Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-16

DIrS1d uhder tac strictest accountability. Ea f.
lghtened economy does not consist in the refusal
to appropriate money for constitutional pur-
pses essential to the defence, progress and pros
psrity of the republic, but in taking care that
none of this money shall b. wasted by misman-
agement, in its application to the objects des-
ignated by law.
Comparisons between the annual expenditures
at the present time, and what it was ten or
twenty years ago, are altogether flllacious.
The rapid increase Of our country in extent and
population, renders "a corresponding increase of
expenditure, to some extent, unavoidable. This
is constantly creating new objects of expendi
ture, and augmentins the amount required for
the old. The true questions, then, are, have
these objects been unnecessarily multiplied or,
has the amount expended upon any or all OF
them, been larger than COMFORTS with due
economyt In accordance with these principles,
the heads Of the different executive departments
of the government have been instructed to re-
duce their estimates for the next fiscal year to
the lowest standard consistent with the efficiency
of the service, and this duty they have perlorm-
cd in IA spirit of just economy. The estimates
of the Treasury, War, Navy and Interior De-
pirtnents, have each been in some degree re-
duced and unless sudden and unforeseen
"
q deficiency will exist in either within the pres
ent fiscal year the Post Ohce Department is
placed in Il peculiar position, different from
the other departments, and to this shall here
after refer.
invite Congress t. institute u rigid scrutiny
t. ascertain whether the expenses in all the de-
plrtments cannot be still further reduced and
pr,nisy them all the aid in my power in pur-
suing the Investigation.
transmit herewith the reports made to me
by the Secretaries of War, Of the Navy, of the
Intaiior. and of the Postmaster General. They
each contain valuable inform lti1n and important
recommendations, to which invite the atten-
tlon OF Congress.
In my last annual message took occasion to
recommend the immediate construction Of ten
small steamers, light drAught, for the purpose
OF increasing the efficiency of the navy. Con-
gress responded to the recommendation by an
thorzing the construction of eight Of them
The pro crtss which has been made in executing
this authority is stated in the report OF the
Secretary of the Navy. | concur with him in
opinion, that greater number Of this class OF
vessels is necessary for the purpose of protect
ing in IL more efficient manner the persons and
property of American citizens on the high seas,
and in foreign countries, as well as in guarding
more efictually our own coast. | accordingly
recommend the passage of an act for this pur-
pose.
The suggestions contained in the report of the
Secretary of the Interior, especially those in
regard t., the disposition of the public domain
the p nsiJn and bounty land system, the policy
towards the Indians, and the amendment o
our p,tent laws, arc worthy of the serious con
sideratian of Congress.
The Post Office Department occupies posi-
ton very different from that of the other de
ptrtnents. Eor many years it was the policy
of the government to render this self-sustain
ing department; and if this cannot now he nc
complshed in the present condition of the coun
try, We ought to make as near an approach t.
it us may be practicable.
The Post Master General is placed in a mos
embarrassing position by the existing laws
lie is obliged to carry these into effect. He ha
no other alternative. lie finds, however, tina
this cannot be done without heavy demand
upon the treasury over and above what is re
ceived for postage; and these have been pro
gressingiy increasing from year to year, unit
they amounted fer the last fical year, ending OF
the 30th of June, 1853, to more than fou
millions and half of dollars whilst it is est
mated that for the present fiscal year they will
amount to 81, 100000 These sums are exclu
sivo Of the annual appropriation OF 700 goo
for "eenpensation for the mail service perform
cd for the two houses OF Congress, and the othe
departments and officers of the government il
the transportation of free matter.
The cause of the large deficits is mainly at
tributable to the increased expense of transport
ing the mails, In 1852 the sum paid for thi
s.rplce was but fraction above four million
and quarter. Since that year it has annual
increased until in 1858 it has reached more tina
eight millions and a quarter; and for the ser
vice of 1859 it is estimated that it will amour
to more than ten millions of dollars.
The receipts of the Post Office Department
Can be made to approach OF to equal its cnpen
diture only by means of its legislation of Con
gress. In applying any remedy, care should h
taken that the people shall not he deprived Il
the advantages which they are fairly entitled t
enjoy from the Post Office Department. Th
principal rpmedies recommended to the consid
Grafton Of Congress by the Postmaster Genera
are to restore the former rats of postage upo
single letters to five cents: to substitute for th
franking privilege the delivery to those now en-
titled to it, Of post Office stamps for their COZ
r3>pandcnee, and to dircct tue department, i
mixing contracts for the transportation of tn
mail, to confne itself to the payment Of the SUI
necessary for this single purpose, without re
qlirlng it to he trAnsp rted in p'st coaches q
carriages of amy particaly description. Ind
the present system, the expense to the govern
mt is greatly increased by requiring that til
mail sneuld b. Carl in such vehicles as wi
accommodate passing rs. This will he don
without pay from the department, over all roac
where the travel will r.muneratc the contrD'
tJrs
rheeo recommendations deserve the grave cor
sidslatisn If Congress.
would again call your attention to the col
structun of Pacific Railroad. Time and r
q ,etion have hut served tu confirm ms IN Il
truth and idstce of the observations which
made on this subject In my Last annual messag
t. which Big Leave resp ctfally to refer.
1t is freely admitted that it would he incxp
dent for this government to exercise the pow
of constructing the Pacific Railroad by its ov
immediate agents. Such policy would i
or Ease the patronage of the executive to u da
carsus extent, and introduce system Of iobbii
and corruption which no vigilence on the pa
of federal officials could either prevent Or detet
This can only bo dme by the keen eye, and a
tive and careful sup rvision, of individual ii
private interest. The instruction of this 70
ought, therefore, to be committed to complni
Incorporated by the States, or other agene'
whose pacuniAry interests would be directly
vplved. Congress might then assist them in t
work by grants of Land or of money, or bot
under suc conditions and restrictions as won
secur. the transportations of troops and mu'
tions of war from any charge, and that OF t
United States mail at fair and rcasonAi
price.
The progress of events since the commend
ment of your last session has shown how 81
difficulties disapper before firm and dctermln
resolution At that time such road was dee
ed by wise and patriotic men to be visona
project The great distance to be oyercon