Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1851-12-05

those regions would be greatly enhanced by
freeing the navigation of those waters from OBJ
sTucuons. In view, therefore, of this great
interest, | deem it my duty again TO urge upon
Congress to make such appropriations for those
improvements as they may deem necessary.
The survey of the Delta of the Mississippi,
with view TO the prevention of the oVertfows
that have proved so disastrous to that region OF
country, have been nearly completed, and the
reports thereof are now in course OF preparation,
and will shortly be laid before you.
The protection of our southwestern frontier,
and of the adjacent Mexican States, against the
Indian tribes within our border, has claimed
nv earnest and constant attention. Congress
having failed, at the last session, to adopt my
recommendation that an additional regiment of
mounted men specially adapted TO that service
should be raised, all that remained to be done
was TO make the best use Of the means al my
disposal Accordingly, all the troops adapted
to that service that could properly be spared
from other quarters have been concentrated on
that frontier, and officers of high reputation Sc
Iected to command them. A new arrangement
of the military posts has also been made
whereby the troops are brought nearer to the
Mexican frontier and 10 the tribes they are in
tended to overawe.
Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realize
all the benefits that are expected to result from
these arrangements, but have every reason to
hope that they will etectually check their ma
v,
which furnishes little for the support of an army
and abcunds in places of refuge and conceal
ment, is remarkably well adapted to this preda-
tory warfare; and we can scarcely hope that
any military force, combined with the greatest
vigilance, can entirely suppress 1t.
BY the Treaty of Guadalupe HidaIgo We are
bound to protect the territory of Mexico against
the incursions of the savage tribes within our
border with equal diligence and energy" as if
the same were made within our territory or
against our citizens. Ihave endeavored to COM
ply, as far possible, with this provision of the
treaty. Orders have been given to the officers
commanding on that frontier to consider the
Mexican territory and its inhabitants equally
with our own entitled to their protection and
to make all their plans and arrangements with
q view to the attainment of this object. In
structons have also been given to the Indian
commissioners and agents among these tribes,
in all treaties, to make the clauses designed for
the protection of our own citizeEs apply also
to those of Mexico. | have no reason TO doubt
that these instructions have been fully carried
into effect. Nevertheless, it is probable that
in spite of all our efforts, some Of the neigh
boring States of Mexico may have suffered, as
our own have, from depredations by the Indians.
To the difficulties of defending our own terri
tory, as above mentioned, are superadded, in
defending that of Mexico, those that arise from
lis remoteness, from the fact that we have no
right 10 station our troops within her limits, and
that there is no efficient military force on the
Mexican side to cooperate with our own. So
long as this shall continue to be the case the
number and activity of our troops will rather
increase than diminish the evil, as the Indians
will naturally turn towards that country where
they encounter the least resistance. Yet these
troops are necessary to subdue them, aud to
compel them to make and observe treaties.
Until this shalt have been done, neither country
will enjoy any security from their attacks.
The Indians in California, who had previously
appeared of peaCeabIe character, and disposed
to cultivate the friendship of the whites, have
recently committed several acts of hostility
As large portion Of the reinforcements sent 10
the Mexican frontier were drawn from the Pa
cltiC, the military force now stationed there Is
considered entirely inadequate to its defence. 1t
cannot be increased, however, without an in.
crease of the army; and | again recommend
that measure as Indispensable TO the protection
oil the frontier
] invite your attention to the suggestions on
this subject, and others connected with his De-
partment, in the report of the Secretary Of War.
The appropriations for the support of the
army during the current fiscal year ending 3Uth
June next, were reduced far below the estimate
submitted by the Department. The conse-
quence Of this reduction is a considerable de-
tcency, TO which invite your early attention.
The expenditures Of that Department, for the
year ending 3Oth June last, were 50 060, POS 5S.
The estimates for the year commencing lst
July next, and ending June 80, 1883, are 81 ,S1S-
775 SO; showing a reduction Of 81 ,l6l ,4g2 10.
The Board of Commissioners, TO whom
the management Of the affairs of the Military
Asylum created by the act Sd March last
entrusted, have selected a site for the
establishment Of Asylum in the vicinity Of
this city, which has been approved by me, sub
ject to the production of a satisfactory title
The report of the Secretary Of the Navy will
exhibit the condition of the public service under
the supervision of that Department. Our naval
force afoat during the present year has been
actively and usefully employed in giving protec-
ton to our widely extended and increasing
commerce and interests in the various quarters
OF the globe, and cur flag has everywhere af-
tOrded the security aud received the respect in
spired by the justice and liberality of our inter-
course, and the dignity and power Of the nation.
The expedition commanded by Lieutenant
De Haven, despatched in search Of the British
commander, Sir John Franklin, and his com
panions in the Arctic Seas, returned to New
York in the month of October, after having I'M
dergone great peril and suffering from an un-
known and dangerous navigation and the rigoTs
of a northern climate, without any satisfactory
information of the objects Of their search. but
with new contributions to science aud naviga-
tion from the unfrequented polar regions. The
othceTs and men OF the expedition, having been
all volunteers for this service, and having so
conducted it as to meet the entire appreciation
OF the Government, it is suggested, as an act of
grace and generosity, that the same allowances
of extra pay and emolumcnts be extended to
them that were made to the officers and men of
like rating in the late exploring expedition to
the South Seas.
/ earnestly recommend to your attention the
necessity of recognizing the Naval establish
ment, apPropriating and fixing the number of
officers IN each grade, providing some mode of
promotion TO the higher grades of the navy,
having reference to merit and capacity, rather
than seniority or date of entry into the service,
and for retiring from the effective list upon re-
duced pay those who may be incompetent to the
performance Of active duty. As a measure of