Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1852-12-09


report of the Postmaster General for the detailed
operation of this Department during the last
fiscal year, from which it will be seen that the
receipts from hostages for that time were less
BY s. ,l3l ,0l6 than for the preceding fiscal
year, being a decrease Of about % per cent
This dminuton is 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 its operation during the last year
the act referred TO has not fulfilled the predic-
tons OF its friends by increasing the conespon-
dence of the country IN proportion to the reduc-
ton of postage, ! should nevertheless question
the policy of returning to higher rates. Expert
cuce warrants the expectation that as the COM
munlty becomes accustomed TO cheap postage.
correspondence viii increase 1t is believed
that from this cause, and from the rapid growth
of the country IN population and business, the re-
ceipts If the Department must ultimately exceed
its expenses, and that the country may safely
rely upon the continuance of the present cheap
rate of postage.
In former messages ! have. among other
things respectfully recommended 20 the consd-
Grafton Of Congress the propricty and necessity
of further legislation for the protection and pun
lshment of fore On consuls residing M the United
States To revive with certain notifications the
act of the 10th March, lc3s. to restrain unlaw-
of conirrminous states and territories for the
preservation and protection from mutilation or
theft of the papers, records, and archives Of the
nation for authorizing the surplus revenue 10
be applied to the payment Of the public debt in
advance of the time when il viii 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 valley to the Pacific ocean; for
D n.
the promotion OF that interest, perhaps the most
important in the country; for the prevention Of
frauds upon tie Government in applications for
pensions and bounty lands for the establish
mcnt OF q uniform fee BILL prescribing specific
compensation for every service required of
clerks, district attorneys, and rharshos for ALL
thorziug an additional regiment Of mounted
mcn. for the defence of our frontiers against the
Indians and for fulfilling our treaty stipuauons
with Mexico 10 defend her citizens against the
/ Indians with equal diligence and cncrgy Us our
own;' for determining the relative rank be-
tween the naval and crvil officers in our public
ships, and between the officers of the Amy and
Navy ia the various grades Of each for reor-
gaming the naval establishment by fixing the
number of officers IN each grade. and providing
for a retired list upon reduced pay of those unfit
/ TO active duty for prescribing and regulating
punishments M the navy; for the appointment Of
commission 10 revise the pubic statutes oi the
Umt'd states, by arranging them IN order sup
plying detciencies, correcting lncongruites, slim
phlyng ther language ana reporting them to
congress Tor MS hnal acton and Tor the eslab-
hshmrnt OF commission 10 adludicatc aud set
the private clnns against the United States.
ann not aware however, ih1t any of these sub
lecis nave been hnally acted upon by ongress.
Without repeating the reasons for legislation on
these subjects which have been assigned n for
iner messages ! respectfully recommend them
again 90 your favorable consideration
thnk q due 20 the several Executive Depart
ments of this Government 10 hear testimony 10
the efficiency and integrity with which they are
conducted lth all the careful supernieud-
encc which u is possible for Me hCads of those
departments 20 exercise stll the due admmstrn-
ton and guardianship of the public money must
very murh depend on the vigilance, intelligence
and hdclny uf the subordinate officers and clerks
and especially on those entrusted with the set
Element and adjustment OF claims aud accounts.
ann grauied 20 believe tlat ihcy have generally
performed their duties faithfully and we'll They
are appointed TO guard the approaches 90 the
public rcasury, and they occupy positions that
expose them to an the temptations and scjuc-
tons which the cupdty Of pecuitors and fraud
ulent claimants can prompt them 10 employ II
viii be bui "a wise precaution o protect the Gov
on 4