The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-12-11

y
ous, and immigration is almost entirely ar
rested. The Mexican frontier, which, by
the eleventh article Of the treaty Of Guada-
lupe Hidslgo, we are bound to protect a.
gainst the Indians within our border, is ex-
posed to these incursions equally with our
own. The military force stationed in that
country (although forming large proper
ton Of the army is represented as entire
ly inadequate to our own protection and
the fulfllment Of our treaty stipulations
With Mexico. The principal deficiency is
in cavalry, and recommend that Con-
gross should, At as early period as prac-
ticable, provide for the raising of one or
more regiments Of mounted men.
For further suggestions on this subject,
and Others connected with our domestic
interests, and the defence of our frontier,
| refer you 10 the report ofthe Secretary OF
the Interior and ofthe Secretary Of War.
also commend to your favorable con-
sideration the suggestion contained in the
aforementioned report, and in the letter OF
the General-in Chief, relative to the estab-
lishment Of an asylum for the relief Of dis
abled and destitute soldiers. This subject
appeals so strongly to your sympathies that
il would be surperhuous in me to say any.
thing more, than barely to express my cor
dial appreciation ofthe proposed object. y
The navy continues to give protection to
our commerce and other national interests
in the different quarters Of the globe, and,
with the exception Of single steamer on
the northern lakes, the vessels in commits.
sion are distributed in six different squad
rons.
The report Of the head Of that Depart
ment will exhibit the services Of these
squadrons, and Of the several vessels em.
ployed in each during the past year. tbs
4 source Of qualification that, while they
have been constantly prepared for any hos.
tile emergency, they have everywhere met
with the respect and courtesy, due as we'll
10 the dignity as to the peaceful dispositions
and Just purposes Of the nation.
The two brigantines accepted by the
Government from generous citizen Of
New York, and placed under the command
ofan officer oft navy, to proceed to the
Arctic seas in quest ofthe British comman-
der, Sir John Franklin, and his compan-
ions, in compliance with the act of Con-
gress, approved in May last, had, when
last heard from, penetrated into high
northern latitude; but the success OF this
noble and humane enterprise is yet uncer-
tain.
invite your attention to the view Of our
present naval establishment and resources
presented in the report Of the Secretary Of
the Navy, and the suggestions therein
made for its improvement, together with
the naval policy recommended for the Sc.
curity of our Pacific coast, and the protec-
ton and extension of our commerce with
Eastern Asia. Our facilities for larger
participation in the trade of the East, by
means Of our recent settlements on the
shores ofthe Pacific, are too obvious to be
overlooked or disregarded.
The questions in relation to rank in the
army and navy, and relative rank between
officers of the two branches of the service,
presented to the Executive by certain res
olutions of the House Of Representatives,
at the last session Of Congress, have been
submitted to board of officers in each
branch of the service, and their report may
be expected at an early day.
also earnestly recommend the enact
ment of law authorizing officers OF the
army and navy to be retired from the ser.
vice when incompetent for its vigorous and
active duties, taking care to make suitable
provision for those who have faithfully
served their country, and awarding dis.
tinctions, by retaining in appropriate com.
mands those who have been particularly
conspicuous for gallantry and good con-
duct. While the obligation OF the country
to maintain and honor those who, to the
exclusion of other pursuits, have devoted
themselves to its arduous service, is ac-
knowledged, this obligation should not be
permitted to interfere with the efficiency
of the service itself
am gratiied in being able 10 state that
the estimates of expenditure for the navy
in the ensuing year are less by more than
one million of dollars than those of the
present, excepting the appropriation which
may become necessary for the construc-
ton of dock on the coast Of the Pacific,
propositions for which are now being con-
sidered, and on which special report
may be expected early in your present
session.
THERE'S an evident justness in the sug.
gestion Of the same report. that appropri.
atoms for the naval service proper should
be separated from those for fixed and per-
manent objects-such as building docks
and navy.yards, and the fixtures attached
--and from the extraordinary objects un-
der the care Of the department, which,
however important, are not essentially
naval.
A revision Of the code for the govern.
ment of the navy seems to require the
immediate consideration Of Congress. Its
system Of crimes and punishments had
undergone no change for half century,
until the last session, though its defects
have been often and ably pointed out