The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-12-15

M eSiiiSoiy W the lnuidnS, out as IlSt rs
her settlements advance lays it off into
counties, and proceeds to survey and sell
it. This policy manifestly tends, not only
to alarm, and irritate the Indians, but to
compel them to resort to plumber for sub
sistancc.
1t also dcprives this Government of tha.
influence and control over them without
which no durable peace can ever
exist between them and the whites. |
trust, therefore, that due regard for her
own interests, apart from considerations
OF humanity and justice, will induce that
State to assign small portion of the vast
domain for the provisional occupancy Of
the small remnants of tribes within her
borders, subject Of course to her ownership
and eventual jurisdiction. IfShc should
fail to do this, the fulflment of or treaty
stlpuations with Mexico, and our duty to
the Indians themselves, will, it is faret.
become subject of serious embarrassment
to the Government. 1t is hoped, however,
that a timely ami just provision 10y Texas
may avert this evil.
No appropriations for Notifications were
made at the two last sessions of Conrrcss.
The cause of this omission is, probably,
to be found in Il growing belief that the
system of Notifications adopted in 1916,
and heretofore acted on, requires revision.
The subject certainly deserves full and
careful Investigation; but it should not be
delayed longer than can be avoided. In
the meantime there are certain works
which have been commenced-somco of
them nearly completed designed to pro-
tect our principal seaports from Boston to
New-Orleans, and few other importation
points. In regard to the necccssitv for
these works, it is believed that little dit
ference of opinion exists among military
men. | therefore recommend that the
appropriations necessary TO prosecute them
be made.
invite your attention to the remarks
on this subject, and on others connected
with his Department, contained in the
accompanying report Of the Secretary of
War;
Measures have been taken to carry into
effect the law of the last session, making
provision for the improvement of certain
rivers and harbors, and it is believed that
the arrangements made for that purpose
VIII combine efficiency with economy.
Owing chiefly to the advanced season
when the act was passed, little has vet
poeh uo"~ in regard 10 many of the works
beyond making the necessary prcnarat;ons
With respect to few of the improvements,
the sums already appropriated will suffice
to complete them, but most of them viii
require additional appropriations. I trust
that these appropriations will he made.
ana that tins wise and beneticent policy
SO auspiciously resumed, will be continued.
Ereat care shonld be taken however. TO
commence no work which is not of suf.
ncient Importance to the commerce ofthe
country to be viewed as national in IFS
character. But works which have been
commenced should not be discontinued
until completed, as otherwise the sums
expended will, in most cases, be lost.
The report from the Navy Department
will inform you of the prosperous condi
ton OF tho branch of the public service
committed to its change. 1t presents to
your consideration many topics and sur-
gestIons OF which ask your approval. 1t
exhibits an unusual degree of activity in
the operations of the Department during
the past year. The preparations for the
Japan expedition, to which have alrca-
dy alluded; the arrangements made for
the exploration and survey of the China
Seas, the Northern Pacific and BEHRING'S
Straits; the incipient measures taken to-
wards reconnaissance of the continent of
Africa eastward of Liberia;the preparation
for an early examination of the tributaries
OF the river La Plata, which q recent de-
cree of the provisional chief of the Arpen.
tine Confederation has opened to naviga
tlon; all these enterprises, and the means
by which they are proposed to bc accom-
plished, have commanded my full appro-
baton, and [ have no doubt will be pro-
ductive OF most useful results. Two of
ticers OF the navy were heretofore instruct
ed to explore the whole extent of the
Amazon river, from the confines of Peru
to its mouth. The return of one of them
has placed in the possession of the Gov
eminent an interesting and valuable ac-
count of the character and rcsourscs Of q |
country abounding in the materials Of
commerce, and which; if opened to the in
dustry ofthe world, will prove an mex
haustlble fund Of wealth. The report of
this exploration will be communicated to |
you as soon as it is completed.
Among other subjects offered to your
notice by the Secretary of the Navy, I |
select for special commentator, in view |
OF its connexion with the interests of the |
navy, the plan submitted by him for the |
establishment Of permanent corps of
seamen, and the suggestions he has pres
ented for the reorganization of the Naval
Academy.
In reference TO the first of these, ] take
occasion to say that think it will greatly
improve the efficiency of the service, and
that regard it as still more entitled to
favor for the salutary influence it must
exert upon the naval discipline, now great
lY disturbed by the increasing snirit nf