Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1863-12-11

think it my duty to invite your especial
attention to this subject, and also to that oil
establishing yard and depot for naval pur.
poses, upon ono Of the Western rivers. A
naval force has been created on the interior
waters, and under many difficulties, within a
little more than two years, exceeding In num-
bers the whole naval force Of the country at
the commencement of the present admins
tration. Satisfactory and important as have
been the performances Of the heroic mon OF
the navy at this interesting period, they are
scarcely more wonderful than the services Of
our mechanics and artisans in the produc.
ton Of war vessels, which has created q new
form Of naval power. Our country has ad-
vantages superior to any other nation in our
resources of iron and timber, with inexhaust-
able quantities of fuel in the immediate Vi
cinity Of both, and all available, and in close
proximity to navigable waters, without the
advantage of public works. The resources
of the nation have been developed and its
power displayed in the construction of navy
Of such magnitude, which has, at the very
period Of its creation, rendered signal service
to the Union.
The increase OF the number Of men in tho
public service, from seven thousand in the
spring Of 1861, to about twenty four thous-
and ut the present time, has been accom-
plished without especial legislation, and ex.
traordinary bountes to promote that increase
II has been found, however, that the opera
tons Of the draft, with high bountics paid
for army recruits, 10 beginning to affect, inju.
riously, the naval service, and will, If not
corrected, be likely to impair its efficiency by
and inducing them to enter the army.
therefore respectfully suggest that Congress
might aid the army and navy service by id.
equate provision on this subject, which would
at the same time be equitable to the cotnmu.
nifty more especially interested. ! recommend
to your consideration the suggestion Of the
Secretary Of the Navy, in regard to the poll
cy Of fostering and maintaining steamers for
the naval service. The naval academy is
rendering signal service in preparing mid
shipmen for highly responsible duties, which
in after life they will be required to perform
in order that the country should not be dc.
prived of educated officers, for which legal
provisions have been made at naval schools.
The vacancies caused by neglect or omission
to make nominations from States in insur-
rection, have been filled by the Secretary Of
the Navy. The school is now more full and
complete than at any previous period, and in
every respect entitled to the favorable con-
sideration Of Congress.
During tho past fiscal year, the financial
condition Of the Post Office Department has
been one Of increasing prosperity, and am
gratifed in being able to state that the postal
revenue has nearly equallsd the entire ex.
penditurcs the latter amounting to eleven
million three hundred and fourteen thous.
and dollars and eighty-fcu cents, and the
former to eleven hundred and seventy three
thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine
dollars and nity-nine cents, leaving def
cisncy Of but sl5 ,o41, 725 I'm 1860, the year
Immediately preceding the rebellion the def
cheney amounted to 1866, 67O, 549--ths pos.
tai receipts Of that year being $264, 5S2, 216
less than those OF 1863. The decrease since
the year 1850 in the annual amount of trans.
portation has been only about % per cent,
but the annual expenditures on the account
Of the same, has been reduced 80 pei cent.
1t is manifest that the Post Office Depart
ment may become self sustaining in . few
years, even that branch Of the whole service
The international conference Of postal dele
gates from principal countries of Europe and
America, which was called at the suggestion
Of the Postmaster General, at Paris, on the
18th Of Nay last, and concluded its deliber-
atoms on the 9Th Of June. The principles
established by the Conference are best adap-
ted to facilitate postal intercourse between
nations, and a. the basis Of future conven-
tons, inaugurste general system Of uniform
international charges at reduced rates Of
postage, and cannot fail to produce beneficial
results. refer you to the report Of the
Secretary Of the Interior, which is herewith
laid before you for useful and varied informa-
ton in relation to public lands, Indian affairs,
patents. pensions. and other matters OF pub.
lie concern pertaining to his Department
The quantity of land disposed Of during tbs
last and the first quarter Of the present 6s
cal year, Was thrseTmillion eight hundred and
forty. nine acres, Of which ,9l1 acres
were sold for cash. 146,514 acres were IA.
ken up under the Homestead Law, and the
residue disposed OF, under laws, granting
lands for military purposes, for railroad and
other purposes. 1t also appears that the sal,
Of the public lands is largely on the increase
| II has long been the opinion Of some Of oul
western Statesmen that the people Of theNUni
ted States had . higher and more enduring
interest in the early settlement and substsn
tial cultivation Of the public lands, than II
the amount Of direct revenue to be deprived
from the sale Of them. This opinion hal
had controlling influence in shaping legis
lation on the subject Of our national domain
may cite as evidence Of the liberal measure.
adopted in reference to active settlers, tn,
grant to the States Of the overnowed lands
within their limits in order to their being 70
claimed and rendered fit for cultivation, tn
grant to railroad comp snies Of alternate sec
tons of land upon contemplated lines of thei
road, when completed, will, too, largely null
| tiply the facilities for reaching our distan
possessions. This policy has received mos
signal and bsnihcent illustration in . rscen
enactment granting homesteads to active set
tiers since the first day Of January last.
Tho above mentioned quantity Of ono mil
lion four hundred and fifty six thousand fiv
hundred and fourteen acres Of land hav
been taken up under it's provisions. Thi
fact and the amount Of sales, furnish crafty
ing evidence Of increasing settlement upo
public lands Notwithstanding the great atrue
gle in which the energies of The nation hav
been engaged, and which has required 8
large withdrawal Of our citizens from thei
accustomed pursuits. cordially concur j
the recommendation Of the Secretary Of tn
Interior, suggesting modification Of tn
Act in favor Of those engaged in the militar
and naval service of the United States.
doubt not that Congress will chscrfully adoE
such measures As will, without essential
changing the general features Of the system
receive the greatest possible extent Of benz
fits to those who have left their homes in d.
tense of the country in this arduous crisis.
/ invite your attention to the views Of tn
Secretary Of War, as to the proprety Of rail-