The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1871-12-30

cials to large sums. 1t has always
seemed to me as if this system must
at times work pernciously. 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 huctuation in the
value of gold, as compared with the
national currency, has a most damag-
ing effect upon the increase and
development of the country in keeping
ND 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 Il
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
wear, 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.
| 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. [
recommend that the number of Off
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
filled 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 our
material will admit, OF using smaller
vessels as cruisers on the several sta
tons. Bysthese means We have been
enabled to occupy at once a 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 past
year this navy has, in addition to its
regular service, supplied the men and
officers for the vessels OF the coast
survey, and has completed the sur
veys authorized by Congress of the
Isthmus of Darien and
TEHAUNTEPEC,
and under the same authority has
sent out an expedition completely
furnished and equipped to explore the
unknown ocean of the north. The
suggestions of the report as to the
necessity of increasing and improving
the material of the navy, and the plaT
recommended for reducing the per
sonal expenses of the navy to a peace
standard by the gradual abolition
of certain grades of officers, tn,
reduction of others and the employ
ment of some in the service of thu
commercial marine are well consider
ed, and deserve the thoughtful atten
ton of Congress. | also recommend
that all promotions in the navy abov,
captain be by selection instead of by
seniority. This course will secure, il
the higher grades, greater efficienc.
and hold out an incentive to youn;
officers to improve themselves in thu
/ knowledge Of their profession. Tn
| present cost of maintaining the navy
as compared with that of the proceed
} ing year, and the estimates for tn
| ensuing year, are contained in tn
accompanying report OF the Secretar,
: of the Navy.
Under the provisions of the act O
. Congress approved February 81, 1871
5 a territorial government was organ
t lied in the
: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Its results have thus,far fully realize,
: the expectations of it's advocates
Under the direction of the Territoria
officers, system of improvements ha
; been inaugurated, by means of whic
: E Washington is rapidly becoming
l city worthy of the national capital
: The citizens of the District havin
voluntarily taxed themselves to
large amount for the purpose of con
} tributing to the advancement of tn
seat of government, recommend lib
eral appropriations on the part of Con
gress in order that the government
, may bear its just share of the expense
: of carrying out a judicious system {
Improvement.
BY the
: GREAT FIRE IN CHICAGO,