Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-01-01
CHARLEsTOWTN, y A, 'tII7IIJ ESD 7, JAllylIIA

islands Of the Pacific and Indians oceans and the
populous regions Of Eastern Asa, make itcertain
that there will arfse, in a few ears. large and
prosperous communities on our western coast
IL, therefore, becomes important tlst q line OF
.communicatio ion, the best and most eapedItiou
which the nature of the country will admit should
be opened within tie territory ofthe United States
from the Dapigable Of the Atlantic or the
Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific. Opinion, as eliei-
ted and expressed by two large andSrespe table
conventions, lately assembled at ST. Louis and
Memphis, points To a railroad as that which, 1t
practicabl will best meet the wishes and wants
of the country. But while thus, ifin successful
operation, would be- work of great lim5
portanae, and of value tolthes country which Il
would be difficult to estimate itought aisoto be
regarded as undertaking of yastnagn gnitude and
expense, and one which must. If ii be, indeed,
practicable, encounter many difficulties IN iscon=
Estrnction and use. Therefore, TO avoid tailnre
and disappointment i; TO oenabe GongresstoJ Judge
whether, in The condition of the country through
which i must the work be teasIhl and y lt
be found so, hetlier il should be undertaken as
anational improp MT or ett 10 lndiyidu ems
terprise !; and in helaper alternative, what aid,
If any ought To be- extended to by the Govern
ment recommend as a preliminary measure q
careful Reconnaissance of the several proposed
routes by scientific corps, and areport asto the
practicability of making such road, with an es-
timate of the cost ofis construction and support
For further views on these and other matters
connected with the duties of the Home Depart
ment, reter you to the report OF the Secretary OF
the Interior. tstss Il 4 :i5itasrss,- 5st
Isrecommend early appropriations Tor continu-
ing The river and harhora Improvements which
have been already begun, and also for the con-
struction OF those for which estimates have bee n
made, as well as ssforexamlnalions and estimates
preparatory to the commencement otsuch thers
the wants of, the country, and especially the
adv ainFau latio n afr n
the extension of commerce, may render necessa-
ry. An estimate of The amount which can be ad
vaptageousy expended within, the next fiscal
year, underthe direction Of the Bureau OF ToPo-
graphical Engineers, accompanies the report OF
the Secretary of War, TO which lrespectfully in
vite the attention of Congress: 5sfAA
The ,cession OF territory made by the late treas
ty with Mexico has greatly extended our exposed
frontier, and rendered its defence more difficult
That treaty has so brought rs under obligations
to Mexico, to comply with which military force
Hisfequisite But our military establishment is
not materially changed, as tofits efficiency, from
the condition in which it stood before the COM
mencement of the Mexican war. Some addition
10 it will therefore be necessary; and i recon-
mend TO the favorable consideration of Congress
an increase of the several corps OF the army at
our distant western posts, as proposed IN the ac-
companying report of the Secretary ofWar:
Great embarrassment has resulted from the ef-
feet upon rank, in the army, heretofore given TO
brevet and staff commissions. The views OF the
Secretary of War. oniihis subject. are deemed
important, and if carried into effect will it is be-
lieved, promote The harmony of the service. Tho
plan proposed for retiring disabled officers, and
providing an asylum for such ofsthe rank and file
as IRON age e,lwounds, and other infrmities occa-
stoned by service, have become unit TO perform
their respective duties, is recommended as a
means of increasing the efficiency of The army,
and as an actof justice, due from grateful coun-
try stoi tho faithful soldier. lil.i{ 8 8
The accompanying, report of the Secretary ol
the Navy presents a full and satisfactory account
OF the condition and operations of the naval SER
Vice during the past year. Our citizens engaged
IN the legitimate pursuits of commerce have en-
joyed its benefits. Wherever our nationaliyessels
have gone, they have been received with respect,
our officers have been treated with kindness and
courtesy, and they have, on all occasions, pnr-
sued course of strict neutrality, in accordance
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 employed
invite your attention to the recommendation
of the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of a
reorganization Of the Navy, in its various grades
of officers, and the establishing of retired list
for such OF the officers are disqualified for ac
tive and effective 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 express
ed by him in reference TO the employment OF war
steamers, and in regard TO the contracts for the
Transportation of7the United States mails, and
the ope ration of the system upon the prosperity
lof the Navy. t45i sfiis5li5 II 20
H. Byfan,act of Congress passed August 14th,
5l8i8, provision was made ior extending post Of
fee aud mail accommodation to California and
Oregon. Exertions have been made to execute
ithatlaw; but the limited provisions of the act,
the inadequacy OF the means il authorizes, the
i-ada OF our post.office laws 10 the situa-
ton of that country, and the measure Of cor1oen.
satIon for services allowed by those laws. com.
pared with the prices ofjlabor and rents in Cali
fornis. render those exeftions. in a,ereat decree
ineffsetnai. More particular and efficient n1ovi,