Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-03

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of great value to the producers OF the west
and south in giving them cheap transporta-
ton for their products to the seRooard ana
market, and the consumers IN the east IN CIV
ing them cheaper food, particularly OF those
articles of food which 40 not find foreign
market, and the prices of which therefore are
not regulated by foreign demand. The ad-
vantages of such a work are too obvious for
argument / submit the subject therefore
without further comment.
NAVAL EXPLORATION OF THE AMAZON.
In attempting to regain our lost commerce
and carrying trade, have heretofore called
your attention to the States south OF the
United States, offering a field where much
might be accomplished TO further the object.
suggest that small appropriation be made,
accompanied with authority for the Secre-
tary of the Navy to fit oul naval vessel to
ascend the Amazon river to the mouth OF the
Madeira; thence to explore that river and its
tributaries into Bolivia, and to report to Con-
gress al its next session, or as soon as pracu'
cable, the accessibility Of the country by
water, its resources and population so
reached. Such an exploration will cost but
little it can do no harm, and may result IN
establishing trade of value to both nations.
COINAGE.
In further connection with the treasury
Department, | would recommend revision
and modification of the tariff laws and the
opening of more minis for coming money,
with authority to coin for such nations as
may apply.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
The attention ofCongress is invited to the
recommendations contained in the report of the
Secretary of War, herewith accompanying.
The apparent great cost of supporting the ar
my is fully explained by this report, and 1
hope will receive your attention. Whlie ln-
viting YOUR attention to all the recommended
tons made by the Secretary OF War, there are
two which would especially invite you TO
consider; first the Importance of preparing
for war in time of peace by providing proper
armament for our sea coast defence. Proper
armament is Of vastly more Importance than
Notifications. The latter can be supplied
very speedily for temporary purposes when
needed; the former cannot. l he second Is
the necessity Of rcopening promotion IN the
staff CORPS of the army.
Particularly is this necessity felt in the
medical, pay and ordnance departments. At
this time it is necessary to employ contract
surgeons to supply the necessary medical at
tendance required by the army. With the
present force Of the pay department 1T is now
difficult to make the payments to troops pro-
vded tor by law. Long delays in payments
are productive of discussions and other de-
moralizations, and the law prohibits the pay
ment OF troops by other than regular army
paymasters. There are now sixteen yacan-
ces in the ordnance department. thus leav'
ing that branch of the service without sufti
Gent officers to conduct the business of the
different arsenals on n large scale if ever re-
quircd.
NAVY DEPARTMENT.
During the past year our navy has been
depleted by the sale of some vessels no long
er fit for naval service, and by the condemna-
ton of others not yet disposed of. This.
however, has been more than compensated
for by the repair of six of the old wooden
ships and by the building of eight new sloops
of war, authorized by the last Congress. The
building of the latter has occurred at douby
fortunate time. They are about being COM
pleted at a time when they may possibly be
much needed, and the work upon them has
not only given direct employm ut to thous-
ADDS of men, but has no doubt been the
means of keeping open establishments for
other work at time OF great financial DIS
tress. Since the commencement of last
month"; however, the distressing occurrences
which have taken place in the waters OF the
caribbean sea, almost on our very seaboard,
while they illustrate most forcibly the neces-
sity always existing that nation situated ike
ours should maintain in state OF passable
efficiency navy adequate TO its responsibill-
ties, has at the same time demanded that all
the effective force we really have shall be put
in immediate readiness for warlike service.
This has been and is being done promptly
and effectualy, and am assured that all the
available ships and every authorized man of
he American navy will be ready for whatever
action is required for the safety of our citi-
zens or the maintenance of our honor. This
IF course, will require the expenditure, IN
hort lime, of some of the appropriations
= hich were calculated to extend through the
iscal year, but Congress will, doubt not,
understand and appreciate the emergency,
md will provide adequately, not only tor the
present preparation, but for the future main
enance of our naval force. The Secretary
# the Navy has, during the past year, been
putting some of our most effective monitors
n condition for service, and thus the emerg-
.ncy finds US in much better condition for
sar than we could possibly have been without
lis action.
PosT OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
A complete exhibit is presented in the &C
report ofthe Post Master General
If the operations of the Post Office Depart
nent during the year. The ordinary postal rev.
,nue for the fiscal year ending June 80, 1873
amounted to S22 996, 74l.57 and the expendi-
ures of all kinds to 500 S4,9i5,G7. The in
crease of revenue over 1872 was 81 ,0Sl,3l5.
20, and the increase of expenditures s., 42G,
1886 independent of the payments made
rom special appropriations for mail steam
ship lines. The amount drawn from the
general Treasury 10 meet deficiencies was 50,
3G5.i75.
The constant and rapid extension of our
postal service, particularly upon railways,
and the improved facilities for collection,
rams mission, distribution and delivery ofthe
mails, which are constantly being provided,
account for the increased expenditures OF
This popular branch of the public service.
The total number of post offices in opera
ton on the 30th of June, 1878, was 33,244,
net increase of 1881 over the number re-
ported the preceding year. The number of
presidential offices was 1903; an increase
of 1853 during the year, the total length of
railroad mail routes at the close OF the year,
was G3 457 miles; an increase of J.5i6 miles
over the year 1872.
Fifty nine railway post Office lines were
in operation on the 30th of Jnne, 1878, ex-
tending over l4,SGG miles of railroad routes,
and performing an aggregate service of
"a 925 miles daily. The number of letters
-.