The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1847-12-21

fraud and imposition from being practiscd.
II is gratifying to perceive that n nun.
bcr Of tic tribes have recently manifested
M interest in the establishment OF s;ich
schoos among them, and arc n,knc rap
I'd advances in agriculture, some oil ,hrm
producing sufficient quantity Of TODD for
their support, aud surplus 10 dispose otto
their ncishbors. The comiorts by which
those who have received even very limit
ed education, and have engaged in ngricul.
tnre, ore surrounded, tend gradually TO
draw off their less civilized brethren from
the prccarious means Of subsistence by the
chase, to habits Of labor and civilization.
The accompanying report OF the Secrcta-
~ OF tho Navy presents satisfactory ac-
count Of the condition aud operation "f the
naval service during tho last year. Our
commerce hns been pursued with increased
activity, aud with safety and success in
every quarter Of the globe, under the pro-
lection Of our flag, which the NAVY has
caused to be respected in tho most distan.
seas.
In the Gulf Of Mexico and the Pacific,
the officers and men Of our squadrons have
displayed distinguished gallantry, aud have
pcrIurmcd valuable services.
In the early stages Of the war with Mex
leo, her ports, on both coasts, were b!ocka-
dcd, aud mare recently, many Of them have
been captured aud held by the navy
When acting in cooperation with the land
forces, the naval officers and men have per.
formed gallant and distinguished services
on tho land rs well ms On water, aud de-
serve the highest commentator oil the
country.
While other maritime powers arc adding
TO their navies large numbers Of war steam
crs, il is wise policy, on our part. to make
similar additions 10 our navy. Tho four
war steamers authorized by the net of the
Sd Of March, 1917, nre in course Of con.
struction.
In addition 10 the four war steamers au-
ihorisscd nv this net, the Secretary Of the
Navy has, in pursuance Of its provisions,
entered into contracts for the live steamers
10 he employed in the transportation of the
L. States Nail from n. York To H. Orleans,
touching nj Havana. aud from Havana 10
Charecs--ior three steamers 10 be employ
cd in like manner from Panama TO Oregon,
SD as 10 connect with the mail 10 Charges.
across The sihmus--and fur five steamers.
10 be employed in like manner Ia Liverpool.
These steamers will be the propcrt, Of the
cont ractors, but 10 he bull, under the snperin-
tcndcnce md direction ni n naval constructor
in the employment, Of the navy department,
and 10 he SD constructed us 10 render them
convertible nj the lenst possible expense,
into war steamers ol'lhc first class. 4 pre-
scribcd number of naval officers, as well Ms
n post Office agent, is 10 he on board Of
them, aud authority is reserved To the ma
Wy department., nj all times, To exercise con-
troll over said steamships, and Ia have the
right 10 take them for the exclusive ,l>c and
service of the L. States bv making proper
compensation to the contractor. Steam
ships will be employed in transporting the
mni's Of the l.. States coastwise, upon an
annual compensation. to be paid to the own
err, they will be ready upon m cmcr.en-
cv, Ia be converted into war steamers, aud
tho right reserved Ia lake them CIR pubic
use, will add greatly Ia the efficiency and
strength Of this description Of our naval
force.
10 the steamers thus authorised and un-
der contracts, made in pursuance Of law,
by the Post Muster General, making an
addition in the whole, of Is war steamers
subject 10 be taken for pablic use. As fur
ihcr contracts for the transmission Of the
mails 10 foreign countries must b. cnilori-
scd by Congress, this number may he en-
largcd indefinitely. The enlightened poll.
cy by which rapid communication with
different parts Of the globe, by means Of
American built steamers, would find M am
pic compensation in the increase Ut our
commerce, and in making OUT country aud
its resources more favorably known abroad.
but the national advantage is still greater,
Of having our naval officers made familiar
with stenm navigation, mud Of having the
privilege Of lak'ng the ships, already equip
ed tur immediate service, nj moments
warnin :, md would be cheapiy purchased
by the compensation for the transportation
OF tho mail in them, over and above the pos
tage received.
A just national pride, no less than our
interests, would seem to favor
the policy above mentioned, Of angmeniing
tho number IL this description Of vessels
They can be built in our country cheaper
than in any other in the world.
] refer you 10 the accompanying report
Of the Postmaster General for detailed and
condition and operation Of tina,
dena RI wont fnr thc ua sf year II IL ,r,ii