Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-12-12

gress should not direct the establishment Of rope
walk, 10 connection with the contemplated Navy
Yard as not only of economy but as
highly useful and necessary. The only establish
mcnt OF the sert now connected with the service Is
located at Boston, and the advantages OF SINH
laI establishment convenient TO the hcmP growing
region mast he apparent TO oil.
The report If The Secretary presents other mat
,ers TO your consideration Of an important chassc-
ter 10 connection With the service.
la referring you to the accompanying report Of
the Postmaster Gensral. IL affords me continued
cause OF Qualification to be nbls TO sdyert 10 the
Tact that, the affairs OF the Department, tor the
last tour years, have been conducted as from its
uoaloed resources, TO meet lis large expenditures.
On my coming into office debt Of nearly $780,
coo existed against the Department, which Con-
gfess discharged BY an appropriation from the
Treasury. The Department, the ath Of March
next, viii be found, under the mansg ement OF its
present Efficient head, free OF debt or enbarrass-
ment, which could only have been done by the
Observance and practice OF the greatest vigilance
and economy. The laws have contemplated
ihroug bout, that the Department should be self
sustained; but 1t may become necessary, with the
wisest regard the public interests To introduce
amendments and alterations in the system. There
is a strong desire manifested in many quarters, so
TO alter the tariff OF letter postage to reduce the
amount Of tax present imposed. Should such
measure be carried into effect, to the tull extent
desired il cannot web be doubted but that, for the
first years of its operation, diminished revenue
would be collected, the supply of which would me-
cessariy constitute charge upon the Treasury
Whether such a result would be desirable. IL will
be for Congress, in its wisdom, to determine. 1t
may in general be asserted that radical alterations
in any system should rather be brought about grad
ualIy, than by sudden changes; and by pursuing
this prudent policy in the reduction OF letter post
sge, 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, heretofore, been such as to
have prec uded the recommendation OF any materi
al change. The difficulties upon this head have
however, ceased, and a larger discretion is
left to the Government.
cannot too strongly nrge the policy OF author
izing the establishment OF line Of steamships reg
ulary to ply between this country and foreign pors
and upon our own waters, for the transportation of
the mail. The example of the British Govern
ment is well worthy Of imitation in this respect -
The belief is strongly entertained that the emolu
ments arising from the transportation of mail mat
foreign countries, would operate of itself as
an inducement to cause individual enterprise to
undertake that branch OF The task; aud the remu-
neration Of the Government would consist in the
addition readily made TO our steam navy in case of
eme gency by the ships so employed. Should this
suggestion meet your approval, the propriety oil
placing such ships under the command of expert
enced officers of the navy will not escape your OBJ
servation. The application OF steam to the pur-
poses of naval warfare, cogenty recommends an
extensive steam matine as important in estimat-
ing the defences Of the country Fortunately, this
may be attained by US to great extent without
iucurrng any large amount of expenditure. Steam
vessels to be engaged in the transportation OF the
mails on our principal water courses, lakes and
parts Of our coast, could also be so constructed
TO be efficient vessels when needed and
would, of themselves, consliiute formidable force
in order to repel attacks from abroad. We can
nos be blind the fact, that other nations have al
ready added large numbers OF steam ships 10 their
naval ornaments; and that this new and powerful
agent is destined TO revoutonize the condition of
the world. 1t becomes the United States, there
fore, looking to their security, to adopt similar
policy; and the plan suggested will enable them
TO do SO at a small compa ratiye cost.
take the greatest pleasure in bearing testimo-
ny to the zeal and untilng industry which has
charact ei lied the conduct OF the members Of the
Executive Cabinet. Each, in his appropriate
sphere has rendered me the efficient aid in
carving on the Government; and it will not |
trust, appear out Of place, for bear this pub
lie testimony. The cardinal objects which should
ever be held in view by those entrusted with the
administration of public affairs, are rigdy, and
without favor or Affection to interpret the ma.
tional will expressed in the laws as that injustice
should be done TO none, Justice to ALL This has
been the rule upon which they have acted and
thus, it is believed that few cases, il any, exsi,
wherein fellow citizens who, from time to time,
have been drawn to the seat of Government for
the settlement of their transactions with the Co
vernment, have seue away dissatisfied. Where
has heap rife nod
ed satisfactory, their claims have been promptly
audited and this in the absence OF all fayoritsm
or Partially.
Government which is not just to its own People,
neither claim their affection, nor the espect OF
the world. At the same time, the closest atten-
ton has been paid to those matters which relate
more Immediately TO the great concerns Of the
county. Oder and efficiency in each branch of
the public service, have prevailed; accompanied
by a system of the most rigid responsibility. the
part of the receiving and discussing agents. The
fact in illustration of the truth Of this remark, de-
serves to be noticed, that the revenues of the Co
vernment, amounting in the last four years, up
wards of 500 900 900, have been collected and
disbursed through the numerous Governmental,
agents. without the loss. by default of any amount
worthy of serious commentary.
The appropriations made by Congress for the
Improvement of the rivers of :he West, and of the
harbors on the lakes, in Of judicious
expenditure under suitable agents; and are des-
tined, it is to be hoped, realize all the benefits
designed to be accomplished by Congress. can
not, however, sufficiently impress upon Congress,
the great Importance of Withholding appropriations
from improvements which are not ascettained, by
previous examination and survey to be necessary
for the shelter and protection of trade from the
dangers of storms and tempests. Without this
precauiion the Expenditures are but too apt to
enure to the benefit of individuals; without refer.
ence to the only consideration which can render
them ounstitutional-the public interests and the
general good.
| cannot too earnestly urge upon you the inter
ests of this District, over which, by the Conslu-
lion, Congress has exclusive Jurisdiction 1t would
be deeply to be regretted should there be, at any
time, ground to complain OF neglect the part OF
a community which, detached as il is from the pa
rental OF the State OF Virginia and Maryland
can only expect aid fom Congress, as its local
egislature-Amongst the subjects which claim
your attention, is the prompt organization of an
asy lum for the insane, who may be found from
time TO time, sojourniDg within the District Such
course is also demanded BY considerations which
apply to branches of the public services. For the
necessities in this behalf, invite your particular
attention TO The report OF the Secretary of the Ma
Wy.
have thus, gentlemen of the two Houses of
Congress, presented you true and faithful 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 confederation