The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-12-19

sition Of California and New Mexico hav
given increased importance to our lmdial
relations. The various tribes brought un
der our jurisdiction by these enlargement
Of our boundaries, are estimated to embrac'
a population of $4,000. Texas and Ney
Mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes
Of Indians, who are a source Of conStan
terror and annoyance to the inhabitants
separating into small predatory bands, ant
always mounted, they 0verrun the country
desolating farms, and destroying crops, ans
numbering the inhabitants, or carrying them
into captivity.
The great roads leading into the country
are infested by them; thereby Travelling j.
rendered extremely dangerous, adj emf
grafton is almost entirely arrested. The
Mexican frontier, which, by the l lth article
Of the treaty Of Gaudalonpe HidaIgo, we
are bound to protect against the Indians
within our borders, is exposed to their in
cursions equally with our own.
The military force stationed in that coun-
try, although forming large proportion OF
the army, is represented as utterly made
quate TO our own protection, and the fulfill
/ ent of our treaty with Mexico. The prin-
cipal deficiency is in cavalry. therefore
recommend that Congress should as early as
two regiments of mounted men. For fur
Their suggestions on this subject and those
connected with our domestic interests in
reference to our frontiers, refer you to the
Reports Of the Secretary of the Interior and
Of the Secretary of War.
recommend also to your favorable con-
sideration the suggestions contained in the
last mentioned report and in q letter of the
General-in-chief, relative to the establish
ment Of an Asylum for the relief of disabled
and destitute soldiers. This subject ap-
pels so strong to your sympathies that it
would he superfluous in me to say anything
more than barely to express my cordial ap-
probation of the proposed object.
The Navy continue 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 ia COM
mission are distributed in six different
squadrOns. The report Of the head of that
department will exhibit the services of these
squadrons, and of the several vessels en-
ployed in each during the past year.
1t is source ofgratitication thar, while
they have been constantly prepared for any
hostile emergency, they hove everywhere
met with respect and courtesy due, as well
to- the dignity, as to the peaceful disposition
and Just purposes Of the nation.
The two brigantines accepted from a
generous citizen Of New York, and placed
under the command of an officer of the Ma
w, to proceed TO the Arctic Sea, IN quest of
the British commander, Sir John Franklin,
and his companions, 10 compliance with the
act of Congress, when last heard from, had
penetrated into northern latitude. But
The successful and humane enterprise is yet
uncertain.
/ invite your attention 10 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 possessions, and pro-
lection and extension Of our commerce with
with the Eastern nations.
Our facilities for large participation in
the trade of the East, by means Of our recent
settlement on the shores of the Pacific, are
too obvious to be overlooked Qkdisregard-
ed. The questions i'm relation TO rank in
the army and navy, and relative rank be-
tween officers of the two branches Of the
service, presented to the Executive by GER
tain resolutions of the House of Represent
atives at the late session of Congress, have
been submitted to a Board Of Officers in
each branch'of the service, and their report
may Be expected at an early day.
| earnestly recommend the enactment of
law authorizing the officers Of the Army and
Navy to be released from the service when
incompetent for its vigora and active du-
ties, taking care to make suitable provisions
for those who have faithfully served their
country, and awarding distinction by retain
ing in command those who have been par
sicularIy conspicuous for gaIantry and good
conduct. There is an evident jur,ice in The
suggestions of the same report, that appro-
priations for the Naval Service shall be sep
arated from those for fixed and permanent
objects, such rs building docks and navy
yards, or the fixtures attached, and the ex-
Iraordinary objects under the care of the
department, which however important, are
pot strictly naval.
While we acknowledge the obligation of
The country to maintain and honor those
who, TO the exclusion of other pursuits,
have devoted most oftheir lives to its ardu-
,us service, this obligation should not be
permitted to interfere with the efficacy of
he service itself | am gratified in being
sble to state that the estimates for the naval !
expenditures for the ensuing year, are less |
,y more than one million of dollars
han those Of the present, excepting the |
appropriation which may become necessary |
or the construction of the docks upon the |
.oasts of the Pacific, propositions for which |
ire now being considered, and on which |
special report may be expected early in |
iour present session.
A revision Of the code for the government
# the Navy, seems to require the immed-
tie consideration Of Congress. Its system
If crime and punishmenrs had undergone no
,hange for half a century, until the las. SEES
ion, though its defects have been often and
IDLY ipointed out, and the abolition of the
,ecular species Of corporal punishment
which then took place, without providing
my substitute, has left the service in state
# effectiveness which cnlls for prompt cor
ection. | therefore recommend that the
Whole subject be revised without DELAY, and |
och system established for the enforce
nent Of discipline as shall he at once hu-
name aud effectual.
The accompanying report Of the P. M.
General presents a satisfactory view of the
operations and condition of that DEPART
nent. At the close Of the last fiscal wear,
be length Of the inland mail routes in the /
United States, not embracing the service
n Oregon and California was IL SQ7 ah6