Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1850-12-12

ment and Improvement oil the country. !,
respectfully suggest that provision
be made by law. for the appointment Of com
inissoners, TO examine all such claims, with
a view 10 their final adjustment.
/ also Bog leave to call your attention 10
the propresy Of extending. at an early day,
our system OF land laws, with such modif.
cs,ons as may be necessary, over the State
OF California and Territories Of Utah and
New Mexico. The mineral lands Of Cali
fornia will, OF course, form an exception 10
sny general system which may be adopted.
Various methods Of disposins Of them have
been suggested. | was at first inclined to
favor the system OF leasing, as it seemed to
promise the largest revenue 10 the govern
ment. and to afford the best security against
monopoies; but further reflection, and our
experience in leasing tbs lead mines and sell
ling lands upon credit, have brought my
mind TO the conclusion that there would be
great difficulty in collecting the rents, and
tina, the relation OF debtor and creditor be-
tween the citizen and government would he
attended with many mischievous Isults; l
therefore recommend that instead OF retsin'
ing the mineral lands under the permanent
control OF the government; that they be di.
vided INFO small parcels and sold at such
time as will insure the best price and guerd
effectually against the combinations Of cspi.
talists TO obtain monopolies.
The annexation of Texas and acquisition
Of California and New Mexico has given
increased importance 10 our Indian relations.
The various tribes brought under our juris,
dclion by these engagements Of our boun'
daries, are estimated 10 embrace a popula'
ton Of 1900.
Texas and New Mexico are surrounded
by powerful tribes OF Indians, who are a
source Of constant terror and annoyance TO
the inhabitants. Separating into small pre-
datory bands, and always mounted, they
overrun the country, devastating farms, des
troying crops. numbering the inhabitants OF
carrying them into activity. The great
roads leading into the country, are infested
by them, thereby travelling is rendered ex
tremely dangerous and emigration almost
entirely arrested.
The Mexican frontier, which, by the III
article OF the treaty OF Guadalupe Hidalgo,
we are bound TO protect against the Indians
within our borders, 10 exposed 10 their ncuf>
sions equal with our own. The military
force stationed in that country although for
ming large portion oil the army, is repre-,
scented as entirely inadequate to our own pros
lection. and the ful6lment Of our treaty slip,
ulaiions with Mexico. The principal def
cheney is in cavalry, aud recommend that
Congress at as early period as possible,
provide for the raising OF one or more regi.
menIs Of mounted men.
For further suggestions on this subject,
and others connected with our domestic in>
terests. in reference 10 our frontier, | refer
you to tho repor! Of the Secretary OF War.
! recommend also 10 your favorable con-
sidsra.ion the suggestions contained in the
last mentioned report, end in letter Of The
GeDeral>in Chief, relative 10 the establish
men. Of an asylum for the relief OF disabled
and destitute soldiers. This subiec, appeals
so strongly to your sympathy, that i. would
be superAuous in me to say anything more
Than barely 10 express my cordial epproba.
ton Of the proposed object.
The Navy continues 10 give protection 10
our commerce and other national interests in
The different quarters OF The globe; and with
the exception OF single steamer on the nor
thsrn Lakes. the vessels in commission are
distributed in six different squadrons.
! he repor! OF the head OF lha, Department
will exhibit the services Of these squadfoDs
and OF The several vessels employed in each
during the past year. l. is source OF gratis
hcalion that, while they have been constants
ly prepared FOR any hostile emergency, they
have, everywhere, met with the respect and
courtesy due as well 10 the dignity as the
peaceful disposition and jus, purpose Of the
nation.
Tho two brigantines, accepted by the Go
vernmenl, from a generous citizen OF New
York, and placed under The command Of 40
officer OF the Navy. to proceed to The Arctic
Seas in ques, Of the British Commander Sir
John franklin and his companions. in com>
piance with the Act OF Congressr approved
May last, had. when last heard from, pene,
Tated into high northern latitude. But the
success OF this noble and humane enterprise
is yet uncertain.
| invite your attention 10 the view OF our
present Naval establishment and resources,
presented Ia the Report OF the Secretary OF
Of the Navy, and the suggestions therein
made for its improvement. together with the
naval policy recommended for the security
oil our Pacific coast. and the protection and
extension OF our commerce with eastern
Asia. Our facilities for larger par,icipa>
ton! in the trade OF the East. by means OF
our recent settlements on the shores OF the
Pacific. are too obvious 10 be overlooked or
The questions in relsion to rank in the
army and navy, and relative rank between
officers in the Two branches OF the service,
presented TO the Executive by certain resolu-
lions Of the House OF Reprsss NATIVE Q, the
last session OF Congress, have been submit.
led to Board OF officers in each branch OF
The service. and their report may be expected
at an early day.
also earnestly recommend the snscimsn.