this precaution, the expend
| lures are but too apt TO enure to the benefit
of individuals; without reference TO the only
| consideration which can render them consti-
tutional, the public interests and the general
good.
| | cannot too earnestly urge upon you the
interests of this District, over which, by the
constitution Congress has exclusive lurisdic
ton. 1t would be deeply TO be regretted
should there be ground 10 complain of neg
lect, on the part Of a community which, de-
tached as it is from the parental care Of the
states ofVirginia and Maryland, can only
expect aid of Congress, as its local legisla
ture. Amongst the subjects which claim
your attention, is the prompt organization of
an asylum for the insane. Such course is
also demanded by considerations which APP
ply TO branches of the pnblc service. For
the necessities in this BEHALF | invite your
particular attention to the report of the sec
rotary OF the Navy.
have thus, gentlemen of the two houses
of Congress, presented you true and faith
ful picture of the condition of public affairs,
both foreign and domestic. The wants of
the public service are made known to you,
and matters of no ordinary importance are
urged upon your consideration. Shall not
be permitted 10 congratulate you on the hap
py auspices under which you have assem-
bled, and at the important change in the con-
6ition of things which has occurred in the
last three years? During that period, ques-
tons with foreign powers, of vital importance
to the peace of our country, have been set
tied and adjusted. A desolating and vast
ing war with savage tribes has been brought