Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-12-04


prevention Of the ovcrdows that have proved dsas-
rous 10 that region of eouniry. have been nearly
pleed, and the reports thereof in Of
preparation, and win shortly be laid before you.
The protection Of the southwestern frontier and OF
the adjacent Mexican States against the Intisn tribes
within borders has claimed my aud constant
attention Congress having failed the last session,
adopt my Recommendation that an additional regiment
of mounted men, specially adapted 10 that service
should be raised all that remained 10 be done make
the best Of the at my disposal Accordingly
all the troops. adapted that service that could pro-
perry be spared from other quarters have been
roed that frontier and officers Of high reputation
lected to command Them.
a new arrangement Of the military posts has also
hecn made. whereby the troops brought nearer To
the Mexican frontier and the tribes they are intended
10 ovcrawe Sufficient time has not yet elapsed re-
alizc all the benefits that expected result from
these arrangements But have every reason 10 hops
that they will check their marauding expeditions The
nature Of the country which furnishes little for the sup
port OF army and Astounding In places Of refuge
and concealment isremarkahly well adapted this pre-
datory warfare, and scarcely hope that any mil.
tary force combined with the greatest vigilance en-
tirely suppress il.
BY the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalao We are bound S
protect the territory of Mexico against the neursons
OF the savage tribes within borders, with equal dill.
gence and energy as If the same made within our
territory or against citizens. have endeavored to
comply, as Tar as possible with this provision Of the
treaty. Orders have been giten 10 the officers com.
harding that frontier to consider the Mexican terri
tory and MS inhabitants equally with entitled
TO their protection, and make all their plans and ar.
engagements with view TO the attainment of this OBJ
iect.
Instructions have also been given to the Indian Com
missoners and Agents those tribes in all treaties
to make the clauses designated for the protection Of our
own citizens, to apply TO those Of Mexico | have no
reason to doubt these instructions have been fully car.
RED into effect. Nevertheless il is probable that in
spite oil all efforts. of the neahborng States
of Mexico may have suffered as our own have from de-
predatons of the Indians. To the difficulties OF defending
our own territory, above mentioned are suneraddcd
in defending that of Mexico those that al ise from its
remoeness, from the fact that have no right to sta
ton troops within her lines and that there sur
hcient military force the Mexican side to cooperate
with our So long this continues be the case
tee number and activity Of troops will rather in
than diminish the OWL the Indians viii naur-
ally towards that country in which they encounter
the least resistance Yet these troops necessary
subdae them and to compel them 20 make and observe
treaties.
Until this shall have been done neither country will
ENJOY security from their attacks. The Indans Cal
orna, who previously appeared Of peaceahc character
and disposed to cultivate the friendship Of the whites
have recently committed several acts of hostility
and large psrtion of the reiniorcemcuis sent the
Mexican frontier were drawn from the Pacific Tho
military force stationed there is considered entirely
Inadequate its defence. IL be increased how
ever without increase Of the army and again re.
commend that measure indispensable tie protec-
ton al the frontier. invite atcnton this sub
lect and others connected with bis department in the
Report of the secret'ry Of War. The appropriations for
the support Of the FOR the fiscal year ending the
30h June last were reduced far below the estimate sub
mticd to that Department In consequence of this re-
dnciion there considerable deficiency 10 which in
vito yor attention The expenditures ef that Densrt-
ment for the year ending juno 30th 50 $50 26S
The estimate for the year commencing 1st July next
and ending June 3d. 1858, is 81 SOS us SO. showing
reduction Of 81 ,492 075.
The Board Of Commissioners 10 whom the manage
OF the affairs Of the Military Asylum erected by
The of the 81 Of March last entrusted have
lectcd site for the Asylum in the vicinity OF this city,
which has been approved by me, subject tie produc-
lion nf 4 satisfactory tile.
The report of the Secretary of tie Navy viii exhibit
the condition Of the pulic service under hlt Depart
ment Orr naval force anoat, during the prc-ent year,
hes been actively and usefaiy employed Ia giving pro-
lection to widely .oztrned commerce aud interests
in the various quarters of the globe, and flag has
everywhere afforded the security and received The
nect inspired by the Justice and bcralliy Of onr inter-
course, and the dignity and power of tho nation.
The expedition commanded 10y Lieut.. ID. HAYDEN des-
patched in search Of the British commander, Sir John
Franklin and his companions, in the Arc seas returned
o New York in October, after having Undergone grcut
'ers and suffering, from an unknown and dangerous
navigation in the regions of northern climate without
my satisfactory inorma ton of the object Of The search,
lut with new contributions to SCIENCE and nayiga,
ion from the unrecuentcd polar region. The ofEcers
md r1en OF the expedition having been all volunteers
r this service, and having conducted II the
nitro appreciation of the government, Is suggested,
act Of grace and generosity, that pay and
mouments he extended TO them that eAiendyd to
he officers and men of Ike station in the late exploring
expedition in the South seas.
I earnestly recommend TO your atteniion tie recess
ity of eorGanzing the Naval establishments, appor
ioning and fixing the numberof officers in each grsde
nd prsvidng mode OF promotion 10 higher grades
# the Navy, having reference merit and capacity,
aher than seniority or date Of entry into tie service,
nd for retiring from tho effective list, upon reduced
ay, those who may be incompetent the performances
active duty, ms measure of economy as well as ell
icBcy In this Of the vico The proposition last
mentioned is eminenty verify of your consideration.
The determination of the questions of relative rank be-
the sea officers and civil officers and the army
nd cacf grade also attention. A
allure provide any substitute when corporal punish
lent abolished for offences in the Navy has occa-
oned the convening Of numerous courts martial upon
he arrival Of vessels in port and it is believed have
ad juious effect upon the Discipline and the ell
iency OF the service.
To moderate punishment from one grade to another
among the many reforms of the age. But to abolish
ne of severity which applied generally offences
hipboard and provide nothing in its stead is 10 suppose
progress OF improvement in every individual seamen
hich Is assumed by the legislature, in respect to
ny other class of men, II is hoped that Congress in
ne ample opportunity afforded by the present session
fill thoroughly investigate tins important subject, and
stabish such aids Of determining guilt and such graz
tons Of punishment consistent with humanity
nd the personal rights of individuals, and az the
me shall the most energetic and efficient peror
ance OF duty and the suppression Of crime board
mr. ships of The stone dock in the Navy Yard in
ew York which years in Of constTuc-
on is far finished TO be surrendered up to the
lorites of tie yard.
The dry dock Philadelphia is reported as complct-
l. and expected be tested and delivered
the agents of the government. That at Portsmouth,
ew Hampshire is also nearly ready for delivery, and
contract has been concluded agreeaby The act of
ongyess its last session, for floating sectional dock
the Bay OF San Francisco. invite your attention to-
lie Recommendation of the Department, touching the
Establishment of a Navy Yard in conjunction with this
,ck the Pacific. Such station is highly necessary
the convenience and effectiveness Of fleet in that
,ean. which must be expected 10 increase with the
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