Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-12-13

and reduction of the debt; should enlarged
appropriations be made. the necessary
consequences will be 10 postpone the pay
ment of the debt. ThoL4R our debt. as
compared with that of most other nations
in the world. is small, it is our true policy,
and in harmony with the motives Of our
institutions, that we should present ID the
world the rare spectacle OF great repu-
bic. possessing vast resources and wealth,
wholly exempt from Indebtedness. THIS
would add still more 10 our strength. and
give 10 Us a still more commanding posi-
ton among the nations of the earth.
The public expenditures should be
economical, and be confined 10 such OBJ
iects as are clearly within the power of
Congress. All such as are not absolutely
demanded. should be postponed; the pay
ment of the public debt at the carries,
practicable period should be cardinal
principle of our public policy.
For the reason assigned in my last
: annual message. repeat my rccommen-
da-on ,ha, a branch of the mint OF the
-nited States be established at the city Of
New York. The Importance OF this mea-
sure is greatly increased by the acquisi-
ton Of the rich mines of precious metals
m New Mexico and California, Is peciallv
the latter
repeat the recommendation. hereto
fore made in favor Of the graduation and
reduction in the price ofsuch public lands
as have been long offered in marker. and
have remained unsold. and in favor Of
extending the rights of prescription 10
actual settlers on the cnsurveved. as well
as the surveyed.
E The condition. and operations Of the
army, and the state of the other branches
under supervision of the war department.
are satisfactorily presented in the accom-
panving report ofthe Secretary Of War.
On the return Of peace, our forces were
Withdrawn from Mexico. and the volun-
teers, and that portion of the regular army
engaged for the war. were disbanded -
Orders have been issued for sta Joining
the forces OF our permanent e>taS >hmcnt
AT various points in our extended country.
where troops may be required. Owing
to the remoteness of some of the positions
the detachments have not vet reached
their destination: notwiths. andinn th, Linz
its Of our country and thenew territories,
ii is confidently believed that our present
, military establishment is sufficient for all
eNigencies 50 long our peaceful rela-
tons remain undistur5cd.
OF the amount Of military contributions
collected in Mexico the sum Of 500 900
dollars was applied towards the payment
ofthe first instanent due under the treaty
with Mexico. The further sum Of <o;346.-
800 50 has been paid TO the Treasury, an
uncxpended balance still remaining in the
hands of discussing officers and those
who were engaged in the collection Of
those monies. After the proclamation OF
: peace. no farther disbursements were
made Of any uneNpendcd money arising
from this source. The balances on hand
were directed to be paid into the Trcasu-
~. and individual claims will remain un-
adjusted until Congress shall authorize
their settlement and payment. Their
claims are not considerable in number, or
in amount.
recommend for your favorable con-
sdcration the suggestions ofthc Sccreta-
rv of War and the Secretary ofthe Navy
in regard TO legislation on this subject
Our Indian relations are presented in
most favorable view in the report from
the War department. The wisdom Of our
policy in regard to the tribes within our
limits. is clearly manifested by their i'm
proved and rapidly improving condition.
A most important treaty with the Memo
Commissioner of Indian Ahars in person.
by which all their land in the State Of
Wisconsin, being about 1905 600 acres.
has been coded to the United States
This treaty will be submitted to the Sen
ate for ratification at an early period of
your session.
Within the last four years. eight impor-
tant treaties have been negotiated with
II frIb &c
S1.342 900: Indian lands to the amount
of more than S18, 10000 have been &C.
ded TO the United States. and provision
has been made for settling in the country
west of the Mississippi. the tribes which
occupied this large extent Of domain
The title to all the Indian lands within
the several States Of the Mon with the
exception OF a few small reservations. is
now extinguished, and vast region OPEN
ed for settlement and cultivation
The accompanying report of the Sec
rotary Of the Navy gives a satisfactory
exhibit Of the operations and condition Of
that branch OF the public service.
\ number of small vessels suitable for
entering the mouths drivers, were Judi
ciously purchased during the war. and
gave great efficiency to the squadron in
the Gulf of Mexico. On the return Of
peace, when no longer suitable for naval
purposes; and liable to constant deterio-
ration. they were sold. and the money
placed in the Treasury.
The number Of men in the Naval SER
vice authorized by law during the war has
been reduced by discharges below the
maximum fixed for the peace establish
ment. Adequate squadrons are main
tanned in the several quarters of the globe
where experience has shown their sarv-
ces may be most usetully employed, and
the Navy service was never in a condi-
ton of higher discipline or greater Elf
cheney.
invite attention 10 the recommended
ton ofthe Secretary OF the Navy. on the
subject of the Marine corps. The reduc-
ton Of the corns al the end Of the war 70