Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-12-24

appreciated by them than it was few
wears ago; while education is now attend
ed to, and the habits Of civilized life are
gaining ground among them.
ExPLoRATIoNs WESTWARD
During the last summer, the first regl-
ment of Dragons made extensive eScur-
sions through the Indian country on our
borders. a part of them advancing nearly
10 the possessions of the Hudson's Bay
Company in the north, and a partsas far
as the South Pass of the Rocky mountains,
and the head waters OF the tributary
streams Of the Colorado Of the West
The exhibition Of this military force a
mong the Indian tribes in those distant
regions, and the councils held with them
by the commanders of the different expe-
di.ions, it is believed, will have salutary
influence in restraining them from hostli
ties among themselves, and maintaining
friendly relations between them and the
United States. An interesting account of
one Of these excursions, accompanies the
report Of the Secretary Of War. Under
the directions of the War Department,
Brevet Captain Fremont, of the corps of
typographical engineers, has been employ
ed since lS42 in exploring the country
west Of the Mississippi, and beyond the
Rocky mountains. Two expeditions have
already been brought TO close, and The
reports of that scientific and enterprising
officer have furnished mitch interesting
and valuable information. He is now en-.
gagged in third expedition; but ii is not
expected that this arduous service will be
completed in season to enable me to COM
muncate the result to Congress al the pre-.
sent session.
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Postmaster General
herewith communicated contains detail
ed statement of the operations of his de-
partment during the past year. 1t will be
seen that the income nom 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 the Sd of March last
No principle has been more genera lily &C.
quesced in by the people than that this de-
partment should sustain itself by limiting
its expenditures to its income. Congress
has never sought to make it a source of
revenue for general purposes, except fol
a short period during the last war with
Great Britain, nor should it ever become
charge on the general treasury. 1t Con.
gress shall adhere to this principle, as
think they ought, it will be necessary Ell
Their to curtail the present mail service, sc
as to reduce the expenditures, or so to
modify the act of Sd of March last as &c
improve its revenues. The extension Of
the mail service, and the additional facili.
ties which will be demanded by the rapid
extension and increase Of population on
our western frontier, will not admit oil
such curtailment as will materially reduce
the present expenditures. In the adjust.
ment of the tariff of hostages, the interest:
of the people demand that the lowest rate;
be adopted which will produce the neces-
sary revenue TO meet the expenditures o
the department invite the attention o
Congress to the'suggestions Of the Post
master General on this subject, under tn
belief that such modification of the lat
law may be made as will yield sufficien
revenue without further calls on the trca
sury, and with very little change in tn
present rates of postage.
Proper measures have been taken, i
pursuance of the act of the Sd of Marc
last, for the establishment of lines of ma
steamers between this and foreign coun
tries. The Importance Of this service con
mends itself strongly TO favorable cons
Iteration.
CONCLUSION.
1t may not be deemed inappropriate {
the occasion for me 10 dwell for a momer
on the memory Of the most eminent cit
zen of our country, who, during the sun
mer that is gone by has descended to ii
tomb. The enjoyment of contemplating,
the advanced age of near fourscore year
the happy condition of his country, chez
ed the last hours OF ANDREW jackson
who departed this life in the tranquil ioE
of a blessed immortality. His death WI
happy, as his life has been eminently US
ful. He had an unfaltering confidence
the virtue and capacity of the people, ar
in the permanence OF that free govern
ment which he had largely contributed
establish and defend. His great deeds hs
secured to him the affections of his fellow
citizens, and it was his happiness to witne'
the growth and glory of his country whic
he loved so well. He departed amidst II
benedictions of millions Of freemen. TIL
nation paid its tribute to his memory al b
tomb. Coming generations will learn froI
his example the love of country and h
rights of man. In his language on $
milar occasion to the present, "Inow con
mend you. fellow-citizeus, 10 the guidanc