The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-12-17

In order. however. hAi the receivers q the precious
%ss hs og portion s;S he
promptly and without expense realize the amount. |
would recommend 70 Congress that this department
should be authorized to receive all gold silver bullion
intended for and a. il could be assayed
and the correct value OF il ascertaned that mint cerh
Gates should be issued Tor the in convenient sums
al the option oil the which certificates should be
made receivable for all dues the United States the
government being at the expense OF conveying such bn
lion to the mint for coinage Under this system, the hold
ers OF bullion would always realize the full value, with
out abatement or discount. il was assayed,
which generally would be in few days. and without watt
ing until il was actually coined Such certificates would
be freely received dcpose specie by all the banks
OF the country TO be paid out to their customers who
might have duties other dues TO pay into the public
avoiding the constant counting and re counting Of large
amounts OF coin Tor the purpose.
Coast Survey.
The coast survey recognized in lS43 and placed
upon its present footing by legislative authority By
that organization the land operations constituting four
fths Of the whole, were assigned TO civilians and officers
of the army and the photography to officers Of the navy
The distinguished and scientific gentleman who has
long and well supenntended the work. with this
poIaiy corps placed under the supervision and
troll Of the Treasury Department, to which all works
should be properly committed II also thought that
officers OF the army and navy could not be brought
tremendously together under the control OF either the
War or Navy Department.
This organization was the result Of the experience of
the work up to that time II has proved eminenty
cessfu its operations; the rapidy Of it's progress.
we'll its accuracy and the magnitude OF results
commanded the applause Of those most distinguished
| for scientific attainmenls in Europe and America.
TINS department has from time TO time, the work de-
manded called for many officers OF the army and navy
as could be spared from their appropriate duties
An application for an additional number Of officers Of
and will 10 expected receive favorable consideration
When the recent war with Mexico was declared, there
five officers of the corps Of typographical engineers
an of the line Of the amulOyed he cnasf
| survey.
The survey thus becomes admirable school of prac.
ce for such of the graduates Of West Point and the OIL
GERS of the navy had prediction for the science
called into practice by the work, each being engaged in
| his appropriate sphere
While the scientific character OF the survey is such az
to reflect lasting credit upon our country il is also emf
nenty practical in its RESULTS the highest branches oil
scientific knowledge are made subseven to the mos,
The economy OF the work deserves commendation II
will be found that much useful work is done and as
the amount Of expenditure, in any other depart
ment OF the government. In this respect the last
years have shown gain in economy Of and three
quarters to the expenditures before that time for
the work. This may be ascribed 10 the enlarge
ment of the scale which the work proceeds, which
also greatly tends to hasten it's final completion.
unbroken from Portland, in Maine. to within fifty miles
OF the Capes OF the Chesapeake, and with
Of about one hundred miles. which is rapidly filling up
| TO point beyond Cape Hatteras.
| It has been commenced in South Carolina Georgia,
and Florida; is complete in Alabama, and nearly so in
Mississippi; and has been commenced in Louisiana and
Texas The other operations follow closely in their
der and the publication OF the maps and charts keeps
pace with the field work. Nearly half OF the coast
Of the Atlantic and of the Gulf OF Mexico has been sur
veyed. Since recent acquisitions of territory upon
the Pacific parties attached to the survey have been
lively employed on that coast and have contributed i'm
portan information 10 this department regard to the
proper sites for lighthouses, and other aids to navga-
ton.
A detailed report Of the progress Of the work will
= n m A marin nj ha
session.
| Miscellaneous.
The necessary instructions in fuflment OF the pro.
visions OF the 9Th section OF the act OF 2sth September
las, have been issued for the numbering and coorng OF
the bloys placed along the coast or in bays, harbors
| sounds. or channels )"
delivery, convenient point for transportation. OF the
buoys intended to be placed in the channel of Columbia
river
Measures have been taken promptly to execute the de-
sign OF Congress in providing for the security of life and
property the seacoast Metallic life boats, with the
usual fixtures designed for five points the coas, Of
Florida and three for the coast OF Texas have been
tracted for Like facilities with the addition OF moriars,
shot rockets and station houses have been authorized
along the shores Of Long Island, including station at
In pursuance Of the directions OF Congress, prepare
are being made 70 test the use and economy Of the
general condition of the light house establishment will
be submitted 10 Congress during the present session
Engagements have been entered into for the construc
!,
under the authority contained in the making appro-
prations lor lighthouses, &C.
The preliminary surveys, as required by the Sd and 4th
sections OF the lighthouse OF 2sth September last
have been directed with reference to such new works as
were authorized by that act
The condition OF the several marine hospitals in course
OF erection may be ascertaned by reference to the an
nexed report OF the chief OF the typographical bureau and
others II is proper TO remark thai the insufciency Of
delayed the completion of that work That the seamen
the coast OF the Pacific may derive immediate benefits
from the hospital fund.- have been taken Tor the
conversion OF building at San Francisco, known as
the Presdio into hospital TO be used until suitable
| structure shall be erected for that purpose.
In addition to the several custom houses in course Of
erection Congress- at the last session. made appropria
tons for additional AT Bath and Bangor, in Maine
at Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Oho ST. Louis Mis-.
souri,; and San Francisco, California also, for sites for
marine hospitals at Evansville Indiana and vicksburg,
Mississippi The necessary steps for the selection and
procurement OF proper sites for these edces have been
laken by the department The progress of those
houses in of erection has been rapid crcum-
stances would allow. That at New Orleans Is OF the
greatest magnitude and the special attention OF the de-
partment has been given TO IT, with view OF securing its
completion ut an early date.
The ncumbrance upon the site selected for the custom.
house Charleston, South Carolina, has been removed
and further delay in the erection OF the building
justify the expectation that will be ready for occupa-
lion by August next provided the additional appropa-
ton submitted to Congress shall be made at early day
hs'p'''io'yffHo coRwIN,
| Secretary OF the Treasury.
N II IyftOp n CO. pennsvlv.nfa ave,,re r,>s~-.~,,