The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1871-12-23


customs small salaries, but provide
for shares in all seizures, which, at the
principal ports of entry particularly,
raise the compensation OF these OH
Gals to large sums. 1t has always
seemed to me as if this system must
at times work perneiously. 1t holds
out an inducement TO
DISHONEST MEN,
should such get possession OF these
offices, to be too lax in their scrutiny
of the goods entered to enable them
finally to make large seizures. Your
attention is respectfully invited to
this subject.
The continued fuctuation in the
value of gold, as compared with the
national currency, has most damag-
! ing effect upon the increase and
development of the country in keeping
up the prices of all articles necessary
in everyday life. 1t fosters a
SPIRIT OF GRUMBLING
at the national finances. If the ques-
ton can be met as to how to get
| fixed value to onr currency-that
value constantly and uniformly APP
preaching par with specie-a very
desirable object will be gained.
For the operations of
THE ARMY
in the past year, the expense of main
tanning the estimates for the ensuing
year, and for continuing sea-coast and
other improvements conducted under
the supervision of the war depart
ment, | refer you to the accompany
ing report of the Secretary of War.
l call your attention to the provl-
sions of the act of Congress, approved
March 3, 1869, which discontinues
promotion in the staff corps of the
army until provided for by law. l
recommend that the number OF OIL
GERS in each grade of the staff corps
be fixed, and that whenever the num-
Der in any one grade falls below the
number so fixed, that the vacancy
may be filled by promotion from the
grade below. also recommend that
when the office of chief of a corps
becomes vacant, the place may be
filed by selection from the corps
in which the vacancy exists. The
report of the Secretary of
THE NAVY,
shows an improvement in the number
and efficiency of the naval force,
without material increase in the ex-
pense of supporting it. This is due to
the policy which has been adopted,
and is being extended as fast as ou1
material will admit, OF using smaller
vessels as cruisers on the several sta
tons. By these means we have been
enabled to occupy at once larger
extent of cruising ground, to visit
more frequently the posts where the
presence of our flag is most desira-
BILE, and generally to discharge eff
GENTLY the appropriate duties OF the
navy in time of peace without exceed
the number of men or expenditures
authorized by law. During the pas
year this navy has, in addition to it,
regular service, supplied the men anC
officers for the vessels of the cOas
survey, and has completed the sur
veys authorized by Congress of the
Isthmus of Darien and
TEHAUNTEPEC,
and under the same authority ha
sent out an expedition completed,
furnished and equipped to explore tn,
unknown ocean of the north. Tn
, suggestions of the report as to tn,
|, necessity of increasing and improvin.
! the material of the navy, and the plal
! recommended for reducing the per
! sonal expenses of the navy to a peac
: standard by the gradual abolition
: of certain grades of officers, tn
= reduction of others and the employ
q ment of some in the service Of tn
. commercial marine are well consider
: ed, and deserve the thoughtful atten
: ton of Congress. / also recommen,
o that all promotions in the navy abov
captain be by selection instead of b,
seniority. This course will secure, i
the higher grades, greater efficienc
# and hold out an incentive to yOun
y officers to improve themselves in tn
a knowledge of their profession. TIL
n present cost of maintaining the navy
: as compared with that of the preced
e ing year, and the estimates for tn
n ensuing year, are. contained in tn
It accompanying report of the Secretar
: of the Navy.
d Under the provisions of the act {
e Congress approved February 81, 1S7
IS territorial government was organ
It lied in the
: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
e It's results have thus far fully realize
e the expectations of its advocate
IL Under the direction of the Territori;
! officers, a system of improvements hi
IS been inaugurated, by means of whic
u Washington is rapidly becoming
u city worthy of the national capita
'e The citizens of the District havin
q voluntarily taxed themselves to
large amount for the purpose of col
D tributing to the advancement of tt
seat of government, recommend lii
: eral appropriations on the part of Coz
Is press in order that the 0ovarnma1