The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1845-12-09

few yssrs since. was subordinate clerk
shin. but has become distinct bureau Of
great importance. With an excellent IN
ternal oroanization, il is still connected
with the State department In the transaction
of its business. questions Of much importance 10
inventors and to the community. frequently arse,
which, by existing laws, are referred for decision
TO board, of which tho Secretary Of State -
member. These questions are legal, and The con
nexion which now exists between the State De-
partmeut and the Patent Office, may with great
propreiy and advantage be transferred to the At
torney General.
In his last annual message TO Congress Mr..
Madison invited attention 10 a proper provision
for the Attorney General as an important i'm
provement in the Executive SsiabIishment"--
This recommendation was repeated by some Of
his SUCCESSORS. The official duties Of u AttoT-
ney General have been much increased within a
few wears. and his Office has become Of great
Importance His duties may be s,I further IN
creased with advantage to the public interests
As an executive Officer, bis residence and
constant attention at the seat Of Government
are required. Legal questions involving
important principles and large amounts OF pub
lie money are constantly referred to him, by tho
President aud Executive Departments for his ex-
animation and decision. The public business
under his official management before the Judlcia-
~ has been so augmented by the extension Of
our territory and the acts of Congress, authOriz-
inc suits against the United States for large boz
dies of valuable public lands, as greatly to in
crease his labors and responsibilities. ], there
fore. recommend that the Attorney Genersl bo
placcd on the same footing with the heads Of the
other Executive Departments, with such suhordi-
nate officers, provided by law for his department,
as NAV be required TO discharge the additional
duties which have been or may be devolvcd upon
him.
Congress possess the power Of exclusive legis.
laliou over the District Of Columbia, and COM
mend the interests Of It's inhabitants to your Ia
yorable consideration. The people of this Dis
trict have no legislative body Of their own, and
must csnfde their local as well their general
interests to Representatives in whose election they
have no voice, and over whose election they have
no control. Each member of the National lse-
eIslature should consider himself as their imme-
diate Representatives and should be the more res-
DIV to give attention to their interests and wants
because he is not responsible to them. recon-
mend that a liberal and generous spirit may char
acterize your measures in relation 10 them.
shall be ever disposed to show proper regard for
their wishes, and, within constitutional limits,
shall at all times cheerfully cooperate with you
for the advancement Of their welfare.
trust it may not be deemed inappropriate to
the occasion for me to dwell for a moment on the
memory of .he most eminent citizen of our coun-
try, who, during the summer that has gone by,
has descended to the tomb. The enjoyment OF
contemplating at the advanced age of near
fourscore years, the happy condition of his eoun-
trv. cheered the last hours of Andrew Jackson.
who departed this life in the tranquil hope of
blessed immortality. His death was happy a.
his life had been eminently useful. He had an
unfaultering confidence in the virtue and cspaci-
tv of the people, and in the permanence Of that
free government which he had largely contributed
TO establish and defend. His great deeds bad Sc
cured to him the affections of his fellow-cilizens,
and it was his happiness to witness the growth
and glory Of his country, which he loved so we'll.
He departed amidst the benedictions of millions
eff freemen. The nation paid its tribute 20 bis
memory at his tomb. Coming generations will
learn from his example the love Of country and
the rights of man. In his language on a similar
occasion to the present, 81 now commend you,
felIow-citzens, tn the guidance Of Almighty God,
with full reliance on His merciful providence
for the maintenance of our free institutions; and
with an earnest supplicaIion that whatever errors
| it may be my lot to commit in dischargng the ar
duous duties which have devolved on me, will
find remedy in the harmony and wisdom Of
your counseIs" JAMES X. POLK.
Washington. Dec. 2, 1915.
1