The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-12-19

and especially of steam vessels, cores
ponding with our growth and importance
as nation, and proportioned TO the in
creased and increasing naval power of other
nations, of vast importance as regerds our
safety, and the great and growing interests
to be protected by il, | recommend the
subject TO the favorable consideration of
| Congress.
The report Of the Postmaster General,
herewith communicated, contains the de-
tailed statement Of the operations of his de-
partment during the past year. 1t will be
seen that the income of the hostages will
fall short of the expenditures for the year
between one and two millions of dollars.
! This deficiency has been caused by the re-
duction of the rates of postage, which was
made by the act OF third of March last
No prln ciple has been more generally ac-
qule5ced III by the people than that this de-
partment should sustain itself by limiting
It's expenditures to its income. Congress
has never sought 10 make II Source of rev.
enue for general purposes, except for
short period during the last war with Great
Britain, nor should ii ever become a charge
on the general treasury. II Congress shall
adhere 10 this principle, as | think they
ought, it will be necessary either to curtail
| the present mail service, so as 10 reduce the
expenditures, or SO to modify the ac, of the
third of March last SO as to improves IT
revenues. The extension of the mail SER
vice, and the additional facilities which will
be demanded by the rapid extension and
increase of population on the western from
/ tier, will not admit of such curtaiment as
will materially reduce the present expendi-
lures. In the adjustment of the tariff of
hostages the interest of the people demand.
that the lowest rates be adopted which will
/ produce the necessary revenue TO meet the
expenditures of the department.
invite the attention of Congress to the
suggestions Of the Postmaster General on
tins subject, under the belief that such a
modification of the late law may be made
as will yield sufficient revenue without fur
Their calls on the treasury, and with very
little change in the present rates of postage.
trust it may not be deemed inappropri-
ate TO tic occasion for me to dwell for a mo-
mcnt on the most eminent citizen of our
country who during the sumner tina, is
gone by, has descended to the tomb. The
enjoyment of contemplating at The advanced
age of near lour-srore years, the happy
condition of his country, cheered the last
hours of Andrew jackson, who departed
this life in the tranquil hope Of blessed
Immortality. His death was as happy as
his life had been emnenuy useful. He
had an unialtering confidence in the yiltue
and capacity of the people, and in the per-
manency OF that free government which he
had largely contributed to establish and de.
lend 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 his country which he loved so
well. He departed amidst the bsnedcions
of millions Of freemen. The nation paid
lis tribute to his memory al his tomb Com
ing generations will learn from his example
the love of country and the rights of man.
| In his language on a similar occasion To the
! present, IL now commend you, iellow-cili-
zens, 10 the guidanc of Almighty God. with
/ a iiI! reliance on his mercilul providence
| for the maintenance of our free institutions;
and with all earnest supplicaiion that what
ever errors 1t may be my lot 10 commit in
! discharglng the arduous duties which have
devolved on me, will find remedy in the
harmony and wisdom of your counsels"
JAMES X. POLK.
! WASHINGTON, Dec. /, 1915.