The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-12-09
THE NATIONAL ERA WASHINGTON D. C, DECEMBER g. 1852

Tins dlminution IN attributable TO the reduc-
ton in the rates Of postage, made by the act Of
March 3, 1851, which reduction took effect at
the commencement of the last fiscal year.
Although, in it's operation during the last
year, the act referred to has not fulfilled the
predictions of it's friends by increasing the cor
respondence of the country in proportion to the
reduction of postage, ! should nevertheless
o. the policy of returning TO higher rates.
noe warrants the expectation that as
the mapity becomes accustomed to cheap
poso1A eorrespondence will increase. 1t is be-
lieved that, from this cause, and from the rapid
growth of the country in population and bust
ness the receipts of the Department must ulti-
mately exceed its expenses, and that the coun-
try may safely rely upon the continuance Of
the present cheap rate OF postage.
q In former messages | have, among other
things respectfully recommended to the con-
sideraton of Congress the propriety and neces-
sity of further legislation for the protection and
punishment of foreign Consuls residing in the
United States to revive with certain modifca-
tons, the act of 10th March, 1888. to restrain
unlawful military expeditions against the in
habitants of conterminous States or Territories:
for the preservation and protection from mutt
lation or theft of the papers records, and
archives, of the nation for authorizing the
surplus revenue to be applied to the payment
of the public debt in advance of the time when
it will become due for the establishment Of
land offices for the sale of the public lands in
California and the Territory of Oregon for the
construction of a road from the Mississippi val
ley to the Pacific ocean for the establishment
OF "A bureau Of agriculture for the promotion of
that interest perhaps the most important in
the country for the prevention of frauds upon
the Government in applications for pensions
and bounty lands; for the establishment of "A
uniform fee bill, prescribing specific compen-
satlon for every service required Of clerks, dis
trict attorneys and marshals for authorizing
an additional regiment of mounted men. for
the defence of our frontiers against the Indians,
and for fulfilling our treaty stipulatons with
Mexico to defend her citizens against the In
dams with equal diligence and energy as our
own" for determining the relative rank be-
tween the naval and civil officers in our public
ships and between the officers of the army and
navy in the various grades of each for reor-
ganizing the naval establishment by fixing the
number of officers in each grade, and providing
Tor retired list upon reduced pay, of those
unfit for active duty for prescribing and regu-
lahng punishments IN the navy; for the ap-
statutes of the United States by arranging
them in order supplying deficiencies, correcting
incongruites simplifying their language, and
reporting them to Congress for its final action
and for the establishment of commission TO
adjudicate and settle private claims against
the United States | am not aware, however
that any of these subjects have been finally
acted upon by Congress Without repeating
for olat a.
which have been assigned in former messages,
| respectfully recommend them again to your
favorable consideration
think it due to the several Executive De-
partments of this Government to bear testimo-
ny to the efficiency and integrity with which
they are conducted With all the careful SUI
perintendence which it is possible for the heads
OF those Departments to exercise. still the due
administration and guardianship of the public
money must very much depend on the vigilance,
intelligence and fidelity, of the subordinate eff
GERS and clerks and especially on those in
trusted with the settlement and adjustment of
claims and accounts. | am gratifed to believe
that they have generally performed their du-
ties faithfully and well They are appointed 20
guard the approaches to the public Treasury,
and they occupy positions that expose them to
cupidlty OF REGULATORS and fraudulent claim
ants can prompt them to employ. 1t will be
but a wise precaution to protect the Govern
ment against that source of mischief and cor
ruption, as far rs it can be done, by the enact
ment OF all proper legal penalties The laws,
IN tins respect are supposed to be defective,
ana therefore deem 1T my duty to call your
attention to the subject, and to recommend
no do lo 60, al 81
ment not only of those who shall accept brides,
but also of those who shall either promise, give,
or offer give, to any of those officers or clerks
bride or reward touching or relating to any
matter of their official action or duty.
1t has been the uniform policy of this Gov
eminent from its foundation to the present day
to abstain from all interference in the domes
| TIC affairs of other nations. The consequence
has been, that while the nations of Europe have
been engaged in desolating wars our country
has pursued It's peaceful course to unexampled
prosperity and happiness. The wars in which
we have been compelled to engage, in defence
OF the rights and honor of the country. have
been fortunately of short duration. During
the terrific contest Of nation against nation,
which succeeded the French revolution, we
were enabled by the wisdom and firmness of
President Washington to maintain our neutral
ity. While other nations We're drawn into this
widesweeplng whirlpool, we sat quiet and un.
moved upon our own shores. While the flow
or OF their numerous armies was wasted by
disease or perished by hundreds of thousands
upon the battlefield, the youth Of this favored
land were permitted to enjoy the blessings of
peace beneath the paternal roof While the
States OF Europe incurred enormous debts, UNI
der the burden of which their subjects still
groan, and which must absorb no small part
OF the product of the honest industry of those
countries for generations to come, the United
States have once been enabled to exhibit the
proud spectacle OF II nation free from public
debt and, if permitted TO pursue our prosper
Gus way for "A few years longer in peace we
may do the same again.
But it is now said 10y some that this policy
must be changed Europe is no longer sepa-
rated from us by voyage Of months, but
steam navigation has brought her within few
days sail Of our shores We see more of her
movements, and take deeper interest in her
controversies. Although no one proposes that
we should join the fraternity Of potentates who
have for ages lavished the blood and treasure
OF their subjects in maintaining the balance of
power" yet it is said that We ought TO inter.
fere between contendng sovereigns and their
subjects, for the purpose of overthrowing the
monarches of Europe, and establishing in their
place republican institutions IL is alleged that
we have heretofore pursued different course
from q sense OF our weakness, but that now
our conscious strength dictates q change of
policy, and that it IL consequently our duty to
mingle in these contests, and aid those who are
struggling for liberty
This IA a most seductive but danoorous nm
peal to the generous sympathies Of freemen.
Enjoying as we do the blessings Of free Gov.
ernment there il no man who has an Ameri-