American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1862-08-22

append for your information copy
of the papers exhibiting The action of the
Government, up to the present time, fol
the repression Of the oulrages committed
on our people. Other measures now il
progress will be submitted hereafter.
In inviting your attention to the legis-
lation which the necessities of our CON
slltutlon require, those connected with
the prosecution of the war command
almost undivided attention.
The acts passed at your last session
intended to secure the public defence by
general enrolment, and to render uni
form the rules governing troops in the
service, have led to unexpected criticism
that is much to be regretted.
The efficiency OF the law has been
thus somewhat impaired, though it is
not believed that in any of the States
the popular mind has withheld its sane
ton from either the necessity or propri-
ETY. of your legislation. 1t is only by
harmonious as well as jealous action,
that a Government as new as ours, ush-
cred into existence on the very eve of a
great war. and unplovided with the ma
terial necessary for conducting hostili-
ties on so vast scale, can fulfill its du-
ties. Upon you, who are Informed of
the acts and purposes Of the Govern
ment, and thoroughly imbued with the
feelings and sentiments of the people,
must reliance be placed to secure this
great object. You can best devise the
means for establishing that entire CO.
operation of the State and Confederate
Governments which is essential to the
well being of both at all times, but which
is now indispensable to their very exis-
tence. And if any Legislation shall seem.
to you appropriate for adjusting differ
ences of opinion, it will be my pleasure
as well as duty to cooperate in any
measure that NAV be devised for recon
cling a just care for the public defence
with proper Difference for the most scru-
pulous susceptibilities of the State au-
thorities.
The report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury will exhibit in detail the operations of
that department. 1t Will be seen with sat
isfacGon that the credit of the Government
securities remains unimpaired. and hat this
credit is fully justified by the comparatively
small amount of accumulated debt, notwith-
standing the augmentation of our military
operations.
The legislation Of the last session provided
for the purchase of supplies with the bonds
Of the Government but the preference of the
people for Treasury notes has been so marked
hat Legislation is recommended to author
re an increase in the issue of Treasury notes,
which the public service seams TO require.
No grave Inconvenience need be appre-
lended from the increased issue, as the pro-
vision of law by which these notes are con-
rertible into eight per cent bonds, forms an
Efficient and permanent safeguard against
any serious depreciation of the currency.
Your attention Is also invited to the means
proposed by the Secretary for facilitating the .
preparation of these notes, and for guard /
ng them against forgery. 1t is due to our .
1eople to state, that the manufacture of coun-
erieit notes exists within our limits, and that
hey are all imported from the Northern
states.
The report of the Secretary of War, which
; submitted, contains numerous suggestions
or The legislation deemed desirable in order
o add to the efficiency of the service, invite
our favorable consideration especially to
hose recommendations which are intended
. secure the proper execution Of the con
crlpt law, and the consolidation of compa-
les, battalions and regiments, when so re-
? of organization which is necessary in the
rmy, while an undue burthen is imposed on
ne treasury The necessity for some legis-
Ltion for controlling military transportation
n the railroads, and improving their present I
Elective condition, forces itself upon the :
-tention of the Government, and l trust You
i'll be able to devise satisfactory measures
II attaining this purpose.
The legislation on the subject of general |
Ulcers involves the service in some difficult t
es which are pointed out by the Secretary. +
I'd for which the remedy suggested by him :,
ems appropriate. u
In connection with this subject, I am of b
,inion that prudence dictates some proyis-
Il for the increase of the army in the event .
emergencies not now anticipated. The r
ry large increase of forces recently called ~
to the field by the President of the United |
ates may render it necessary hereafter to q
tend the provisions of the conscript law r,
to embrace persons between the ages !
thirty five and forty-fve years The Wig -
and efficiency of our present forces, their G.
ndition, and the skill and ability which c,
their leaders, inspire the belief L
at no further enrolment will be necessary. =
1t wise foresight requires that if a neees- .
Y shOuld he Suddenly dpyp1ODed durinU the OF