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undertake that branch Of the task; and the
remuneration Of the Government would
consist in the addition readily made to our
steam navy in case Of emergency by The
ships SO employed. Should this sueges-
ion meet your approval, the propriety Of
placing such ships under the command Of
experienced officers Of the navy will not
escape your observation. The application
If steam to the purpose of naval warfare
recommends an extensive steam
marine as important in estimating the de-
fences Of the country. Fortunately this
may be attained by us to great extent
without incnrring any large amount Of ex-
penditure. Steam vessels, to be engaged
in the transportation Of the mails on our
principal watercourses, lakes, and parts Of
our coast, could also be so constructed as to
be efficient as war vessels when needed,
and would Of themselves constitute formi-
dable force in order to repel attacks from
abroad. We cannot be blind to the fact
that other nations have already added large
numbers Of steamships to their naval arma-
ments, and that this new and powerful
agent is destined to revolutionize the con-
di;ion Of the world. 1t becomes the United
States, therefore, looking to their security,
to adopt similar policy, and the plan sug-
gested will enable them to do SO at small
comparative cost.


| take the greatest pleasure in bearing
testimony to the zeal and untiring industry
which has characterized the conduct of the
members Of the Executive( a5inet. Each,
in his appropriate sphere, has rendered me
the most efficient aid in carrying on the
Government, and it will not, trust, ap-
pear out of place for me to bear this pub
lie testimony The cardinal objects which
should ever be held in view by those en-
trusted with the administration of public
affairs, are rigidly, and without favor or
affection, SO to interpret the national will,
expressed in the laws, as that injustice
should be done to none-justice to all.--
This has been the rule upon which they
have acted; and thus it is believed that few
cases, if any, exist, wherein our fellow
citizens, who from time to time have been
drawn to the Seat of Government for the
settlement Of their transactions with the
Government, have gone away dissatisfied.
Where the testimony has been perfected,
and was esteemed satisfactory, their claims
have been promptly audited; and this in
the absence Of all favoritism or partiality.
The Government which is not Just to its
own people, can neither claim their affec-
tion nor the respect Of the world. At the
same time the closest attention has been


paid to those matters which relate more
Immediately to the great concerns Of the
country. Order and efficiency in eacl,


branch ofthe public service have prevailed,


accompanied by system Of the most rigid


responsibility on the part of the receiving
and disbarsing agents. The fact, in illus
tration Of the truth Of this remark, deserves
to be noticed, that the revenues Of the
Government. amounting 10 1bs DO tS0t have Ave
Been collected and disbursed, through the
numerous Governmental agents, without
the loss by default Of any amount WORTHY
Of serious commentary.


The appropriations made by Congress
for the Improvement Of the rivers Of the
West, and Of the harbors on the Lakes. are
in course Of judicious expenditure under
suitable agents, and are destined. it is to be
hoped, to realize all the benefits designed to
be accomplished BY Congress. l can ct.
however, sufficiently impress upon Con-
gress the great importance of Withholding
appropriations from improvements which
are not ascertained, by previous examine
ton and survey, to be necessary for the
shelter and protection of trade from the
dAngers Of storms and tempests. Without
this precaution, the expenditures are but
too apt to enuYe to the benefit of individuals.
without reference to the only consideration
which can render them constitutional, the
public interests and the general good.


! cannot too earnestly urge upon you the
interests Of this District, over which, by
the Constitution, Congress, has exclusive
jurisdiction. 1t would be deeply to be re-
GREETED should there be, at any time, ground
to complain Of neglect on the part Of COM
munity which, detached as it is from the
parental care of the States of Virginia and
Maryland, can only expect aid from Con-
gress as its local LEGISLATURE. Amongst the
subjects which claim your attention is a
prompt organization Of an asylum for the
insane who may be found from time to time
sojourning within the District. Such course
is also demanded by considerations which
apply to branches Of the public service


For the necessities in this behalf, | invite
your particular attention to the Report Of
the Secretary Of the Navy.


lhave thus, gentlemen Of the two Houses
OF Congress, presented you true and faith


ful picture of the condition Of public AZ.
fairs, both foreign and domestic. The wants
OF the pu' lie service are made known 10
you; and matters Of no ordinary i'm mportance
are urged upon your consideration. Shall
! not be permitted to congratulate you on
the happy auspices under which YOU have
assembled, and at the important change -
the condition Of things which has occHrred
in the last three years? During that me-
riod questions with foreign Powers. of vital
Importance to the peace of our country
have been settled and adjusted. A des.
olating and wasting war with savage tribes
has been brought to close. The internal
tranquility Of the country, threatened by
agitating questions. has been preserved. = z
The credit Of the Government. which h.a