Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-12-12

between this and foreign countries. The inn
portance Of this service commends itself strong
ly TO favorable consideration.
With the growth Of our country, the public
business which devolves on the heads OF the
several Executive Departments has greatly in
creased. In some respects, the distribution Of
duties among them seems TO be incongruous,
and many of these might be transferred from
one to another with advantage to the public
interests. A more suspicious time for the con-
sideration Of this subject by Congress, with
view to system in the organization of the sew
eral departments, and more appropriate d.
vision OF the public business, will not probably
occur
The most important duties Of the state de-
partment relate to our foreign affairs. By the
great enlargement of the family Of nations, the
increase Of our commerce, and the correspond
ing extension of our consular system, the bus
mess Of this department has been greatly in
creased. In its present organization, many
duties of domestic nature, aDaconsisting IT
details, are devolved on the Secretary Of State,
which do not appropriately belong to the for
eign department Of the government, and may
properly be transferred to some other depart
ment. One Of these grows out of the present
state of the law concerning the Patent Office,
which, few years since, was a subordinate
clerkship, but has become distinct bureau Of
great Importance an excellent internal
organization, j. is still connected with the State
Department. In the transaction of its business,
questions Of much importance to inventors,
and to the community, frequently arise, which,
by existing laws, are referred for decision to
board of which the Secretary of State is
membet.-These questions are legal, and the
connection which now exists between the State
Department and the Patent Office, may, with
great propriety and advantage, be transferred
to the Attorney General.
In his last annual message to Congress, Mr..
Madison invited attention to proper divis-
ion for the Attorney General, "as an impor-
tant Improvement in the executive establish
ment." This recommendation was repeated
by some of his successors. The official duties
Of the Attorney General have been much in
creased within few years, and his office has
become one of great importance. His duties
may be still further increased with advantage
to the public interests. As an executive Of
ficer, his residence and constant attention at
the seat of government are required. Legal
questions involving important principles, and
large amounts of public money, are constant
ly referred to him by the President and execu-
tive department for his examination and decis-
ion. The public business under his official
management before the judiciary has been so
augmented by the extension of our territory,
and the acts Of Congress authorizing suits a.
gainst the United States for large bodies of wal
liable lands, as greatly to increase his labors &
responsibilities. therefore recommend that
the Attorney General be placed on the same
footing with the heads of the other executive
departments, with such subordinate officers,
provided by law for his department, as may be
required to discharge he additional duties
which have been or may be devolved upon
him.
Congress possess the power of exclusive le-
gslation over the District of Columbia; and
commend the interests Gifts inhabitants to your
favorable consideration. The people of this
District have no legislative body OF their own,
and must confde their local as well as their
general interests to representatives in whose e.
lection they have no voice, and over whose Of
fetal conduct they have no control. Each
member of the national Legislature should con-
slider himself as their immediate representative
and should be the more ready to give attention
to their interests and wants, because he is not
responsible to them. ! recommend that lib
eral and generous spirit may characterize your
measures in relation to them. / shall ever be
disposed TO show proper regard for their
wishes; and, within constitutional limits, shall
at all times cheerfuy co.. operate with you for
the advancement of their welfare.
trust it may not be deemed inappropriate
to the occasion for me to dwell for moment
on the memory ofthe most eminent citizen Of
our country, who, during the summer that is
gone by, has descended to the tomb. The en-
joyment of contemplating, at the advanced age
OF near tour-score years, the happy condition
OF his country, cheered the last hours of An
drew Jackson, who departed this life in the
tranquil hope of blessed Immortality. His
death was happy, as his life had been eminent
ly useful. He had an unfalterng confidence
in the virtue and capacity of the people, and in
the permanence of that free government which
he had largely contributed to establish and de-
fend. His great deeds had secured to him the
affections of his fellow citizens, and it was his
happiness to witness the growth and glory of
parted amidst the benedictions of millions Of
freemen The nation paid its tribute to his
memory at his tomb. Coming generations will
learn from his example the love of country and
the rights ofman. In his language on a SINH
lar occasion to the present, 81 now commend
you, fellow citizens to the guidance of Almig h-
ty God, with full reliance on His mercifu
providence tor the maintenance of our free in
situations and with an earnest duplication,
that, whatever errors it NAV be my lot to COM
NIT in discharging the arduous duties which
have devolved on me, will find remedy in the
harmony and wisdom of your counses."
JAMES X. POLK.
WAsHINcToN, Dec. I'd, 1915.