Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-12-07

under the act of the Sd of March 1859. II, !,
however, it should not be deemed advisable
TO carry that recommendation into effect, l |
would suggest that authority be given for
investing the principal over proceeds of sur
plus referred to, in good securities, with
view to the satisfaction of such other just |
claims of our citizens against China, as are
not unlikely to arise hereafter in course OF
our extensive trade with chat Emr re.
By act of the 5th of August last Congress
authorized the President to instruct the
commanders of sailing vessels, to defend
themselves against, and to-.capture, pirates.
This authority has been exercised In single
instance only. For the more efectual pro-
lection of our extensive and valuable COM
mercc in eastern seas especially, it seems to
me that it would also be advisable to au-
thorize the commanders of sailing vessels to
recapture any prizes which pirates may make
of United States vessels, and their car
goes ; and also to authorize consular
courts, established by law in eastern
countries, to adjudicate the cases. in the
event that this should not be objected to by
local authorities.
If any good reason exists why we should
persevere longer in withholding our recognic
ton of the independence and sovereignty OF
Hayti and Liberia, am unable to discover It,
Unwilling, however, to inauSurate
novel policy in regard to them without
the appreciation of Congress. l
submit Tor your consideration,
the expediency of an appropriation for nam
taining a charge d'dfaires near each OF those
new States. 1t does not admit of doubt
that important commercial advantages
might be secured by favorable treaties with
| them.
THE TREASURY.
The operations of the Treasury
during the period which mas
elapsed since your adjournment, have been
conducted with signal success. The patriot,
ism of the People has placed at the dlsposal
of the Government the large means
demanded by public exigencles
Much of the National loan has been taken
nv citizens of the industrial classes,
whose confidence in their COuntry's faith,
and zeal for their Country's deliyerance from
its present peril, have induced them to con
tribute to the support OF the Government
the whole of their limited acquisitions. This
fact imposes peculiar obligations to economy
in disbursements and energy in action.
The revenue from all sources, including
loans, for the financial year ending on the
3Oth of June, 1861, was $685., 900 y
and the expenditures for the same period
including PAYMENTS on account Of the public
debt were SS4 SIS, 034 Al, leaving a bal
ance in the Treasury, on the LIST OF July
of e, 257 ,065 so. For the first quarter o
the financial year ending on the Both o
Sept, 1861, the receipts from all sources
including the balance OF July LIST, wert
SlO2. So, 500 81, and the expense;
sos. 239, 1913 90, leaving balance on tn,
lst of October, 1861, of 1892, 776 Is
Estimates for the remaining tire
: quarters Of the fiscal year, together Wit
! his views for meeting the demands cOntem
! plated, will be submitted to Congress b.
. the Secretary of the Treasury.
/ 1t is gratifying to know that the expense
made necessary by the rebellion, are not be
7 yond the resources of our loyal people, an'
5 to believe that the same patriotism which la
t thus far sustained theGoyernment, will contln
, ue to sustain it till peace and union shall
i again bless the land.
: THE ARMY.
respectfully refer you % the report O
the Secretary Of War for Information res
pecting the numerical strength OF the Army
and for recommendations having in view a
increase of Its efficiency. and the well beln
: | of the various branches of the service Ell
, trusted to his care 1t is gratifying to know
e hat the patriotism OF the people has prove
a equal to the occasion, and that the mum
Der of troops rendered greatly exceeds tn
: force which Congress authorized me TO cal
into the field. | refer with pleasure to thos
: portions OF his report which make ailusioI
to the credltatle degree OF discipline alread
= attained by our troops, and to the excellen
{ sanitary condition of the entire army.
, The recommendations of the Secretary 70
the organization of the militia upon uni
, | form basis. is a subject of vital importanc
to the future safety of the COuntry-and
, | commended to the serious attention of Con
e gress.
I The large addition to the regular army Il
, connection with the detection that has s
y considerably diminished the number of i;
. officers, gives peculiar Importance t. his re
r commentator for increasing the corps c
>. cadets TO the greatest capacity of the mill
: tary academy.
f BY mere omission, presume, Congress ha
t failed to provide chaplains Tor the hospital
L occupied by the volunteers. This subject wa
: brought to my notice, and | was induced
n draw up the form of letter, one copy {
t which, properly addressed, has been deliyere
=. to each Of the persons and at the dates respe'
g lively named and stated in a schedule, cor
Q tanning also the form of the letter ,marked"A
e and herewith transmitted. These gentlemen
| understand entered upon the duties desg
mated at the times respectively stated in tn
schedule. and have labored therein eve
: since | therefore recommend that they
t pensated at the same rate as Chaplair
: in the army. | further suggest that genert
f provision be made for ChaplainS to serve a
e hospitals as well as with regiments.
u THE NAVY.
: The report of the Secretary OF the Nav
s presents in detail the operations of tina
? branch of the service, the activity and ener
!, gY which characterize its administration
and the results of the measures to increas
c its efficiency ard power. Such have bee
I the additions by construction and purchas
| that IL NAV almost be said that NAVY ha