The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-01-03
WHOLE NUMBER 1872.


for examinations and estimates pSeparato-
ry TO the commencement Of suchoperatinns
MS The wants Of the country, and especially
the advance of ihe population Of our new
districts, md the extcnsicn Of commerce
may render necessary, and on estimate Of
the amount which cnn te advnntaeeausiy
Expended within the next fiscal year, under
the direction Of the Bureau Of Topngra phic-
al Engineers. Accompanying is the Re-
port Of the Secretnry of War, tos~hich re-
specially invite the attention Of Congress.
The accession 81 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
brough, US under obligations to Mexico TO
comply with which, our military establish
,nent is not materially changed ~ 10 its
efficiency, from the condition in which il
stood befnre the commencement Of the
Mexican war. Some additions to il will,
therefore. ba necessary; and recommend
to the favorable consideration Of Congress-,
an increase Of the several departments Of
the Army nj our distant western posts, as
proposed 10 the accompanying Report Of
the Secretary Of War.
Great embarrassment. has resulted from
the effect of honorable rank in the army,
heretofore given 10 breyst and .tafF, and
commissions. The views Of the Secretary
of War on this subject, are deemed impor-
tan:, and if carried into effect, will, i, is be-
lieyed, promote the harmony oft the service.
The plan proposed fer rendering mid to dis
abled efncers, and providing sn asylum for
such Of the rank and fle as from sge,
wounds and other infrmilics occasioned by
Service. hive become unfit TO perform their
respective duties, is recommended as 4
means Of increasing The efficiency Of the
army, and as an act Of justice due from
grateful! country to The fnithfn! soldier.
The accompanying report Of the SecS0-
tary Of the Navy, presents faithful and
satisfactory account Of the condition and
operations Of the naval service during the
last year. Our citizens engnged in the le-
gi;ima,e pursuits Of commerce, have enjoy
ed its benefits. Wherever our national
vessels hive gone, they have been treated
with kindness and courtesy, and they have
on ell occasions pursued course Of strict
neutrality in accordance with The policy Of
our government.
The naval force at present in service is
as large as is admissible with the number
ofmen authorized by Congress TO be en-
ployed.
invite yonr attention TO the recommen nda-
tions oi'ihe Secretary ofthe Navy on the
subject of reorganization Of The Navy 10
lis various grades Of officers, and The estab-
lishment Of a retired list-fr such officers
as are disqualified for active and effective
service. Should Congress- adopt some such
measure as is recommended, it will greatly
increase the efficiency Of the navy, and re.
duce its expenditures.
! also ask your attention to the views ex-
pressed by him in reference 10 ihe employ
n!ent Of war steamers and in regard to the
contracts for Transporting the United States
Mails and the operation ofthe system upon
the Navy.
By en- net of Congress, passed August
IA, lS4S, II was resolved to extend Post
Office accommodations to california and
Oregon. Exertions have been made to ex-
ecuie tha, law but the limited provisions of
the act, the inadequacy of the means il
authorized, and the propositions for services
allowed by that law compared with the
prices Of labor nd rents in California, rem
dered those exertions in great degree in
efiectunl. Mere particular and efficient
provisions by law are required on this sub
icct. The tof 1914, reducing postage
has by It's operations during four years.
produced results fully showing that the in
come from such reduction Of Postage is
sufficient to sustain the whole expense Of
the service Of the Pest office Department,
no, including the cost Of Transporting il in
mail steamers on The lines from New York
10 Chagres and from Panama to Astoria,
which have not been considered by con-
gross ns properly belonging to the mail
service.
ltis submitted ;othe wisdom Of Congress
whether furihsr reduction Of Postage
should not now be made, more particularly
on the letter correspondence. and should
DE relieved from the unjust burden of
Transporting aud delivering the frankcd
matter Of Congress, for which pnblic servics
provision could he made from the Treasury.
confidently believe that change may
safely be made, reducing all single letters
to uniform rates Of five cents, regardless Of
distance, without thereby imposing my
greater tax on the treasury, than constit uics
very moderate compensation for this pub
lie service, and therefore respectfully rec
ommcnd such reduction. Should congress
preferto abolish the franking system It 10
probable that no demand on the treasury
would result from the. proposed reduction
nfposiagc. Whether nny further diminu-
ton should now be made on the result Of
the reduction to five cents, which recom-
mend, should be first tested, 10 sub,nittedto
your decision.
Since the commencement nf the Lass
!Conc'1ded on 2d page.J