Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-12-28

| in Oregon, to proceed without delay to a
reconnaissance Of the most important
points on the coast OF California; and
especially to examine and determine on
sights for light houses on that coast, the
speedy erection of which is urgently
demanded by our rapidly increasing
commerce.
/ have transferred Indian agencies
from the upper Missouri and Council
Bluffs to Santa Fe and Salt Lake, and
have caused TO be appointed such agents
in the valleys of the Gila. Sacramento
and San Joaquin rivers, until further le-
gal provisions will be necessary for the
effective and successful extension of our
sytem of Indian intercourse over the
new territories.
recommend the establishment Of a
branch mint in California, as it will, in
my opinion, afford important facilities to
those engaged in mining, as well as the
residents on mineral lands. also rec
ommend that commissions be organized
by Congress to examine and decide up
on the validity of the present subsisting
land titles in California and New Mexi-
CO, and that provision be made for the
establishment of Surveyor General
ship in New Mexico, California, and
Oregon, and for surveying, and bringing
into market the public lands in those
territories. Those lands remote from
provision, and difficult of access, ought
to be disposed of at terms liberal to all,
but especially favorable to the early en-
igranis.
In order that the situation and charac-
ter of the principal mineral deposits in
California may be ascertained, 1 recon-
mend that Geological and Mineralogic-
al expedition shall be, in connection
with the linneal surveys, and that the
mineral lands be divided into small lots
suitable for mining, and be disposed Of
by sale or lease, so as to give our citi-
zens an opportunity in procuring per-
manent right of property III the soil, and
it would seem to be as important to the
success of mining as Of agricultural pnr-
suits.
The great mineral wealth of Califor-
MIA, and the advantages which lis ports
and harbors, and the coast of Oregon af-
ford to commerce, especially with the
Islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans
AID the populous regions OF Asia, make
it certain that there will arise, in Few
years, large and prosperous communi-
ty on our western coast. 1t therefore
becomes important that line of commu.
nication, the best aud most expeditions
which the nature of the country will al.
init, should be opened within the terrific
ry oflthe United States, from the naviga-
Bile waters OF The Atlantic, or the Calf
of Mexico, 10 the Pacific. The senti.
ments expressed by two large and res
pectable Conventions assembled in st.
Louis and Memphis, point 10 a Railroad
which, if practicable, will best suit the
wishes and wants of the country. But,
while, if in successful operation, it would
be work of great national importance,
and of value TO the country, which it
would be difficult to estimate, it ought
also to be regarded as an undertaking Of
vast magnitude, and expense, and one
which must, if It be indeed practicable,
encounter many difficulties in its con-
structioa and use. Therefore to avoid
failure and disappointment, to enable
Congress 10 Judge whether in the con-
dition of the country through which
it might pass, the work be feasible, and
if it be found so, whether it should be
undertaken as national improvement,
or be left to individual enterprise, and in
the latter alternative, what aid if any
ought to be extended to it by the govern
ment. As preliminary measure Care
full Reconnaissance of the several propo-
sed routes by scientific corps should be
had, and report as to the praciicabiliiy
of making such road with an estimate oi
the cost of its construction and support.
For further views on these and other
matters, connected with the duties Of the
Home Department, refer you to the re-
port of the Secretary of the Interior.
| recommend early appropriations for
continuing the river and harbor improve
ments which have been already begun.
and also for the construction of those for
which estimates have been made, as well
as for examinations and estimates prepa-
ralory to the commencement Of such
operations as the wants OF the country,
and especially the advance of the popu-
lalion of our new districts and the ex-
tension of commerce may render neces-
sary. An estimate Of the amount which
can be advantageously expended within
the next year under the direc lion of the
Bureau of Typographical Engineers ac-
compan les the report of the Secretary Of
War. TO which respectfully invite the
attention OF Congress.
The cession of Territosy made by
the late treaty with Mexico has greatly
extended our exposed western frontier,
and rendered its defence more difficult.
That treaty has also brought us under
Obligations to Mexico; TO comply with
which the military establishment is not
materially changed as to its efficiency
from the condition in which 1t stood be-
fore the commencement of the Mexican
War. Some addition to il will therefore
be necessary, and recommend to the