Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-12-26

to make reconnoisancess of the most impor,an
points in the coast of California. and especially
10 examine and determine on sites for light hou
, ses on that coast the speedy erection of which j.
. urgently demanded by our rapidly increasin:
. commerce.
u have transferred the Indian agency from up
per Missouri and Council Bluffs to Santa Fe ant
Sal, Lake: and have caused to be appointed sub
agents in the valley of the ella. the Sacramento
and San Joscquim Rivers. Sill further lega
provisions will be necessary for the effective and
successful extension OF our system of Indian in
tercour>e over the new territories.
| recommend the establishment of IA Bra cl,
Mint in California. as it will in my opinion. af.
lord important facilities 10 ihose engaged ia
/ ming. well as 10 the government in the DISPOSE
ton OF the mineral lands.
t also reco:nmend that commissioners be or
ganized by Congress. to examine and decide up
on the validity Of the present subsislins land Ii
ties in California and New Mexico; and that pro-
vision be made for the establishment OF offices Of
surveyor general in New MEXICO. California and
Oregon. and to surveying and bringing into mar
ket pu bic lands in those territories Those lands
remote in position and Difficult, Of access. ough,
to be disposed Of terms liberal 10 ALL bu, cs
recialiv favorable 10 the early emigranis.
In order that the situation and character Of the
principal mineral deposits in California may be
ascertained. recommend that Il geological and
ARCHAEOLOGICAL exploration BE- connected with the
liner surveys. and thar the mineral lands be divi-
ded into small lots suitable for mining. and be
disposed OF by sale or lease. to give our cit.
izens opportunity OF procuring a permanent
right OF property in the soil. This would seem
TO be as important to III, success of mining OF
agricultural purposes.
The great mineral wealth of California. and
the advantages which lis coasts and harbors and
those Of Oregon. afford Commerce. especially
with The islands of the pacific and Lillian oceans.
and of Asia ,l.,
il certain that there viii arise, IN few years.
large and prosperous communities on our " est
ern coast. IL. therefore, becomes important that
a lIne OF communication. the best and most cNpe-
ditious which the country viii admit. should be
opened within the territory of the nitcd States.
from the navi gable waters of the atlantic the
Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. Opinion. eli
cited and expressed by two large and respectable
conventions, lately assembled at St. Louis and
Memphis. proposing several routes for It's loca-
ton, which if practcabIe. will best the wish
es and wants OF the country. But while this, If
in successful operation, would be a work Of great
national importance, and of a value to the coun-
try which it would be difficult TO estimate. il ought
also to be regarded undertaking of vast
magnitude and expense. and one which must. if
il be indeed practicable. encounter many Difficult
ties in lis contamination and use. Therefore, 10
avoid failure and disappointment. TO enable Con-
gress to Judge whether. in the condition Of The
feasible and if it be found SO, whether IT should
be undertaken a national Improvement or leit
to individual enterprise. and in the latter a!terna
tive. what aid, if any. ought TO be extended to il
by the government, | rec Commend as preiimin
airy measure. a careful reconnaissance Of the sew.
eral proposed routes bv Il scientific corps, and
report as TO the prac,icabiliiy Of making such
road. with an estimate of the cost of its construc-
ton and support.
For further views on these and other matters
connected with the duties of the Home Depart
ment refer YOU to the report of the Secretary
of the Interior a
recommend carly appropriations for continu.
ing the River and ilarbor Improvements which
have been already begun. and also for the con-
structicn Of those for which estimates have been
made. well to the examinations and estim.
aies preparatory to the commencement Of such
others the wants OF the country. especially the
advantage of our population over new districts.
and the extension OF commerce., may render me-
cessary. An estimate Of the amount which can
be advantaycouslv expended within the next ifs
cal year. under the direction OF the Bureau Of
Typographical Engineers. accompanies the re-
port of the Secretary of Var 10 which respect /
u llv invite the attention of Congress.
The cession of territory made by the late irea-
ty with Mexico has greatly extended our exposed +
frontier, and rendered its defence more difficult, 7
That treaty has also brought under oblga
lions 10 Mexico to comply with which military
IS not materially changed as to is efficiency, from
Inc condition iii which il stood before the com
OF the Mexican war Some addition to
i will therefore be necessary. and ! recommend
70 the favorable consideration Of Congress, an in.
crease Of the several corps Of the western coast.
as is proposed in the accompanying Report of
he Secretary Of War i
Great embarrassment has resulted from the Of
ecis upon rank in the army; heretofore given 10
orevet and staff commissions. The views Of the
Secretary of War. on this subject. deemed
important. and if carried into effect will. il is be-
ieved, promote the harmony Of the service. The
plan proposed for retiring disabled officers. and
providing an asylum for such Of the rank and file
as from age. wounds, and other infrmitics
,asoned by service. have become unfit to perform
heir respective duties, is recommended as a
means of increasing the efficiency of the army. =
and act Of justice, due from a grateful
country 10 the faithful soldier.
The accompanying Repor, Of the Secretary of
NAVY presents full and satisfactory account Of
he condition and operations Of the naval service
Turing the past year Our cliizeLs engaged in
ne legitimate pursuits OF commerce have ENJOY
I'd its benefits. Wherever national vessels
nave gone they have been received with respect.
Dur officers have Leen treated with kindness and
courtesy, and tnev ave. all occasions pursued
Il