Year: 1861

 with tho view to encourage tho manutac- ture of these articles so indispensable Tor our defense, at as many points within our territory as possible.

 I cali vour attention to the recommenda- ton of the secretary, for the establishment of a magazine and laboratory, for prePar- tion of ordnance stores, and the necessary appropriation for that purpose. Hitherto such stores usually have been prepared at the navy yards, and no appropriation was made at your last session for thls purpose

 The secretary also calls attention to the fact that no provision has been made for the payment of invalid pensions to onr own citizens Many of these persons are ad- vanced in life, they have no means of sup port, and by secession of these States, have been deprived of their claim against the government of the United States. l re- commend the appropriation of the sum ne cessary to pay these pensioners, as we'll as those of the army, whose claims can scarce ly exceed twenty thousand dollars per an mum.

 The postmaster general has already sue ceeded in organizing his department to such an extent as to be in readiness to as- sume the direction of our postal affairs, on the occurrence of the contingency contem- plated bv the act of 18th March, 1861, or even sooner if desired by Congress. The various books and circulars have been pre- pared. and measures taken to secure sup plies ot blanks, postage stamps, stamped l afp tIa presents detailed classification and ar rangement of his clerical force, and asks for its increase. An auditor ot the trea- sury for this department IS necessary; and plan is submitted for the organization of his bureau The great number and mag nitude of the accounts of this department, require an increase of the clerical force in the accounting branch in the treasury. The revenues of this department are collected and disbursed in modes peculiar to itself, and require special bureau to secure proper accountability in the administration of its finances.

 l call your attention to the additional legislation required for this department, to the recommendation for changes ln the law fixing the rates of postage on newspapers, and sealed packages of certain kinds, and especially to the recommendation of the secretary, in which I concur, that you pro- vide at once for the assumption by him of the control of our entire postal service.

 In the military organization ofthe States, provision is pade for brigadier and major generals, but in the army of the Confede- rate States, the highest grade is that of brigadier- generals Hence it will no doubt sometimes occur that where troops of the conlederacy do duty with the militia, the general selected for the command and pos sessed of the views and purposes of this government, will be superseded by an officer of the militia not having the same adyan- tagcs. To avoid this contingency in the least objectionable manner, l recommend that additional rank be given to the gene ral of the confederate army, and concur ring in the policy of having but one grade of generals in the army of the conledelacy, recommend that the law of it's organi- zation be amended, so that the grade De that of general.

 To secure a thorough military education, it is deemed essential that officers should enter upon the study of their profession at an carly period of life, and have elemental " instruction in a military school. Until such school shall be established, 1t is re- commended that cadets be appointed and attached to companies until they shall have attained the age and have acquired the knowledge to fit them for the duties of | ieutenats.

 I also call your attention to an omission in the law organizing tine amy, in relation to military chaplains, and recommend that provision be made for their appointment.

 In conclusion, l congratulate you on the fact, fhat fhatt-JleYery portion of our country: there has been exIi6ifcd <icidrr>T Patriotic 1 devotion to our common cause. Transpor tation companies have freely tendered the use of their line for troops and supplieS.- ! The presidents of the railroads ot the Con federacy, in company with others who con rol lines of communication with States that we hope soon to greet as sisters, as scmbled in convention in this city, and not only reduced largely the rates heretofore demanded for mail service, and conveyance of troops anl munitions, but voluntarily l protlered to receive their compensation at these reduced rates in the bonds of the Confederacy for the purpose of leaving all the resources of the government at 1t, dis posa for the common defense.

 Acquisitions for troops have been met with such alacrty that the numbers tender ing their services have, in every instance, greatly exceeded the demand. Men of the highest official and social position, are 1 serving as volunteers in the ranks. The gravity of age and the zeal of youth, rival each other in the desire to be foremost for the public defense; and though at noother | point than the one heretofore noticed, have they been stimulated by the excitement in- cident to actual engagement, and the hope of distinction for individual achievement, they have borne what, for new troops, is the most severe ordeal-~-patient toll and constant vigil, and all the exposure and discomfort of active service, with a resOIu- ton and fortitude such as to command ap- probation and justify the highest expecta- tion of their conduct when active valor shall be required in place of steady endu- I rance.

 A people thus united and resolved can not shrink from any Sacnhce which they may be called on to make. nor can there be reasonable doubt of their final success, however long and severe may be the test of their determination to maintain their birth right of freedom and equality, as trust which it is their first duty to transmit, un- diminished, to their posterity.

 A bounteous providence cheers us with the promise of abundant crops. The fields of grain which will, within q few weeks, be ready for the sickle, give assurance of the ampest supply of food for man; while the corn, cotton, and other staple production of our soil, afford abundant proof that up to this period the season has been propiti- ous

 We feel that our cause is just and holy; we protest solemnly in the face of mankind that we desire peace at any sacrifice, save