The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-03

sructions have been fully carried into effect Ne
vertheless, it is probable that, in spite of all our
efforts, some Of the neighboring States Of Mexico
may have suffered, as own have, from depre-
dations by the Indians.
To the difficulties Of defending our own territory,
as above mentioned, are superadded. in defending
that of Mexico, those that arise from its remote
ness, from the fact that have right TO sta
ton our troops within her limits and that there is
efficient military force on the Mexican side to
operate with our own. So long this shall con-
tinue 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 thesc troops necessary to subdue them, and
to compel them TO make and observe treaties.
Until this shall have been done, neither country
will enjoy any security from their attacks.
The Indians in California, who had previously APP
peared of a peaceablc character, and disposed to
cultivate the friendship of the whites, have recently
committed several acts Of hostility. As large
portion of the reinlorcements cent to the Mexican
frontier were drawn from the Pacific, the military
force now stationed there is considered entirely
inadequate to its defence. 1t cannot be increased,
again recommend that measure as indispensable to
the protection of the frontier.
invite your attention to the suggestions on this
subject, and on others connected with his Depart
| ment, in the report of the Secretary of War.
The appropriations for the support of the army
! during the current fiscal year ending 3Oth June
next were reduced far below the estimate submit
ted by the Department. The consequence of this
reduction ia a considerable deficiency, to which
invite your early attention.
The expenditures of that Department, for the
year ending 3Oth June last, were $9,060,26S So.
The estimates for the year commencing LIST July
next and ending June 80, 1858, Ss7,S9S,775 80;
showinga reduction Of sl,l6l,4 1872 rs.
| The Board of Commissioners, to whom the
agcment of the affairs of the Military Asylum
ated by the act of Sd March last entrusted,
have selected site for the establishment of
Asylum in the vicinity of this city, which has been
approved by me, subject to the production of sat
.isfactory title.
The report Of the Secretary of the Navy will ex-
hibit the condition of the public service under the
| supervision of that Department. Our naval force
| afoat during the present year has been actively
and usefuy employed in giving protection to our
widely extended and increasing commerce and
interests in the various quarters of the globe, and
our flag has everywhere afforded the security and
received the respect inspired by the justice and
liberahty of our intercourse, and the dignity and
power ofth nation.
The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De
Haven despatched in search of the British COM
mander, Sir John Franklin, and his compan-
! ions in the Arctic Seas returned to New York
| in the month of October, after having undergone
great peril and suffering from unknown and
dangerous navigation and the rgors of a northern
climate, without any satisfactory information of
the objects of their search, but with contribu
tons to science and navigation from the un-
frequented polar regions. The officers and men
of the expedition, having been all volunteers for
this service, and having conducted it to meet
the entire appreciation Of the Government, it is
suggested, act of grace and generosity, that
the came allowances Of extra pay and emoluments
be extended to them that made to the officers
aud men of like rating in the late exploring expe
dition to the South Seas.
earnestly recommend to your attention the
cessity Of recognizing the Naval Establishment,
apportioning 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 reduced pay those who may
be incompetent to the performance of active duty.
AZ measure of economy well as of efficiency in
this arm of the service, the provision last men
toned is emincntly worthy of your confederation.
The determination fthe questions ofrelative rank
| batu tl,o ofie iyil of he
navy, and between officers of the army and
navy, in the various grades Of each, will al.
80 merit your attention. The failure to pro-
vide any substitute, when corporal punishment
was abolished for offences in the navy, has coca
stoned the converting of numerous courts martial
upon the arrival Of vessels in port and is believed
to have had an injurious effect upon the discipline
and efficiency of the service. To moderate pun
ishment from one grade to another Ia among the
! humane reforms of the age; but to abolish one of
severity, which applied generally to offences
| ship board, and provide nothing in its stead, is
to suppose a progress of improvement in every in
dvidual among seamen which is not assumed
by the Legislature in respect to any other class of
men. 1t is hoped that Congress, in the ample OPP
portunity afforded by the present session, will tho
tabsh such modes of determining guilt, and such
! gradations of punishment as are consistent with
humanity and the personal rights of individuals,
and at the same time shall ensure the most emerge
tic and efficient performance OF duty and the sup
| preston Of crime in our ships OF war.
The stone dock in the navy yard at New York.
which ten years in process of construction, has
been 30 far finished to be surrendered up to the
authorities of the yard. The dry dock at Pha
delphia s reported as completed, and is expected
soon 10 be tested and delivered over to the agents
OF the Government. That at Portsmouth,, New
| Hampshire, ia also nearly ready for delivery !;
and contract has been concluded, agreeably
| to the act of Congress at its last session. for a
floating sectional dock on the Bay Of San Fran
cisco invite your attention to the recommends
ton of the Department touching the establishment
of navy yard in conjunction with this dock on
the Pacific. Such station is highly necessary to