Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-01-05


avails latter such allowances as Congress may
think fit to authorise) to he expended within the
Territory, OF TO be paid into the Treasury, for
the purpose of meeting appropriations for the
/ improvement of its rivers and harbors.
party, engaged on the coast survey, was
despatched to Oregon in January last Accord
ing TO the latest adYices they had not left Cali
fornia and directions have been given to them
as soon az they shall have fixed on the sites Of
the two lighthouses and the buoys authorized
to be constructed and placed in Oregon, TO pro-
ceed without delay to make Reconnaissance of
the most important points on the coast of Cali
fornia, and especially to examine and determine
on sites for light houses on that coast the speedy
erection of which is urgently demanded by our
rapidly increasing commerce.
have transferred the Indian Agencies from
Upper Missouri and Council Bluffs to Santa Fe
and Salt Lake and have caused to be appointed
sub-agents in the valleys of the Gila, the Sacra-
mcnto, and San Joaquin rivers Still further
legal provisions will be necessary for the efec-
tive and successful extension of our system of
Indian intercourse over the new territories
| recommend the establishment of branch
mint in California, it will, in my opinion, af-
ford important facilities 10 those engaged in
mining, well as the Government in the dis
position of the mineral lands.
also recommend that commissions be organ
IZed by Congress to examine and decide upon
the validity Of the present subsisting land titles
in California and New Mexico and that provi-
sion be made for the establishment of Offices of
Surveyor General in New Mexico, California,
and Oregon, and for the surveying and bringing
into market the public lands in those territories
Those lands, remote in position and difficult of
access, ought TO be disposed of on terms liberal
to all but especially favorable TO the early emi-
grants
In order that the situation and character of
the principal mineral deposits in California NAV
be ascertained, | recommend that a geological
and mineralogical exploration be connected with
the linear surveys, and that the mineral lands be
divided into small lots suitable for mining and
be disposed of by sale lease, so as 10 give our
citizens an opportunity of procuring perma-
nent right Of property TO the soil. This would
seem to be as important to the success Of mining
as Of agricultural pursuits.
The great mineral wealth Of California, and
the advantages which its ports and harbors, and
those of Oregon afford TO commerce, especially
with the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans,
and the populous regions of Eastern Asia, make
it certain that there will arise in a few years,
large and prosperous communities on our west
ern coast. 1t therefore becomes important that
line of communication, the best and most ex-
peditious that the country will admit, should be
opened, within the territory Of the United States
from the navgablc waters Of the Atlantic or
Gulf of Mexico, to the Pacific Opinion, as
expressed and elected by two large and respect
able conventions, lately assembled at St. Louis
and Memphis, points to railroad as that which
If practicable, will best meet the wishes of the
country. But while this, if In successful opera
ton, would be work of great national impor-
tance, and of value 10 the country which it
would be difficult to estimate il ought also TO be
regarded as an undertaking Of vast magnitude
and expense and one which must, if II be indeed
practicable, encounter many difficulties in its
cN~Utgf ftr,v,~
ure and disappointment 10 enable Congress to
Judge whether, in the condition Of the country
through which IT must pass, the work be feasible
aud If 1t be found so, whether it should be un-
dertaken as a national Improvement or left TO
individual enterprise; and IN the latter ateFna-
tive, what aid, II any ought 10 be extended to il
by the Government, ! recommend a. a prelimi-
nary measure careful reconnaissance of the
several proposed routes by scientific corps, and
a report as to the practcability of making such
a road, with an estimate of the cost of its con-
structIGn and support.
For further views on these and other matters
connected with the duties of the Home Depart
ment, refer you 10 the report Of the Secretary
Of the Interior.
recommend early appropriations for contiuu-
ing the river and harboT improvements which
have been already begun. and also for the con-
structlon Of those for which estimates have been
made, as well as for examinations and estimates
preparatory to the commencement of such others
as the wants of the country, and especially the
advance OF our population over new districts
and the extension of commerce, NAV render ne
cessary. An estimate of the amount which can
be advantageously expended within the next
fiscal year, under the direction of the Bureau of
Typographical Engineers, accompanies the re-
port OF the Secretary of War, 10 which | re-
sPectiully invite the attention Of Congress.
The cession of territory made BY the late
frra ~ wi hoe .l,l
posed frontier, and rendered its defence more
difficult. The treaty has also brought us under
Obligations to Mexico, TO comply with which a
military force is requisite But our military
establishment is not materially changed as TO its
efficiency, from the condition in which il stood
before the commencement of the Mexican war
Some addition to it will therefore be necessary ;
and recommend TO the favorable consideration
OF Congress an increase of the several corps Of
the army at our distant western posts as proposed
IN The accompanying report Of the Secretary of
War.
Great embarrassment has resulted from the
effect upon rank, in the army, heretofore given
to brevet and staff commissions. The views Of
the Secretary of War, on this subject are deem
ed important and if carried into effect will, it
IS believed, promote the harmony of the service
The plan proposed for retiring disabled officers,
and providing an asylum for such of the rank
and hle as from age, wounds, and other infrm-
ties occasoned by service. have become unfit to
perform their respective duties, is recommended
as means of increasing the efficiency of the
Army, and as an act of Justice, due from a CRATE
ful country 10 the faithful soldier.
The accompanying report of the Secretary of
the Navy presents full and satisfactory account
OF the condition and operations Of the naval
service during the past year. Our citizens en-
gagged IN the Legitimate pursuits of commerce
have enjoyed its benefits. Wherever our ma
tional vessels have gone, they have been received
with respect, our officers have been treated with
kindness and courtesy, and they have all oc-
casions, pursued course of strict neutrality, in
accordance with the policy of our Government.
The naval force at present in commission is as
large as IS admissible, with the number of men
authorized by Congress to be employed.
| invite your attention to the recommendation
OF the Secretary Of the Navy on the subject Of a