True Democrat., 1863-02-25

be with our true interests, that they should be published with this message. l there fore cons fine myself to inviting your attention to the ibs formation therein contained.
 The report of the postmaster>general shows that, during the first postal year underour gov- ernment, terminating on the Both of June last, our revenues were in excess of those received by the former government its last postal year, while the expenses were greatly .decreased.- IS stil, however, a considerable dehclt III the revenues of the department, as compared with its expenses; and although the grants already made from the general treasury will suffice to cover all liabilities to the close of the fiscal year. ending on the 30th June next, l recon. mend some legislation, if any be constitu< tionaIly devised, for aiding the revenues of that department, during the ensuing fiscal year, in order to avoid too great reduction of postal facilities. ! our attention Is also invited to nu- merous other Improvements in the service, rec commended in the report, and for which legs- laion IS required.
 I recommend to the Congress to devise proper mode of relief, to those of our citizens whose property has been destroyed by order of the government, in pursuance oia policy adopt ed as a means of national defense. It is true that full indemnity cannot be made, but some measures of relief is due to those patriotic citizens who have borne private loss for the public good; whose property ln effect has been taken for public use, though not directly appro- priated s1
 Our Government born of the spirit of free dom and of the equality and independence of the States, could not have survived selfish or jealous disposition making each one careful Of it's own interest or safety. The fate of the Conederacy, under the divine blessings of prov idence, depends upon the harmony, energy and. unity of the States It especially devolyes up on you, their representatives, far as practice able, to reform abuses, to correct errors, to cu- 'tivate fraternity, and to sustain in the people just confidence in the government of their choice. To the confidence and to the unity and selt sacrificing patriotism hitherto displayed, IS due the success which has marked the unequal contest and has brought country into con- dltlon at the present time such as the most san guine would not have ventured to predict at the commencement of our struggle. Our armies are larger, better disciplined and more thor oughly armed and equipped than at any pre- vions period of the war. The energies of a whole nation devoted to single object of success in this war, have accomplished narvels. and many of our trials have by benefcept providence, been converted into blessings. The magnitude of the peris We encountered have developed the qualities and illustrated the hero. ic character of our people, thes gaining for the CoBfederacy from its birth a just appreciation from the other nations of the earth. The ini,,- ries resulting from the interruption of foreign commerce, have received. compensation by the development of our internal resources. Cannon crown fuftreSSes that wtre cast. from the products oi miues opened and furnaces built during the war. Oar mountain caves yield much of the nitre for the manufacture of pow~ der, and promises Increase of product. From onr own fGuudriea and laboratorrs, from otr own armolT~i and work kshope we derive in a great measure, te warike materials, the ord uancH and ordnance stores which are expended 30 prJtaaely in the numerous and desperate eli- agreements that rapidly succeed each othpr- Cotton aui wooden fabrics, and shoes and har- ness, wagon and gun carriages are proauced in daily increasing quantities by the factories spriugino into exisfence. Our fields no longer whicn with cotton that cannot be exported, are devoted to the production of cereals and the production of stock formerly purchased with the proceeds of cotton. In the homes of our noble and devoted women, without whose sub- lime sacrifices our success Would have been impossible, the noise of the loom-and of the spinning wheel may be heard throughout the land. With hearts swelling with gratitude, let Us, then, join in returning thanks to God and in bescheeching the continuance of his protect ing care over our cauSe and the restoration of peace with it's manifold blessings to our below ed country.
 JEFFERSON DAVIS.
 Richmond, Jan. IF, 1863.