The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1850-01-01

OF the principal mineral deposites in Califor-
MIA may be ascertained, | recommend that
geological and meteorological exploration be
connected with the linear surveys, and that
the mineral lands be divided into small lots
suitable for mining, and be disposed Of, by
sale or lease, so as TO give our citizens an op-
purtuhity of procuring a permanent right of
property in the soil. This would seem to be
as important TO the success of mining as of
agricultural pursuits.
The great mineral wealth of California.
and the advantages which its ports and har-
bors, and those of Oregon, afford to com
merce, especially with the islands of the Pa
citic and Indian oceans, and the populous re-
gions of Eastern Asia, make it certain that
there will arise, in few years, large and
prosperous communities on our western coast
1t therefore becomes important that line of
communication, the best and most expeditions
which the nature of the country will admit,
should be opened, within the territory of the
United States, from the navigabe waters of
the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico, to the
Pacific. Opinion, as elected and expressed
by two large and respectable conventions,
lately assembled at St. Louis and Memphis,
points to railroad as that which. if practic-
able, viii best meet the wishes and wants of
the country. But while this, il in successful
operation, would be work of great national
importance, and of value TO the country
which it would be difficult 10 estimate, it
ought also to be regarded as an undertaking
of vast magnitude and expense, and one
which must, if it be indeed practicable, en-
counter many difficulties ia its construction
and use. Therefore, 10 avoid failure and
disappointment; to enable Congress to Judge
whether, in the condition of the country
through which 1t must pass, the work be fea-
sible, and if it be found 10 be so, whether it
should be undertaken as a national improve
ment or left TO individual enterprise; and in
the latter alternative, what aid, if any, ought
to be extended 10 it by the Government, /
recommend as preliminary measure care
full reconnaissance of the several proposed
routes by a scientific corps, and report as
to the practiCability Of making such road,
with an estimate Of the cost of its cons.ruc-
ton and support.
For further views Of these and other mat
tiers connected with the duties of the Homo
Department. refer you to the report Of tho
Secretary of the Interior. I recommend
early appropriations for continuing the river
and harbor improvements which have been
already begun, and slso for the construction
of those for which estimates have been made,
as well as for examinations and estimates pre-
paratory to the commencement OF such 9TH
crs a. the wants of the country, and espe-
cially the advance Of our population over
new districts, and the extension of commerce
may render necessary.
An estimate of the amount which can be
sdvantageously expended within the next
fiscal year. under the direction of the Bu-
rcau of Typographical Engineers, accompa-
nies the report of the Secretary OF War, to
which | respectfully invite the attention of
Congress.
The cession Of territory made by the late
treaty with Mexico has greatly extended
our exposed frontier, and rendered its de-
fence more difficult. That treaty has also
brought us under obligations to Mexico. 10
comply with which a military force is requi-
site. But our military establishment is not
materially changed as 10 its efficacy, from
the condition in which it stood before the
commencement OF the Mexican war. Some
addition to it will therefore be necessary
and recommend to the favorable consider
alton of Congress an increase of the several
COIDS Vi lhG Jul hiSAdht "OsACih
posts, as proposed in the accompanying re-
port of the Secretary Of War.
Great embarrassment has resulted from
the effect of rank, in the army, heretofore
given to brevet and staff commissioners. The
views of the Secretary Of War, on this sub
ject are deemed important, and if carried
into effect will, it is believed, promote the
harmony Of the service. The plan proposed
for retiring disabled officers, and providing
an asylum for such of the rank and file as
from age, wounds, and other infirmities occa-
stoned by service, have become unfit to per-
form their respective duties, is recommended
as q means ofincreasing the efficiency Of the
army, and all act of justice, due from CRATE
full country to the faithful soldier.
The accompanying repor: of the Secreta-
ry of the Navy, presents full and satisfac-
tory account of the condition and operations
of the naval service during the past year.
Our citizens engaged in the Legitimate pur-
suits of commerce have enjoyed its benefits.
Wherever our national vessels have gone,
they have been received with respect, our
officers have been treated with kindness and
courtesy, and they have, on all occasions,
pursued a course Of strict neutrality, in ac-
cortlance with the policy of our Government.
The naval force at present in commission
is as large as is admissible, with the number
of men authorized by Congress to be en-
ployed.
invite your attention to the recommend
alton of the Secretary Of the Navy on the
subject of n reorganization OF. the Navy, in
lis various grades of officers, and the estab
fishing of a retired list for such of The Off
i r. I'D az
ual service. Should Congress adopt some
such measure as is recommended, it will
greatly increase the efficiency of the Navy,
and reduce its expenditures.
also ask your attention to the views ex-
pressed bv him in reference to the employ
ment of war steamers, and in regard to the
contracts for the transportation of the United
States mails and the operation of the sys-
TEN upon the prosperity Of the Navy.
By an act of Congress passed August l4th,
lS4S, provision was made for extending pose
Office and mail accommodations 10 California
and Oregon. Exertions have been made TO
execute that law but the limited provisions
of the act, the inadequacy of the means it
authorizes, the i'll adaptation of the post office
laws TO the situation of that country, and the
measure Of compensation for services allowed
by those laws, compared with the prices of
labor and rents in California, render those
exertions, i'll great degree, inef1ctuAl. More
particuiar and efficient provision by law is
required on this subject.
The act of 1915, reducing postage, has
now. BY its operation during four years, pro-
duced results fully showing that the income
from such reduced postage is sufficient to
sustain the whole expense of The service Of