The republic., 1850-12-03

insure the enjoyment of the bounty by those for
whom it was intended, that no unnecessary
delay should be encountered. To avoid this
evii the Secretary recommends that provision
be made for the employment of two or more eff
hclent clerks, and such temporary assistance as
may be required, from time to time, to investi-
gate the claims of applicants.
The Report of the Commissioner of the
General Land Office exhibits some very inter
esilng facts. The surveys of the public lands
have been pushed forward with commendable
activity. The aggregate amount of lands sold
located by warrants, and otherwise disposed of
In the lst, I'd, and part of the Sd quarters of
1890, is 2,Sl5, 5,366.42 acres. The public lands
have been rich source of revenue to the Gov
ernment, averaging about one and a quarter
millions of dollars per annum for the last fifty
years, over and above all costs and expenses.
Among the most prominent subjects claiming
the attention of Congress, is the necessity of
extending our land system over our possessions
on the Pacific. The appointment of com
mission is recommended TO adjudicate conflict
ing land claims in California.
With regard to the mineral lands, the Sec
| retary recommends that they be divided Into
small tracts, and sold in fee simple to the high
est bidder at public auction. The extent of
the lots should depend on the apparent rich
ness of the mines; but they should be small
enough to afford persons in moderate circum-
stances an opportunity of becoming bidders.
Our relations with the Indians will demand
the prompt attention of Congress- The an
nexation of Texas and the treaty with Mexico
| have added about one hundred and twenty
four thousand persons to our Indian popua-
tion--many of them fierce in their disposition,
and predatory in their habits. Agents have
been appointed for the Indian tribes of California
and of Oregon; and two special agents have
been commissioned to cooperate with the resi-
dent agent in Texas in conciiating the Indians of
that State. Three commissioners have been
appointed under the same act TO accompany the
Mexican Boundary Commission, for the pur-
pose of obtaining information in regard to the
tribes on our southwestern frontier, and, if pos
sble, to establish friendly relations with them.
1t is to be regretted that no authority was con-
| ferred by law for the establishment of resident
agents in New Mexico. The Indians of that
country are the most savage within our bounda-
| ries. 1t is essential for the fulfilment of our
treaty stipulations, well as for the protection
of our own citizens, that agents should be sent
among them, who can exercise restraining
influence over them. The necessity for this
measure has been painfully illustrated by the
outrages committed upon our citizens travel
ling to and from Santa Fe, as an instance of
which the attack upon Mr.. WHITE and his
party is mentioned.
The importance of great national highway
to the Pacific is considered in the report and
the Secretary suggests the proprety Of author
| iZing an immediate examination of the country
and such surveys as may be necessary to deter
mine the practicabiity and probable cost of the
work.
The establishment of an Agricultural Bureau
is recommended by the report. The purchase
of a farm in the vicinity of the National Me
tropolis, to be managed under the direction OF
the bureau, has been suggested as an auxiliary
in illustrating the best modes of culture The
Secretary adds that, if this idea be favorably re-
ceived, Mount Vernon might with great pro-
priety become model farm, to illustrate the
progress Of that pursuit to which the Father of
his Country was so much devoted.
Measures have been taken for securing the
prompt execution Of the act for taking the
seventh census. The returns, coming in daily,
give assurance that the census will be completed
within the time limited by law. The amount
Of valuable statistical information will exceed
any thing of the kind known in our past his
tory.
The joint commission for the survey Of the
Mexican boundary have doubtless assembled
at FL Paso, for the purpose of running and
marking the line thence westward TO the river
Gila. The work will be pressed forward with
the utmost despatch.
The Secretary agrees with his predecessor in
regard to the perishable nature of the material
Of some Of the public buildings. lie recon-
mends an Appropriation for painting the Troa-
sury building. In regard to the Patent Office,
he recommends that the entire exterior facing
Of the front be removed, and its place supplied
by veneering Of white marble Of the same
quality as that used in the construction Of the
wings. Practical workmen have expressed the
compared with its beneficial results, aud with.
out endangering the security and stability o
the walls. The immediate completion of botf
wings Of the Patent Office is urged. for IN,
accommodation Of the Department Of the In
terror and the officers thereto attached.
The introduction Of copious supply of pur,
water into the city of Washington is recon
mended as essential TO the health and comfor
Of the inhabitants and the security Of the publ,
buildings against fire.
Lastly, the Secretary recommends the i'm
provement Of the public grounds, by planting
them with trees and shrubbery. and providing
fountains, &C., as only second in importance L
the supply Of water.
Union Meeting In New Orleans.
great Union Meeting was held in the 81
Charles Theatre, in New Orleans, on the even