The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-12-04

DEPARTMENT OF THE IsTERIoa,

December Q. 1850.
SIR; The duties which have been devolyed by law on
and important character As the name OF the depart-
ment would imply they relate 10 most OF the interests of
ihe country which OF domestic nature They EN-
brace not ony variety OF subjects, but the duties to he
performed are widely dissmlar and partake in de-
gree Of Legislative and judicial as well as OF an exec
utiye character.
ion and management OF all matters connected with the
public domain, Indian affairs. PENSIONS patents public
budngs the census, the penenliary and the expendi-
il 4 the duty o the person ia charge of il TO the
faithful administration oi the laws relating 10 these sew
era branches Of The public service and 70 prescribe such
regulations may be necessary 10 give full effect TO the
legislative will. And in additfon 10 these functions OF
an executive and legislative character. he is required by
70 anoeal which may be brought before him for adudi-
cation from any oil the bureaus in his department Many
Of these appeals. especially from the pension, land and
Indian offices, are OF great Importance IN pecunary
mons records and the investigation and decision OF nlr-
cate questions of law and equity.
The act ofCongress which created the department was
drawn up, probably by design, in very general terms.
Many OF provisions are exceedingly vague and thefe
seems to have been attempt 10 define with precision
The boundaries Of its jurisdiction or the extent Of is
powers In the outset this probably the most judi
cous course experience is generally the best guide ~
the adjustment OF such matters But would seem 70 be
proper now that there should be definite legislation
prescribing the duties and powers OF the department.
that there may be conflict With other departments,
and little or nothing lett 70 the mere discretion OF the IN
cumbent -
NV predecessor in his annual report called your aen-
lion to the ncongruity in the law in reference TO the de-
sgnalion Of the department In the title Of the act is
styled Home Department" but the body OF the law
provides that it shall be called The Department OF the
Interior" The late incumbent, under whose auspices
he department was organized felt himself bound BY the
mandatory terms Of the law to adopt the latter dcsgna
on in all his official acts, but il is obviously proper that
Congress should by supplemental legislation remove the
ambiguity and uncertainty on this subject.
Mr. aanr alen tnr Yaag very
clearly and forcby stated BY him in his report to which
Respectfully refer, the creation OF the Office OF Solicitor
Of the Department Of the Interior, to be filled by lawyer
competent nvetgate and decide many OF the import.
ant questions Of law and fact arising upon The numerous
appeals which taken from the bureaus. My brief
experience in the administration OF The department en-
abes me TO appreciate the wisdom of that recommends
ton and urge its speedy adoption by Congress In
all cases, however the action OF the Solicitor should be
subject the revision OF the head Of the department. for
nothing should be done to diminish in the slightest de-
gree his official responsibility.
AS the reports OF the heads of the several bureaus will
give full information in regard 10 their condition and
wants respectively, and have not been long enough
in office 10 make myself thoroughly acquainted with all
the details OF their organization and functions do not
deem il either necessary or proper at this time TO give
more than general review OF their operations, with
such explanations and suggestions as the public interests
seem To require.
As preliminary to this review, respectfully submit in
tabular fonn summary OF the estimates for each branch
Of the public service within the jurisdiction OF this office
In distinct c0um, and opposite to each Item 10 state
nent OF the estimate for the present fiscal year for similar
services This comparison seems to be proper, il will
exhibit to the representatives OF the people. at single
glance view OF the whole subject and at the same time
afford the opportunity OF presenting by succlnci
commentary each item, such explanations as desire
10 offer.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Eaimoes for he fiscal year ending 3O June 1854, COM
pared ipiM those for the present fiscal year