Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-12-11
the course of our extensive trade with that

This authority has been exercised in a single
| instance only. For the more effectual protec-
! tion of our extensive and valuable commerce,
/ In the Eastern seas especially, it seems to me
| that 1T would also be advisable to authorize
the commanders of sailing vessels to recapture
| any prizes which pirates may make of United
| States vessels and their cargoes, and the Con-
suar Courts established by law in Eastern
! countries to adjudicate the cases in event that
| this should not be objected to by the local au
| thorities.
If any good reason exists why we should
pcrseverc longer in Withholding our recognition
of the independence and sovereignty of Hayti
| and Liberia, | am unable to discern it-un-
! willing, however, to Inaugurate novel policy
| in regard to them without the appreciation OF
! Congress.
| submit, for your consideration, the expe-
diency of an appropriation for maintaining a
Charge de affairs near each of those new States.
| 1t does not admit Of doubt that important com
mercial advantages might be secured by favor
! able treaties with them.
The operations of the Treasury during the
| period which has elapsed since your adjourn
| ment, have been conducted with signal sue
cess. The patriotism Of the people has placed
| at the disposal of the Government the large
| means demanded by the public exigencies.
Much of the National Loan has been taken by
citizens of the industrial classes, whose conf
dence in their country's faith and zeal for
have induced them to contribute to the sup
port of the Government the whole of their
/ limited acquisitions. This fact imposes Pc
culiar obligations to economy in disburse-
ments and energy In action.
The revenue from all sources, including
loans for the financial year, ending on the 3Oth
of June, 1861, was $50 1856 800 27, and the ex-
penditures for the same period including pay
ments on account of the public debt. were
SS4 ,57S 1884 AZ, leaving balance in the Treas
ury on the 1st of July, of 50, ,257 ,065 80 For
the first quarter of the financial year ending
on the Both of September, 1861, the receipts
from all sourSes including the balance of the
lst of July, were Sl02, ,532 500 q, and the ex-
penseS S98. 239, 733 09-leaving balance on
the lst of October, 1861, of S4 ,29,716 Is.
Estimates for the remaining three-quarters
of the year and for the financial year of 1868,
together with his view OF ways and means for
meeting the demands contemplated by them,
will be submitted to Congress by the Secretary
of the Treasury.
1t is gratifying to know that the expendi-
lures made necessary by the rebellion are not
beyond the resources of the loyal people, and
TO believe that the same patriotism which has
thus far sustained the Government will continue
to sustain it till peace and union shall again
bless the land.
/ respectfully refer to the report of the
Secretary of War for information respecting
the numerical strength of the army, and fer
recommendations having in view an increase
of its efficiency and the well being of the
various branches of the service entrusted to
his care. 1t is gratifying to know that the
patriotism of the people have proved equal to
the occasion, and that the number of troops
rendered greatly exceeds the force which
Congress authorized me to call into the field.
| refer with pleasure to those portions OF
his report which make allusion TO the credta-
BILE degree of discipline already attained by
our troops, and to the excellent sanitary con-
dition of the entire army.
The recommendation of the Secretary for
an organization of the militia upon uniform
basis, is subject of vital Importance to the
future safety of the country, and is common
ded to the serious attention of Congress.
The large addition to the regular army, in
connection with the detection that has so
considerably diminished the number of its
officers gives peculiar Importance to his recon-
mendation for increasing the corps of Cadets
to the greatest capacity the Military Academy
By mere omission, presume, Congress has
failed to provide Chaplains, for Hospitals occu-
pied by Volunteers. This subject was brought
to my notice and was induced to draw up
the form. of letter, one copy of which proper
ly addressed, has been delivered to each OF
the persons, and at the dates, respectively
named and stated in schedule containing
also the form of the letter, marked A. and
herewith transmitted.
on the duties designated at the times respec-
lively stated on the schedule and have labored
faithfully therein ever since. l therefore re-
commend that they be compensated at the
same rate as chaplains in the army. l would
also here further suggest that general provision
be made for chaplains to serve at the hospitals
as well as with regiments. The report of the
Secretary of the Navy, presents in detail the
operations of that branch of the service. The
activity and energy which have characterized
its administration, and the results OF
measures to increase its efficiency and power.
Such have been the additions by construction
and purchase, that it may almost be said
Navy has been created and brought into service
since our difficulties commenced. Besides
blockading our extensive coast. Sqnadrons
larger than ever before assembled under our
flag, have been put afloat and performed deeds
which have increased our Naval renown.
l would invite special attention. to the re-
commendation of the Secretary for more
perfect organization of the Navy by introdu-
cling additional grades in the service. The
present organization is defective and unsatis-
factory and the suggestions submitted by the
department will, it is believed, if adopted OBJ
viate the difficulties alluded to, promote har-
mony, and increase the efficiency OF the Navy.
There are three vacancies on the bench OF
the Supreme Court, two by the decease OF
Justices Daniel and Mclean, and one by the
resignation Of Justice Campbell. 1 have so
far forborne making nominations to I'LL these
vacancies for reasons which will now state.
Two of the outgoing Judges resided within
the States now overrun by revolt, so tnat II
their successors were appointed in the same
localities they could not now serve upon their
circuit, and many of the most competent men |
there, probably, would not take the personal
hazard of accepting to serve even here, upon
the Supreme Bench.