The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-12-13

seems to be incongruous, and many of these m;.b,
be transferred from one to another with advantsg.
to the public interests. A more auspicious t,me
for the consideration of this subject by Conefess.
with view to sys.e'nin the organization OF the
several departments, and more appropriate divis-
ion of the public business, will not probably occur
| The most important duties Of the State Depart
ment relate to our foreign affairs BY the great en-
largement Of the family Of nations, the increase Of
our commerce, and the corresponding extension Of
our consular system the business of this department
has been greatly increased. In its present orpan,
zation, many duties Of domestic nature, and con.
sistng of details, devolved on the Secretary of
State, which do not appropriately belong to the for
eIgh department of the government and may prop.
ery be transferred to some other department. One
oil these grows out Of the present state of the law
concerning the Patent Office, which, a few years
since, was subordinate clerkship, but has become
distinct bureau Of great importance. With an
excellent internal organization, it sst connected
with the State Department. In the transaction of
its business, questions of much importance to in.
ventors, and to the community, frequently arise,
which, by existing laws, are referred for decision
TO board, of which The Secretary of State is a
member These questions are Il GAL and the con-
nexion which now exists between the State De-
partment and the Patent Office may with great pro-
prety and advantage be transferred to the Attorney
General. -
In his last annual message to Congress. Mr..
Madison invited attention to proper provision
for the Attorney General as an "mportsnt i'm.
provement in the executive este eblishment" This
recommendation was repeated by some of his sue
cessors. The official duties of the Attorney Gen.
eral have been much Increased within few wears.
and his office has become one OF great importance
His duties may be still further increased with ad-
vantage 20 the public interests. As an executive
officer, his residence and constant attention at tho
seat OF government are required Legal questions
involving important principles, and large amounts
OF public money are constantly referred to him BY
the President and executive departments for his
examination and decision. The public busnes,
under his official Management before the judiciary
has been so augmented by the extension Of our ter.
rtory, and the acts of Congress authorizing suits
against the United States for large bodies of vaua.
Bile public lands, as greatly to increase his abors
and 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
the additional duties which have been or NAV be
devolved upon him.
Congress possess the power of exc lusive legsja.
tion over the District of Columb ia and commend
the interests of its inhabitants to your favorable
consideration. The people OF this District have
no legislative body of.ther own. and must confide
their local well as their general interests TO Rem
Tesentatves in whose election they have no voice,
and over whose official conduct they have no con.
troll. Each member of the National Legislature
should consider himself as their immediate Repre-.
sentative, and should be the more ready TO give at
ention to their interests and wants, because he IL
not responsible to them. recommend that lib.
eral and generous spirit may characterize your
measures in relation to hem. | shall be ever dis.
posed to show proper regard for their wishes.
and, within constitutional limits shall at all times
cheerfuly cooperate 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 of the most eminent citizen of our coun-
try, who, during the su miner that is gone by hns
descended to the tomb. The enjoyment of con.
tempating, at the adva age Of near four score
years. the happy condition of his country, cheered
the last hours of Andrew Jackson, who departed
this life in the tranquil hope of blessed nmor.
tallty His death was happy, as his life had been
dence in the virtue and capacity oil the people, and
in the permanence Of that free government which
he had largely contributed to establish and defend
His great deeds had secured to him the affections
Of his fellow-citizens and it was his happiness 10.
witness the growth and glory Of his country which
he loved SO we'll He departed amidst the bcne.
dictions of millions Of freemen. The nation paid
It's tribute 10 MS memory AT MS tomb. Coming
generations will learn from his example the love
of country and the rights of man. In his language
on similar occasion 10 the present, 81 now com.
mend you, fe'low-czens, TO the guidance of AL.
mighty God, with a full reliance on His merciful
providence for the maintenance o our free nstitu.
lions; and with an earnest supple aon that what.
ever errors il may he my lot to commit in discharg.
ing the arduous duties which have devoIyed on
me, will find remedy in the harmon and wis.
dom of your co unsels."
JAMES X. POLK.
WAsHiNGTcN, December 9, 1915.