168
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
condition, and the habits of our population will admit. Complete suc- cess however, may not be expected so long as the law leaves it optional with individuals to conform to its requirements or not, as it may chance to comport with their feelings or convenience. . Difficulties have also existed tending to defeat the raising of the regular force contemp~ated by the last Congress. The high prices which every species of labor commands, together with the impossibility of rendering our currency available abroad, have heretofore almost excluded the possibility of enlistments upon such terms as are offered to the soldier. From the able and efficient administration of the War Department, however, everything that could be accomplished under the existing embarassments has been done. The nucleus of an Army has been formed; and officers .have been appointed, who when not on spe- cial duty have been subjected to a course of military instruction and discipline, calculated to make them skilful in their profession and efficient in their stations. I am happy in being able to state, that some of the obstacles which have heretofore impeded our progress have , in some degree been removed; and very recently through the activity of a meritorious officer the ·recruiting service has been conducted with a success which inspires the hope that a sufficient force will be obtai~ed this winter to enable the Government early in the spring to carry out the law for establishing a line of military posts upon the frontier- a measure which is considered essential to the peace and safety of our people, and one which no efforts will be spared to accomplish as speed- ily as practicable. Whilst we have every reason to be satisfied with the success of our military operations, we also find in the report7 8 of the Secretary of the Navy, much. cause of congratulation. When the contracts for in- creasing the number of our vessels, which are now in progress, shall have been completed, we shall be in possession of a force fully adequate to all the exigencies of maritime defence; and should the policy of the country require an active prosecution of our war with Mexico, the well-directed efforts of the Head of this Department, united with the gallantry of those who have been placed in command, will give us a control on the Gulf, which no effort on the part of the enemy will be able to counteract, and secure to our arms a reputation at sea equal to that which they have already acquired on land. The minute and lucid report7° of the S~cretary of the Treasury will supercede the necessity ~f my discussing the financial affairs of the country. The diligent and indefatigable exertions of that officer, who found his department involved in great confusion, and brought it into order and system, merit more than ordinary commendation. Whilst I direct the attention of Congress to his tabular statements, as con- taining a true and accurate exhibition of the fiscal operations of the Government- its income and disbursments- its debt and its re- sources, I would also recommend his views and suggestions to their dispassionate consideration, as the result of an investigation which has been prosecuted by a desire to promote the best interests of the coun-
"This report has not been found among foe Texas archives. 79 See note'• to no. 152!).
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