Indiana American, Volume 7, Number 50, Brookville, Franklin County, 14 December 1839 — Page 2
to superintendence of th" Secretary of the I rea-ta-e v. The DroDrietv of defining more specifically.
r.v.d of reguUtinjf by law, the exercise of this wide ope of Executive uiacreliou haa beeu already sub1 litteil to Congress.
A change in the o'rieeof collector at one of our i-incip.il ports lias brought it to light a defalcation oftbs grjet charaoU-r, tho particulars of which ,ill be laid before you in a special report from
she Secretarv of the Treasury. By his report and
tU'j accompanying documents, it will be seen that t At weekly returns of the defaulting officer apparntly exhibited throughout a faithful administration f the affairs intrusted to his management. It howver now appears that he com:netied abstracting .be public moneys shortly after his appointment,
:nd continued to do so progressively increasing the
isnount, for the term of more than seven years, em
hrneins a portion of the period during which the
public moneys were deposited in the Bank of the t ailed Stats, the whole of that of the State bank
' . ! oapressiTe taxes are the natural consequences of! triltle, yet, as these monopolies are really injurT
g-ioeral suspension ofs.ie.-ie payments by Hi tie- -uch a connection, siuce thev iucrease the profits oils to the people where they are established, ana
posiw DaKs, oeea Kepi nu u, - - ol-,ho33 wuo are aiiowcd to use the public tunds, .orar, under his general legal Powers, subjec. to rf . .. ,
accumulated and expenditures multiplied. It is thus that a concentrated money power is tempted to become an active agent in political affairs, and all past experincc has shown on which side that
influence will he arrayed. We deceive ourselves if we suppose that it will ever be found asserting and supporting the rights of the community at large in opposition to the claims of the few.
In a Government whoso distinguishing charac
teristic slwuil.l he a diftWon ami eaualization of
its benefits and burdens, the advantage of indivi- tic statistical returns of the great interests specially duals will be augmented at the expanse of the intrusted to, or necessarily affected by the legisla-
i i j . . the revenue derived from them may be less injuri
ously and with eiual facility obtained from another and a liberal system of administration, we cannot doubt that our efforts will be eventually crowned
with success, if presisted in with temperate firmnosa. and unstained bv DHldent legislation
In recommendig to Congress the adoption of
the necessary provisions at this session for taking
tiiifl of Indians shall be found to exitt within the limita of this northern continent it will be owing
to the consummation of that policy which has been so unjustly assailed. Only a very brief reference
to facts in confirmation oi this assertion can in hub form be iriven. and von are therefore necessarily
referred to the report of the Secretary of War for
further details. . To the Cherokees, whose case excited the greatest share of attention and sympathy
the U. States Lave crrantcd in fee, with a perpetual
'guaranty, of exclusive and peaceable possession of
mass of the people. Nor is it the nature of com
binations for the acquisition of legislative influence to confine their interference to the single object for which they were originally formed. The temptation to extend it toother matters, is, on the contrary, not unfrequently too strong to be re- . i ri i : l. . -J: ... r.L! if
l-posite evetem, and concluding only on his retire- " ' . i Y r iZ .aent from office, after that system had substantial- afiairs, of the community at large, is, therefore, in K- r..iUA. i.i waseaaonrn of the susnension of soacic no slight danger ofbeing sensibly and injuriously
iiyments. ; affected by giving to a comparatively small, but The way in which this defalcation was so long i very efficient class, a direct and exclusive person:ncea!ed, and the steps taken to indemnify the U.ja interest in so important a portion of the legislaliates, as practicable, against him, will also bej t-.on 0f Congress ;:s that which relates to the cus.i.esented to you. The case is one which imperi-j t(jd 0,-,j1(J ptIhlic moneys. If laws acting upon
lishes the strongest motiv e for the establishment of i more severe atid secure system for the safe keepug and disbursement of the public moneys than any Jiat has heretofore existed. It seems proper, at all events, by an early enact-
nent, similar to that of other countries, the appl.ca
private interests cannot always be avoided, tney
should be ronlinod within tho narrowest limits, and left, wherever possible, to the Legislature of the States. When not thus restricted, they lead to combinations of powerful associations, foster an influence necessarily selfish, and turn the fair course of legislation to sinister ends, rather than
. . . . t.. ... i. , . . " i w-
lhc next census, or enumeration of the inhabitants, 10,004,1.33 acres 01 lana, on uie i ' . ' "- of th- U. States, the suction presents itselfjsippi, eligibly situated, in a healthy climate, and 01 in. u. owtes, me u 1 . , . . be i all respects better suited to their condition than whether the scope oftho measure might not oe ....... ir :.. Y..n iv,r inlv
' . , ,, ...oont ion liie country nicy a o n-ii, 111 ... j usefully eitr nded by causing it to embrace authen- lLe eMt B;Je of the fc0ame rivcr.
The United States have in addition stipulated to pay lhainfive millions six lvindred t'jousand dollars
for their interest in improvement, on the anc i.ius relinsruished. and one million one hundred and six
ty thousand dollars for subsistence and other beneficial purposes; thereby putting it in their power to become one of the most wealthy and independent separate communities, of the same extent, in the world. By the treaties made and ratified with the Miainies, the Cliippewas, the Sioux, the Sacs and Foxes, and tlie Wiunebagoes, daring the last year, the
Indian title to eighteen millions four hundred ana
fifty eight thousand acres has been extinguished. These purchases have been much more extensive
than those of any previous year, and have, with other Indian expenses borne very heavily upon the
Treasury. I hey leave however, but a small quan-
an lands within the mates ana
to objects that udvance public liberty, and pro
mote the general good. The whole subject now rests witli you, and I
tion of public money by a:i oSicer of Government to rivate uses, should be mde a fclony, and visited A-ith severe and ignominious punishment. This is
ilready, ia effect, the law in respect to the mint, j
tnu nas oeen prouuci:ve 01 111c Hioii ejnumi icsuiio. . , , , . 1 j ninnnf hilt AvnMci a hnna llit enmii HptimTA mfa
Whatever svstem i aJopted, such an enactment .... ' . vould be wise as sn independent measure, since c Lc adopted at the present session, nuch of the public moneys must, in their collection It will not, I am sure, be deemed out of place for ind ultimate disbursement, pass twice through theiine here to remark, that the declaration my views
lands of public officers, in whatever manner they j in oppos.tion to the policy of employing banics as
ire intermediately kept. The Government, it must
deposites of the Government funds, cannot justly
:e admitted, has been from its commencement com
paratively fortunate in thin respect. But the appointing power cannot always be well
. . r
icivisea in us seiecuons, ana me experience 01 eve- . , . , , , n;rrmU. otr,.,;.,...! nn,t r,n H nrru
l.nq s inu-n tlit nnh . ntf .-era are not at " '"J "
be constructed as indicative of hostility, official or
personal to those institutions: or to repeat, in this
form, and in connection with tins subject opinions
with! auainst the consequences i f the
rv country
ail times proof against temptation. It is a duty, ".herefore, which the Government owes, as well to ;i2 interests committal to its Tire as to the officers
Jiemselves, to provide every guard against trans-i propriate
ressions of this character, that is consistent
reason and humanity. Congress cannot be too jea- agement, I have yet ever wished to see bus of the conduct of those who are intrusted with tectej n tj10 exercise of rights confer!
tn puoiicm.mey.anu 1 snail at au times oeaispos-and ,ave nover doubted their utility, when proed to encour igi a watchlul discharge of this duty. , - . .1 . . r.'j , , .. a , fn 3 pcrly managed, in promoting the interests of trade If a more direct co-operation on the part of Congress i .3 . . , ., i,i the supervision of the conduct of tl, officers in- a,nd throi,g that channel, tlio other interests ot tniKtprt wish the riiitn.iv an.! nnnlstinn of the nnh- the community. lo the General Uovernment
tion of Cor.urcss.
The accompanying report of the Secretary of
War presents a satisfactory account of the slate of j the army and of tin several branches of the public j
service confided to the superintendence of that officer. The law incroasinff and organizing the military
establishment of the U. States has been nearly carried into effect, and the army has been extensively and usefully employed during the past season. I would again call to your notice the subjects
connected with and essential to the military defences of the country, which were submitted to you at the last session; but which were not acted upon, as
is supnoscd, for the want of time. The mostitu-j
portant of them is the organization of the militia, v cf unb0urht Indi
on the inaratine and inland frontiers. i '-Vrritories: and the Lcnrislalure and Executive
measure is deemed important, as it is believed that , were equally sensible of the propriety of a final and it will furnish an effective volunteer force in aid of more speedy extinction of Indian titles within those the regular army, and may form the basis for a ge- j limit3 -jlie treaties which were, with a single ex-n-ral system of organization for the entire m,'ilia jcepti0n, made in pursuance of previous appropriaof the U. States. The erection of a national found- ti0ns for defraying the expenses, have subsequently ry and gunpowder manufactory, and one for m-jbeen ratified by the Senate, and received the sancing small arms, the latter to be situated at some U jon cf Congress by the appropriations necessary point west of t he Alleghany mountains, all appear tocarry thetn ito effect. Of the terms upon which to be of sufficient importance to bo again urged P-jt;iese important negotiations were concluded, I can on your attention. jspeak from direct knowledge; and I feel no difiiThe plan proposed by the Secretary of a r for I, jn affirmins tnat the interest cf the Indiaus
the distribution ortue torces ot the Lniieci oiaic.8jin the extonsive territory embraced bv them, is to in time of peace, is well calculated to promote re-! be ailj for at its va!ue; and that no more favorable gularity and economy in the fiscal ndministration of :teruie live heen granted to the United States than the service, to preserve the discipline of the troops I woulJ ,(avc hc(Jn rcaonablv expected in a negotia-
and to render them available tor the maintenance oi tion Wlh civ;Hzed men, fully capable of appreciat-
i lie peace ana iranq'iiuiv oi uiu tuumrv. n uu
this view, likewise, I recommend the adoption of the plan presented by that officer for the defence of
per occasions expressed. Though always oppos
cd to their cieation in the form of exclusive privileges, and, as a State magistrate, aiming by ap-
legislation to secure the community
occasional man-
thetn pro-
rred by law
lie money is deemed desirable, it will give me plea
sure to assist in the establishment of any jndicious and constitutional plan by which that object may be accomplished. You will in your wisdom determine upon the propriety of adopting such a plan, and upon the measure necessary to its effectual execution. When the late Bank of the United States
was incorporated, and made the depository of the j public moneys a right was reserved to Congress to inspect, at its pleasure by a committee of that body; the books and proceedings of the bank. In one of the States whose banking institutions are supposed to rank amongst the first in point of stability, they are subjected to constant examination by commissioners appointed for that purpose, and much of the success of its binking system is attributed to watchful supervision. The same course has also, in view of its beneficial operation, been adopted by an adjoining State, favorably known for the care it
has always bestowed upon what relates to its financial concerns. I submit to your consideration
whether a committee of Congress might not be profitably employed in inspecting, at such interval as
might be deemed proper, the.affairs and accounts ofj
officers entrusted with the custody of the public moneys. The frequent performance of this duty might be made obligatory on the committee in respect to others. They might report to the Executive such defalcations as were found to exist, with a view to a prompt removal from office unless the default was satisfactorily accounted for; and report, also to Congress, at the commencement of each ses-
the western frontier. 'I he preservation of the lives and nroncrtv of our fellow citizens jvho are settled
udoii that border country, as well as the existence
incr and protecting their own rights. For the In
dian title to 110,349,54)7 acres, acquired since the 4th of March, 1S29, the United States have paid $72,400,050, in permanent annuties, lands, reservations for Indians, expenses of removal and subsis-
itence, merchandise, mechanical and agricultural cs
of the Indian population; which might be tempted j tabliKhnient, a.id implements. When the heavy
uy our Wiliii ui rtiurai iuii to iiiaii un nun v.. n destruction and attack the white settlements, all seem to require that this subject should be acted upon without delay, and the War Department authorized to place th.it country in a state of com
plete defence ag iinst any assault from the numer
expenses incurred by the United States, end tli? circumstances that so large a portion of the entire territory will be forever unsaleable, are considered, and this price is compared with that for which the United States sell their own lands, r.o one can
doubt that justice has been done to the Indians in
they present themselves merely as State institu
tions, having no necessary connection with its lc
gislation or its administration. Like other f-tate
establishments, they may be useful or not in conducting the affairs of the Government as public policy and the general interests of the Union may
seem to require. 1 he only safe or proper principle upon which their intercourse with the government can be regulated, is that which regulates their intercourse with the private citizen: the conferring of mutual benefi's. When the Govern
ment can accomplish a financial operation better with the aid of the banks than without it should be
at liberty to seek that aid as it would the services of
a private banker, or other capitalists or agents, giving the preference to those who will serve it on the host terms. Nor can there ever exist an interest in the officers of the General Government.
as such, inducing them to embarass or annoy the
State 'banks any more than to incur the hostility of any other class of State institutions, or of private citizens. It is not in the nature of things that hostility to those institutions can spring from this source, or any opposition to their course of business, except when they themselves depart from the objects of their creation and attempt to
j usurp powers not conferred upon them, or to subi vert the standard of value established by the con-
ous and warlike tribes which are congregated on these purchases also. Certain it is, tint tbe tran
that border. Uactions of the Federal Government with the InIt affords me sincere pleasure lo be able to ap-'dians have been uniformly characterized by a sinprize you of ihe enters removal ol the Cherokee j cere and paramount desire to promote their welfare; naton of Indians to their new homes west of the land it must be a source of the highest gratification Mississippi. Tlie measure authorized by Congress!10 cv"y friend to justice and humanity to learn ... ,1' . ... ..til, r that notwithstanding the obstructions from time to at its last session with a view to the long standing!,. - - . ,,, ,,!ffllIf;M
controversy with them, have had the happiest cf- . f ncculiar and i,npracticable na
ture of the Indian character, the wise, humane, and
stitution While opposition to their regular ope
bion, me resuu oi ineir examinations and proceed-j rations cannot exist in tins quarter, resistance to iogs. It does, not appear to me that, with a sub-- any attempt to make the Geverment dependant jection ofthis callof public officers to the general j upon them for the successful administration of supervision of the Exoc.t.ve, to examine by a com- plthlic alTlirs isa mattcr of dutv a3 i trust ;t miltce of Congress at periods of which they should -n i V . V . have no previa notice, and to prosecution and W'11 e of inclination, no matter from what motive
uivsecu
punishment as for felony for every breach of trust, the safe keeping of the public moneys, under the system proposed, might bi placed on a surer foundation than it has ever occupied since the establishment of the Government. The Secretary of th-j Treasury will lay before you additional information containing new details on this interesting subject. To these I ask yonr early attention. That it should have given rise to great diversity of opinion cannot be a subject
of surprise. After the collection and custody of
me puone moneys Had been lor so many years connected with, ,nd made subsidiary to, tho advancement of private interest, a return to the simple and self-denying ordinances of the constitution could not but be difficult. But time and free discussion eliciting the sentiments of the people, and aided by that conciliatory spirit which has ever characterized their course on great emergencies, are well relied upon for a satisfactory settlement of the question. Already has this anticipation on one important point at least the impropriety of diverting public money to private purposes; been fully realized. There is no reason to suppose that legislation upon that branch of the subject would now be embarrassed by a difference of opinion, or fail
to receive the cordial support of a large majority of
.,,,.0,1. me connection which tormerly existed betwen the Government and banks was in reality injurious to both, as well as to the general interests of the community at large. It arrravatcd the disasters of trade arid the derangements of commercial intercourse, and administered new excitement and additional means to wild and reckless speculations, the disappointments of which threw the country into convulsions of panic, and all but produced violence and bloodshed. The imprudent expansion of bank credits, wliic'i was the natural result of the command of U13 revenues of the state, furnished the resources for unbounded license in every species of adventure, seduced industry from its regular and salutary occupations by the hope of abundance without labor, and deranged the social state by tempting all trades and professions into tha vortex of speculation on remote contingencies. The suma wide spreading influence impeded also tho resources of the Government, curtailed its
viu. oprauons, embarrassed the fulfilment of
i ooiigauons, and seriously interfered with the execution ol tbe Uws. Largs appropriations and
or consideration the attempt mav oriinato
It is no more than just to the banks to say, that, in the late emergency, most of them firmly resiled the strongest temptations to extend their paper issues, when apparently sustained in a suspension of specie payments by public opinion, even though in some cases invited by legislative enactments. To this honorable course, aided by the resistance of tho General Government, acting in obedience
to the constitution and laws of the U. States, to the introduction of an irredeemable paper medium,
may De auriouieu, in a great degree, the speedy restoration of our currency to a sound state, and the business of the country to its wonted Drosneritv.
The banks have but to continue in the same safe
course, and be content in their appropriate sphere, to avoid all interference from the General Government, and to derive from it all the protection and benefits which it bestows on other Stato establishments, on the people of the States, and on the States themselves. In this, their true position, they cannot but secure the confidence and good will of the people and the Government, which they can only lose when, leaping from their legitimate sphere, they attempt to control the legislation of the country, and pervert the operations of the Government to their own purposes. Our experience under the act passed at the last
session, to grant pre-emption rights to settlers on
feet. By on agreement concluded with tlioin by
the commanding genenl in that country, who has performed the duties assigned to him on the occa-
s.on with commendable energy ana Humanity their removal has been principally under the conduct of their own chiefs, and they have emigrated without any apparent reluctance. The successful accomplishment of ihis important object ; the removal , also, of the entire Creek nation, with the exception of a small number of fu
gitives amongst the Seminoles in Florida ; the pro
gress already made towards a speedy completion
of the removal of the Chicasaws. the Choc taws,
the I otlawatamies, the Otawas, and the Chippc-
was, with the extensive purchase of Indian lands during the present year' have rendered the speedy
poll
cy of the Government upon the subject of Indian
afiairs entirely certain 1 he occasion is, therefore, deemed a proper one to placo th;s policy in such a
point of view as will exonerate the Government of
the Lnited States from the undeserved reproach which has been cast upon it through several success
ive administrations. 1 hat a mixed occupancy of the same territory, by the white and red man, is incompatible with the safety or happiness of cither, is a position in respect to which there has long since ceased to be room for a difference of opinion.
Keason and experience have alike demonstrated its
undeviating policy of the Government, in this, this
most difficult of all our relations, foreign cr domestic, has at length been justified to the world in
its near approach to a happy and certain consum nation.
The condition of the tribes which occupy the
couutry set apart for them in the west, is highly
prosperous, and encourages the hope of their early
civilization. 1 hey have, for the most part, aban
doncd the hunter state, and turned their attention
to agriculture! pursuits. All those who have
been established for any length of time in thai
fertile region, maintain themselves by their own
industry. There are among them tiaders of no
inconsiderable capital, and planters exporting cot
ton to some extent; but the greater number ar
small agriculturists, livirg in comfort upon the
produced their farms. Ihe recent emigrant? although they have in some instances removed re luctantly, have readily acquiesced in their unavoid
able destiny. J licy have found at once a rccom
pense lor past sullcnngs, and an incentive to in
dustrious habits, in the abundance and comfor:
around them. There is reason to believe that nil
these tribes are friendly in their feeling towards the United States; and it is to be liopcd that the
acquisition ot individual wealth the pur-ruits of
.... - . . -
imnracticabilitv. The hitter Oniis nf ,., agriculture , ami nabits ot industry, will gradually
tempt heretofore to overcome the banicrs intepos- i subdue their wailike propensiiieF, and incline them ed by nature hav been destruction, both bhysical j to maintain peace among themselves. To effect and moral, to the Indian, dangerous conflicts of au-1 tliis desirable object, the attention of Congress is thority between the Federal and State Gevern-; solicited to the measures recommended by the ments.- and detriment to tho individual prosperity 'Secretary of War for their future rovernment and of the citizen, a: 1 well as to the general improve- protection , as well from each other as from the mentof the country. 1 heremidial policy, the pnn-! L .,:i:. , f ,u ,.Pi i. , iT I.i j ciples of which were sealed more than SO years ! ,,1 ? ,a,rl,Le, . rib "ound hem and ago, under the administration of Mr. Jefferson' con- ill10 1Rt10 of the whites. The policy of the sists in an pstinrtinn. fr.r n fiir imii r J0 ernment has given them a oermancnt home.
the title to all the lands still occupied by the Indi- anJ guarantied to them its peaceful and undisans within the States and Territories of the Uni-jturted possession. It only remains to give them ted States; their removal to a country west of tha ! government and laws which will encourage inMississippi, much i.iore extensive, and better adapt-Jdustry, and secure to them the rewards of their
ea 10 wieir conuuion man mat on wtiicn they men exertions. I he importance of some form of cotresided; the garrentee to taem, by the U. States, of .ernment cannot be too much insisted upon. The their exclusive possession of that country forever, leari:Pt pTVrt ivWI u i 1 .u 1 1 exempt from all intrusions by white menwith im l"i?B eJcta ' ? l dimmish the causes nnd pie provisions foheirsecurity BgHinstexternal vio-!CC.CaS,0n.S for ,i0st'l'llcf a,n""S tribes, to inlence and internal distention and tho extension to ! P" n "tcreat 111 the observance of laws to which them of suitable facilities for their advancement in'1, ? vv'11 "ave themselves assented, and to mu'ticivilization. This has not been the policy of par-j I".' tIie securities of property, and the motives for ticular administrations only, but of each in success-! self-imprvement. Intimately connected with this ion since the first attempt tocarry it outunderthat'snbject, is the establishment of the military dcof Mr. .Monroe. A" lve labored for its accomplish- fences recommended bv the Secretary of Wt ment, only with different degrees of snccess. The which have been already referred to WthoS manner ol its execution has, it is true, from time to them the Government J l 1 y,,hout time given rise to conflicts of opinion and unjust 111'"';, Ternm.ent bo powerless toreimputations; b;.t in respect to the wisdom and ne-!? ?.m ,tS Pledfi".or protection to the emigrating
cessity of the policy itselr. there has not, from the against the numerous warlike tribes that
. J f siMn uui j iiuill lilt; j 1 j --.www iiiui beginning existed a doubt in the mind of any calm . urrouncI cm, and to provide for the safety of the
the public lands, has as yet been too limited to 'judicious, disinterested friend of the Indian race, I frontier settlers of the bordering States.
cuaui us tupiuuoun.ee Willi satoty upon the efficacy of its provisions to carry out tho wise and liberal policy of the government in that respect. There is, however, the best reason to anticipate favorable results from its operation. The recommendations formerly submiited to you, in respect to a graduation of the price of tho nnhlir :1m.!
remain to be finally acted upon. Having found , no reason to change the views then rxmess.l.
, I
there occurred in the early settlement of this coun
iry, as 111 all otiiers where the civilized race has succeeded to the possessions of the s.t
your attention to them is respectfully req iested.i ce8of oppression and fraud on the part of the former,
iiiiv.ii icaeu 1 .11 l ir 1 1 1' l k r eunh t
accustomed to reflection and enligthened expe-j , rLe case of the Seminoles constitutes at present r,e"c0- . i'he only exception to the successful efforts of the Occupying the double character of contractor on t!overnmcnt 10 remove the Indians to the homes aslts own account, and guardian for the parties con- s'ffned them westof the Mississippi. Four hundred tracted with, it was hardly to be expected that the!of tribe emigrated in 18CG, and fifteen hundred
..taimya tu me r enerai Government with the In- x"" nu , leavmg in tho country it is dian tribes would escape misrepresentation. That ! Post about 2,000 ndians. The continued tre
L.verv nronpr PTtm.n t. u I 1- 1 -,, i lu,r,c 1
j 1 - - r' " --.v 11 vii tiua 1 n r 1 1 ill .ill1 . 1 ii.i ,v-i 11- e -
be continued, tocarry out the wishes of Cnnari.!f' ' "?wev.erLbe justly chirged upon this in relation toUie tobicnu.ie.S TZ ! " V
several resolutions of the House of Representatives been just and frieVdl, throughout its cflorts Cor and the legislation of the two branches. A fa- "eir civilization constant, and directed by the best'
. U ""prtsion nas, 1 trust, been made in the dilicrent foreign courts to which particular atton.
tion has been directed, and although wc cannot
. ft uifc? VJV- I V v
irorn monopolies in the fabrication and also of th
feelings of humanity, its watchfulness in nm,.;,
them from individual frauds, unremitting.- its for" bearance under the keenest provocations, the deepAct -ntllpirta At-.. . ll
ffe at leaet a comparison with anv ni;rtn
j ancient or modern, in similar ci rennntlnnf... an1 if
r... - . . .:: - ,
iu uiurc umB a powerful, civilized, and hippy r.
hope for an early change in their policy, as in many I "l :njurics ;and be most flagrant outrages, may
ot iiKiu a convenient and largo revenue is derived . .,.,,
EUp-
. u
1 r . . . iiiuu uuauil-
v.Uu. touuCioi meso people; the savage and un-
k.T 1 nave lately continued, butchering whole families of the settlers of the I emtory, without distinction of are or sot. .
mak.ngthe.r way into the very centre and heart of
""" J. 7no part of it is free from their ravages, their frequent attacks on the light-houses along that dangerous coast; and the barbarity w'S which they have murdered the passengers and f,T:!58UCJh.vuess!1.8" have been wreck. L Ion
.. aUu Keys wnich border the Gulf, leave th Government no alternative but to continue he m li.SiiKKjsr theni untii thcy " There are other motives which would urge the Government to , pursue this course toward the Seminoles. The United Sfatcs hnvc fulfilled in
good fii!i all their treaty stipulations with the u.
dian tribes, and have, in every other instance i
sisted ujxin a like performance of their obligationi To relax from this salutary rule because theSpm
inoles have maintained themselves so lonr in the Territory they had relinquished, and in de'iance of their frequent nnd solemn engagements, still continue to wage a ruthless war against the U. Ststr.
I would not only evince a wantof cons'.ancy on our
pn,uuini uuui cm t-Auuipif m our intercourse with other ti i'.es. Expe rience has shown that but little is to be gained by the march of armies through a couutry so intersected with inaccessible svvamjit and marshes, and which from the fatal character of the climate, must be abandoned at the end if the winter. I recommend, therefore, to vourattfu-
lion the plan submitted by the Secretary of VYr in the accompanying report, for the permanent tccupation of the portion of the territory freed from tho Indians, and the more efficient protection ol' the people of Florida from their inhuman warfare. From the report of the Secretary of the Navy herewith transmitted, it will appear that a laro portion of the disposable naval force isei;!;ercc .?.. mm ..1 itv-nsl fir in i i-.... t.. . 1
i.tv , v. ... a aia.w i jn fuiainju lor uie purposes if experience and decip!ine,and 1I10 pr0. tcction of our commerce. So effectual has been this protection, that, so far as the information (,'
Governmct extends, not a single outrage Ins beca attempted on a vessel carrying the flag of the 1".
States, within the present year, in any nuirtcr
1 . . . . - -
I however ais'.ani or exposcu.
The exploring expedition sailed hom Xt rfoiV
on the 10:h of August last; and information hi?
been received ot its sis arrival at the island of Maderia. The best spirit animate J' cSicers :nd crews, and there is every reason o cnticipate,froa
its efforts, results bcneiiciul to comn-.rce sud
honorable to tiie nation.
It will also-be seen that 110 redaction cf the force now in commission is contemplated. The unset tied state of a portion of South America remicrs i; indispensable that oar commerce should rcceirc protection in that quarter; the vast and increasinr interests embarked in the trade of the Indian am
China seas, in the whale fisheries of the Pacifi: ocean, and in the Gulf of Mexico, require enual si
tcntion to their Eafctr; and a small squadron r
be employed to great advantage on our Atlanta
coast, in meeting sudoen ocmand for the reinforce
mcnt of otter stations, to aiding merchant vesse!
in distress, in adorning active service to ai hii-
tional number of olneers, and in visiting the differ
ent ports 01 the Lmted States, an accurate know'.
ecgcorwhich is obviously ofthe highest importanci
1 he attention of Congress is respectfully called to that portion of the report recommending an in
crease in the number of smaller vessels, tr.i tc
other suggestions contained in that document. Th
rapid increase and wideexpansionof our commerce
which is every day seeking new avenues of profits
Die adventure; me aosolute necessity of a navi
force lor its protection, precisely m the degree
nr extension, a cue regara 10 me national rigtr. nd honor; the collection of its former exploits, at
the anticipation of its future triumphs whener?
opportunity presents itself, which we may ricbtfu!
liiuuiv hum iuc lijjciicutcui 111c pan; ailSCCDl!
point to the navy as a most ethcient arm of ourr.a
tional di fince, and a proper object of leislstiv
encouragement.
The progress :u.d coiulition of the P,
Office DePiirlmcnl will be seen bv referent
to the report of the Post Master Centra!.-!
1 he extent of the post roads, covered by ma
contracts, is stated to be 131,818 mile?, an
the annual transportation upon lhcm315Sfl miles. The number of Tost Ofiiccii
the United States is 12,553, and rapidly id creasing. The gross revenue for the tc
ending on uie Ulti ol June last, was i,2G2
1 15 00. 1 he acct uine expenditures .Cl.fSi
()(8 00; excess of expenditures. s-i 1 7.923 ft
This has been made up out c f the surplus pk 1 1 ri . '. .
un 1...11U. iticrasn on hand cn !r first instant, was ft3i 1,0G8 00. TIie rnm for the vvar ending June 30, 1S3S. was $1G1 510 more than that fer the vcar endinir Ju:
30, 1837. The expenditures of the depar . L . I t. . .. . '
men i 11.n1 ocen graduated pon the anticif tion of a largely increased revenue. A mc erate curtailincrt of mail services constquei
ly Decame necessary, and hr.s been f fiectc to shield the department against the dang of embarrassment. Its revenue is new imp ving, and it will soo:i rifumc its onvra
course in the m..j t li of improvement. Your particular attention is requested to much of lite Tost Master General's retort
relates to the tranfportalion cf the mails ajc
ran roads. 1 he laws on that su ! jei t do r seem adequate to secure that service, now !
come almost essential lo the public inleres and at the same time protect the dcpatfmt
irom combinations nnd unreasonable mands.
Nor can I too earnestly request ycuraw
..w. i me necessity ot providing a more cure building for this department. Uec gcr of destruction to which its import: books and papers are continual! v exposed, well from the bighlr combustible charsc of the buiiding occupied, as frcm that
others in the vicinity, rails loudly fo.'ftcV
Your attention is ngain earnettly Idv;: to. the EPg'slioi:s and recommtndntlcrs i: milted at the lat session in respect to! District of Columbia. I feci it my duty, also, to bring to vcurr tice certain proceedings at law nl.ich I" been recently prosecuted in this District, the name of the United States, on the n '- lion of Messrs. Stockton & Stoke, of iMate cf Maryland, against the Test Mas'-
enerai,and which have resulted in lliefll
mcnt 01 money out of the national Trca.'ur; Or the first limo clr.. l, l: Vrr.f r,t i
-....v. Diim. .uu t,?iaunrt""'
tne Government, by judicial ccrrpohi-jn I ercised by the common law writ of n"8
mus, issued by the circuit court of this P trict.
1 he facts of the case, and the grounds proceedings, wjj ne ,-ound fur ftn(e(i jn iH report of the decision; and any additional formation which you may desire will be so(" plied by the proper department. So iritef
ference in the particular case is contempH
ted. The money has been paid; the claiij
prosecutors have been salisnea; the whole subject, so far as they are ccr.cer ed, is finally disposed of: but it is on the ?
portion that Uie case aiy be regarded au'horitatire exposition cf the law tiif ;
r c 1 c 8
J J
