Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1845-12-10

strength to protect and defend the people
and territory Of Texas, in the event Mex
co should commence hostilities, or invade
her territories with large array, which
she threatened, authorized ,hegeneral as
signed tocommand the army of occupation,
10 make requisitions for additional forces
from several Of lheStates nearest the Texan
territory, s. which could most expeditously
furnishthem, if,in his opinion,a larger force
than that under his command, and the aux
iliary which, under like circumstances, he
was authorized to receive from Texas,
should be required The contingency upon
whichthe exercise ofthis authority depend
ed has not occurred. The circumstances
under which two companies Of State artil-
lery from the city Of New Orleans were
sent into Texas. and mustered into the SER
vice Of the United STATES. are fully stated
in the report Of the Secaetary of War
recommend to Congress that provision
be made for the payment Of these troops,
as weN as small number Of Texrn vol
unteers, whom the commanding general
thought it necessary to receive or muster
into our service. ...... ..,,.
During the last summer, the first regi-
ment Of dragons made extensive excur-
sion through the Indian country on our
borders, part of them advancing nearly
to the possessions Of The Hudson's Bay Co.
in the n .& part as far as the S. Pass Of the
R. Mountains, & the head waters Of the trib-
utary streams Of the Colorado Of The West
The exhibition Of this military force o.
monx tho the Indian tribes in those distant
regions and the councils held with them
by the commanders Of the expeditions, it is
believed will have salutary influence in
restraining them from bostilities among
themselves. and maintaining friendly rela-
tions between them and the United States.
An interesting account Of one Of these ex-
cursions accompanies the report Of the Sec
retary Of War. Under the directions of the
War Department, Brevet Captrin Fremont
of the corps of typographical engineers,
has been employed since 1912 in exploring
the country west Of the Mississippi, and
beyond the Rocky Mountains. Two ex.
pedltions have already been brought to q
close, and the reports Of that scientific and
enterprising officer have furnished much
interesting and valuable information. He
is now engaged in third expedition, bu
it is not expected that this arduous service
will be completed in season to enable me
10 communicate the result TO- Congress at
the preset session.
Our relations with the Indian tribes are
Of favorable character. The policy oil
'of removing them to contry designed for
their permanent residence, west Of the
Mississippi and without the limits Of the
organized States and Territories, is better
appreciated by them than it was few
years ago; while education is now atten.
ded to, and the habits Of civilized life7are
gaining ground among them.
Serious difficulties Of long standing con.
tinue to distract the several parties into
which the Cherokees are unhappily divided
The efforts Of the government to adjust
the difficulties between them have hereto
fore proved unsuccessful; and there re.
mains no probility that this object can be nc
complished without the aid Of further lie.
geslation by Congress. Twill at an early
period ofyour session present the subject (or
your consideration, accompanied with m
exposition Of the complaints and claims o
the several parties into which the nation
is divided, with view 10 the adoption o
such measures by congress as may enable
the Executive to them respectively, and tc
put an end, if possible, to the dissensions
which have long prevailed, and still prevail:
among them.
Irefer you to the report Of the Secreta.
ry Of the Navy for the present condition
of that branch o: the National defence
and for grave suggestions, having for ,heil
object the increase Of its efficiency, and Q
greater economy in its management. Du
ring the past year the officers and mer
have performed their duty in satisfactory
manner.
The orders which have been given; have beer
executed with promptness and fidelity. A large
force than has often formed one squadron under ou
flag was readily concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico
and apparently, without unusual effort. 1t is espe
eialy to DO observed that notwithstanding the unlor
of so considerable force no act was committed tina
even the jealousy of an initated power could con
srue an act ofaggression; and that the commander
of the squadron, and his officers in strict conformity
with their Instructions holding themselves ever rea
dy for the most active duty have achieved the still
purer glory of contributing to the preservation Of
peace 1t is believed that all foreign stations the
honor of our flag has been maintained, and that gen
orally, ships ofwar have been distinguished for
their good discipline and order. am happy to add,
that the display of maratme force which was requir.
nd by the events of the summer, has been mads
wholly within the usual appropriations for the serv.
ice of the year, so that additional appropriations
are required.
The commerce of the United States, aud with 1t
the navigating interest," have steadily and rapidly in
creased since, the organization of our government,
until it is believed, we are second to but one Power
in the world and at distant day we shall probably
be inforior to none. Exposed as they must be, it
has been wise policy to afford to these important
interests protection with our ships ofwar distributed
in the great highways of trade throughout the world
For more than thirty years appropriations have been
made, and annually expended, for the gradual in
crease Of our naval forces In peace, navy per-
forms the important duty Of projecting our commerce;
and, in the event of war, will be, as il has been,
most efficient means of defence '7""1'T's {