Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-12-04


and the careless aud wasiefu manner of working
the mines. The system has given rise 10 much lit
igaton between the United States aud individual
citizens producing irritation and excitement in the
mineral region, aud involving the government in
heavy additional expenditures. II is believed that
similar losses and embarrassments will continue 10
occur, while the present system Of leasing these
lands remains unchanged. These lands now
under the superintendent and care of the War-De-
pariment, with the ordinary duties Of which they
have no proper or natural connexon. recommend
the repeal ofhe present system, aud that these lands
be placed under the superintendence and manage
menl OF the General Land Office, as other public
lands, aud be brought into market and sold upon
such terms as Congress in their wisdom may pre-
scribe, feserving to the government equitable
per centage of the gross amount Of mineral product
and that the presumption principle be extended 10
resident miners and settlers upon them, at the min
mum price which may be established by Congress
refer you TO the accompanying report Of the
Secretary Of War, for information respecting the
present situation ofthe army and its operations dur
ing the past year the state Of our defences; the
condition of the public works; and our relations
with the various Indian tribes within our limits or
upon our borders invite your attention 10 the
suggestions contained in that report in relation to
these prominent objects Of national interest.
When orders were given during the past summer
for concentrating military force Oh the western
frontier Of Texas, our troops were wide dispersed.
and in small deinchmenis, occupying posts remote
from each other. The prompt and expeditions man
ner in which an army embracing more than half our
peace establishment, was drawn together
mergency sudden, reflects great credit on the Of
hcers who entrusted with the execution Of
these ORDERS well as upon the discipline Of the
army itself To be in strength to protect and de-
iend the people and territory Of Texas in the event
Mexico should commence hoslilites, or invade her
territory with large army, which she threatened,
authorized the general assigned to the command Of
the army Of occupation, TO make acquisitions for ad
dional forces from several ofthe States nearest the
Texan territory, and which could most expeditions
ly furnish them. IL, in his opinion larger force
than that under his command aud the auxiliary aid
which, under like circumstances be was authorized
to receive from Texas should be required The
contingency which the exercise of this authority
depended, has not occurred. The circumstances
under which the two companies Of State artillery
from the city Of New Orleans we're sent into Texas,
aud mustered into the service OF the United States,
are fully stated in the report Of the Secretary Of
War recommend to Congress that provision be
made for the payment of these troops. as well
small number Of Texan volunteers, whom the CON-
handing general thougt II necessary 10 receive or
muster into service.
During the last summer, the FIRST regiment Of dra-
goons made extensive excursions through the Indian
country on our borders, part Of them advancing
nearly TO the possessions Of the Hudsons Bay Com
pany in the North and a part as far as the South
Pass Of the Rocky Mountains. and the head waters
OF the tributary streams Of the Colorado ofthe West
The exhibition Of this military force among the In
dian tribes in those distant regions. and the coun-
ellis held with them by the commanders Of the ex-
petitions. il is believed will have a saluiary nHu-
ence IN restraining them from hosiiities among
themselves, and maintaining friendly relations be-
tween them aud the United States. An interesting
account Of one oftbese excursions accompanies The
report Of the Secretary ofWar. Under the direc-
tons Of the War Department, Brevet Captain FIRE.
mont, oithe corps Of typographical engineers, has
been employed since 1912 in exploring the country
west OF the Mississippi. and beyond the Rocky
a'01utains. Two expeditions nave already been
brought 10 close. and the reports of that scientific
and enierprisng officer have furnished much inter-
esting and valuable information. lie is now en-
gagged in third expedition; but it is not expected
that this arduous service will be completed in
son 10 enable me to communicate the result to Con-
gress at the present session.
Our relation with the Indian tribes Of favor
able character. The policy OF removing them TO a
country designed for their permanent residence, west
OF the Mississippi and without the limits Of the organ
lied States and Territories, is better appreciated by
them than il was a few years ago while education is
attended TO, and the habits Of civilized life
gaining ground among them.
Serious difficulties Of long standing continue 10 dis
tract the several parties into which the Cherokees
unhsppiy divided. The efforts Of the government to
adjust the difficulties between them have heretofore
proved unsuccessful; and there remains no probability
that this desirable object be accomplished without
the aid Of further legislation by Congress will, at
early period oyour session, present the subject for
your consideration, accompanied with exposition Of
the complaints and claims of the several parties into
which the nation is divided WITH view 10 the adOp-
If HI
ecuve to do justice 10 them respectively and 10 put
end, f possible, to the diSseDtions which have long
pevailed, and still prevail, among them.
refer you to the report Of the Secretary of the
Navy for the present condition Of that branch of the
national defence and for grave suggestions having
for their object the Increase Of its efficiency, and
greater economy 10 its management. During the past
year the officers and men have peTfoTned their duty
in satisfactory manner. The orders which have
been given, have been executed with promptness and
fidelity large force than has often formed squad
ron under our flag was readily concentrated in the
Gulf of Mexico, and, apparently, without unusual
effort II is especially to be observed, that notwith-
standing the union Of 90 considerable force, act
was committed that the jealousy ofan irritated
power could eonsirue as an act of aggression and that
the commander of the squadron and his officers, in
strict conformity with their instructions holding hem
selves ever ready for the most seive duy have aehved
the still purer glory OF contributing 10 the preservation
OF peace II is believed that at all our foreign stations
the honor of flag has been maintained, and that
generally our ships of have been dslEg for
their good discipline and order. | am happy to add
that the display Of maritime force which required
BY the events Of the summer, has been made wholly
within the usual appropriation for the service ofthe
year. so that additional appropriations required
The Of tho u States and with il the navigating in
teres have steadily and rapidly increased the organization
of our government until it is believed are second to
hut power the world and distant day shall proha
bly, be inferior Exposed they be- Il has been
wise policy afford to these important Interests protection with
ships of distributed in the great highways Of trade
throughout the world For than thirty years appropriations
have been made and annually expended for the gradual increase