The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-12-12

constantly employed against hostile Indians IN
various quarters, that il can scarcely be- SAID,
with propriety of language, to have been
peace establishment. Its duties have been sat-
isfactorily performed, and we have reason TO ex-
pect, as result of the years operations, great
er security to the frontier inhabitants than has
been hitherto enjoyed. Extensive combinations
among the hostile Indians OF the Territories of
Washington aud Oregon at one time Threatened
the Devastation of the newIy-formed settlements
ofthat remote portion oi the country.
From recent information, are permitted
to hope that the energetic aAd successful opera
tions conducted there viii prevent such combi-
nations in future, and secure to those Terrior-
les an opportunity 10 make slrady progress IN
the dev-lopeutnt of their agricultural and min
eFal resources.
Legislation has been recommended by M on.
previous occasions to cure defects IN the exist
ing organization, and to increase the efficiency
of the army, and further observation has but
served to confirm me IL the views thpn ex-
pressed, and to enforce on my mind the con-
viction that snch measures are not only proper
but necessary.
| have, in addition, TO invite the attention OF
Congress to a change of policy in the distribu-
lion of troops, and to the necessity OF providing
a more rapid increase OF the military armament.
For details oftbesr and other subjects relating to
The army, refer to The report of the Secretary
OF War.
The condftF6n Of the navy is not merely sat
isfactory, but exhibits the most gratifying evi-
'dences of increased visbr. As il is eompara-
tiyeiy small, it is more important that il should
be as complete as possible in all the elements Of
strength; that it should be Efficient 10 the char
acter of its officers, in the zrai and diciplIne OF
its men, in the reliability of its ordinance, and
in the capacity Of IFS ships. In all these vari-
Gus qualities the navy has made great progress
within the last few years.
The execution ofthe law of Congress, Of Feb
ruary 2S, '55, E'to promote the efficiency of the
navy,' has been attended by the most advanta-
geous results. The law for promoting dicipline
among the men is found convenient and sauia-
ry. The system Of granting an honorable dis
charge to faithful seamen on the expiration OF
the period of their enlistment, and permitting
them to rp-pnlist after leave of absence of
few months, without cessation of pay, is highly
beneficial in its Influence The apprentice-sys-
tenn recently adopted is evidently destined to
incorporate into the service large number OF
our countrymtn hitherto so difficult to oprocure.
Several hundred American boys are now on
three years cruise in our national vessels, and
will return well trained spamen. In the ord
nance department there is decided and gFat
Tying indication Of progress creditabe to If and
10 the country. The Suggestions Of the Secle-
tary ofthe Navy, in regard 10 further improve
ment in that branch Of the service, commend
to your favorable action.
The new frigates ordered BY Congress are
now afoaf and two Of them in active service.
: 4 4 L IL. A
and with their formidable battery add largely to
public strength and security
concur in the views EXPRESSED hv the SEC
refarv of the Department in favor Of a still fnr-
ther increase ofour naval force.
The rppDrt al the Secretary of the Interior
presents facts and views in relation 10 internal
affairs. over which the supervision of his DEPART
ment extends. OF much interest and import
ance.
The aggregate sales of the public lands, dn-
ring The last fiscal year, amount TO ,227, ,S78
acres for which has been received the sum of
SIS. .82l.4t4.
Dnrinc the same period there have been Ioca-
ted. with military scrip and land warrants. and
for other PURPOSES. thirty million one hundred
thousand two hundred and thirty acres, thus
making total agcr-rate of thirty nine million
three hundred and twpnty-pight thousand one
hundred and eight acres. On the 30th Of Sep
tesnber last, surveys had heen made of sixteen
million eight hundred and seventy three thou
sand six hundred and ninety-nine acres, a large
proportion of which is ready for market
The suggestions in this report in regard 10
the complication and progressive expansion Of
the different bureaux ofxhe department TO the
pansion system foth4 coTonization Of differ
emf TncIiaT tribes. and the recommendations in