Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1851-12-16


and consequent depressed prices, and
with the failure in obtaining a for
eign market for our increasing sur
plus of breadstuffs and provisions,
has induced me againIt6 recommend
IA modification Of the existing tariff.
Tie report of the Secretary ofthe.
Interior, which accompanies this conn
municatipn, will present a condensed
statement Of the operations Of that
important department of the Gov
eminent.
1t wiz be seen that the cash sales
Of the public lands exceeds those of
the PRECEDING year, and that there is
reason to anticipate still further IN
crease, Notwithstanding the large do
nations which have been made to
many of the States, and the liberal
grams to individuals as reward for
military services This fact furnish
es very gratifying evidence of the
growing wealth and prosperity of our
country.
/ Suitable measures have been adopt
ed for commencing the survey Of the
public lands in California and Ore
gon. Surveying parties have been
organized, and some progress has
been made III establishing the princi-
pal base and meridian lines. But
further legislation and additional APP
propriationS will be necessary before
The proper subdivisions can be made,
and The general land system extend
ed over those remote parts Of our
territory.
On tie third of March last an
act was passed providing Tor the
appointment OF three commissioners
70 settle private land claims in Cal
Ifornia. II ree persons were i'm.
imedlaiely appointed, all Of whom,
however, declined accepting the Of
Zee, in consequence oil the inade>
qqacy oftile compensation. 9th
eis were promptly selected, who
! for the same reason, also declined;
and it was not until late in the sea-
son that the services of suitable per-
sons could be secured. A MAORI
! u OF the commissioners convened,
in this city, on the 10th Of Septe m
Der last, when detailed instructions
were given to item in regard to
their duties. Their first meeting
for the transaction Of business wall
HE held in San Francisco on the
9Th day of the present month.
! | have thought it proper to refer
70 these facts, not only to explain
the Causes Of tbs delay in filling the
commission, but to call attention TO
| The propriety Of increasing the com
Eptnsatioif Of the commissioners
The office is one Of great LABOR and
responsibility land the compensation
should be such as to command men
ioi a laigh order OF t alenis and the
most unquestionable integrity.
! The proper disposal Of the min
ieral lands in California Is subject
surrounded by great difficulties
ID my last ANNUAL message | recom.T
niended tie survey and sale OF them
ID small parcels, under such restric-
tIans as would efieetualIy guard
against monopoly and speculation,
But upon further information, and
in defelehce TO The opinions of per-
sons familiar with the subject, | am
INCLINED to change that recommen-
daton, and TO advise tllat they be
permitted TO remain, as at present,
u common field opriI to the enter
Prise andlndustry OF all our citizens,
mill further experience shall have
Developed tic best policy TO be al.
tiniateiy adopted lin regard to them.
* is safer 10 suffer the inconven-
iPnces THAT now exist, for short
period, than, by premature legisla
ITO ], to !asten on the country a sys-
ten founded in error, which may.
Biac e the whole subjec ct beyond the.
future control of Cong ress.
The agricultural ands should,
However, be surveyed and brought.
inte market with as little delay as.
possible, iliat the titles may becol G
serllcd, and the inhabitants stimula-
I, d TO make permanent improves.
nlenis, and enter on the ordinary
pursuits OF life. To effect these oh.
jccts it is desirable that the necessa-
rs provisions be made by law for
tue establishment OF land Offices in
California and Oregon, and for the
Efficient prosecution Of the surveys
at an early 'day.
Some difficulties have occurred
l., ,,rxo,,;,,; ,bh 'F'orr;for;os 49,,