The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-08-26

In the ISSUE VI AICd5oiJ ANOReoj MHFSu LAC PoDAN
service seems to require. No grave inconvenience
need be apprehended from this increased issue, as
the provision Of law by which these notes con-
vertibie into eight per cent bonds, forms an eth
cent and permanent safeguard against any serious
depreciation of the currency. Your attention Is
also invited to the means proposed by the Secre-
tary for facilitating the preparation of these notes,
and for guarding them against forgery. 1t is due
to our people to state that no manufacture cf coun-
tcrfet notes exists within limits and that they
are imported all from the Northern States.
The report of the Secretary of War, which is
submitted contains numerous suggestions for the
legislation deemed desirable in order to add to the
efficiency or the service. | invite your favorable
consideration especially to those recommendations
which are intended to secure the proper execution
Of the Conscript Law, and the consolidation of
companies, battallions and regiments, when so re-
duced in strength as to impair that uniformity of
organization which is necessary in the army, while
an undue burthen is imposed the Treasury.
The necessity for some Legislation for controlling
military transportation on the railroads. and I'M
proving their present defective condition forces
itself upen the attention Of the Government, and
trust that you will be able to devise satisfactory
measures for attaining this purpose The legisla-
ton the sub ject Of general officers involves the
service in difficulties which are pointed out
by the Secretary, and for which the remedy sug-
gested by him seems appropriate.
In connection with this subject, | am of opin-
ion that prudence dictates some provision for the
increase Of the army, in the event Of emergencies
not now anticipated. The very large increase of
forces recently called into the field by the Presi-
dent Of the United States may render it necessary
hereafter to extend the provisions of the Conscript
Law SO as to embrace persons between the ages of
IS and As years. The vigor and efficiency of our
present forces, their condition, and the skill and
ability which distinguish their leaders inspire the
belief that no further enrolment will be necessary,
but wise foresight requires that If necessity
should be suddenly developed during the recess of
Congress- requiring increased forces for defence,
means should exist for calling such forces into the
field without awaiting the re-assembling of the
Legislative Department Of the Government.
In the election and appointment of officers for
the Provisional Army, it to be anticipated
that mistakes would be made and incompetent of
fcers of all grades introduced into the service. In
the absence OF experience, and with no reliable
guide for selection, Executive appointments as
we'll as elections have been sometimes unfortunate
The good Of the service, the interests of
try require, that some means be devised for with
drawing the commission of officers who incon-
petent for the duties required by the position and
L trust that you will find means for relieving the
army Of such officers by some mode more prompt
and less wounding to their sensibility than judg-
mcnt OF Court Martial
Within recent period we have effected the OBJ
ject so long desired of an arrangement for the ex
change of prisoners, which is now being executed
by delivery at the points agreed upon, and which
will, it is hoped, speedily restore brave and
unfortunate cOuntrymen to their places in the
ranks of the army, from which by the fortune of
war they have for time been separated. The
details Of this arrangement will be communicated
RI in cpnoiol rrhoD
has been made in THEN execution.
OF other particulars concerning the operations
Of the War Department, you vii! be informed by |
the Secretary in his report and the accompanying |
documents.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy, en-
braces statement of the operations and present |
condition of this branch Of the public service, both
afoat and ashore the construction and equipment |
If armed vessels at home and abroad the manu-
acture Of ordnance and ordnance stores; the es-
adjustment of workshops and the development of
our resources Of coal and of iron Some legislation
seems essential for securing crews for vessels The
difficulties now experienced on this point are fully
stated In the Sccretary's report, and invite your
lttention to providing remedy.
The report Of the Postmaster General dscoses
he enbarrassments which resulted in the postal
service from the occupation by tie enemy of the
Mississippi River and portions of the Territory of
liz ulutIcnI CtdteS. i nc measures taken Oy the |
department. for relieving these embarrassments, as
Jar as practicable are detailed in the report. 1t is
l subject of congratulation, that, during the ten
months which ended on the 3lst March last, the
expenses of the department were largely decreased
whilst the revenue augmented, as compared
With corresponding period ending on the 3Oth
June, 1861, when the postal service for these
States was conducted under the authority delega-
ed to the United States. Sufficient time has not
Jet elapsed to determine whether the measures
heretofore devised by Congress, will accomplish.
he end of bringing the expenditures OF the de-
within the limit of its own revenues by
he first of March next as required by the Consti-
luton.
| am happy to inform you, that in spite both of
Establishments and threats used in prof,sion by the
Igents of the government of the United States
he Indian nations within the Confcderacy, have
cmained firm in their loyalty and stcadfast in the
observance Of their treaty engagements with this
government. Nor has their fidelity been shaken
~ the fact that owing to the vacancies in some of
he offices of Agents and Superintendent, delay
las occurred in the payments of annuities and
allowances TO which they are entitled | would
ldvse some provision authorizing payments to be
made by other officers in the absence of those es-
'eeially charged by law with this duty.
have never-ceasing cause to be grateful for
he favor with which God has protected our in
ant Contcderacy. And it becomes us rcverently
o return our thanks and humbly to ask of his
,ounteouSness that wisdom which is needful for
he performance OF the high trusts with which VIC
re charged. JEFFERSON DAVIS.