The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-05

and 3D. that the line should extend thence west
ward three degrees Of longitude. When the com
mission was riginally organized, Breyct Lieutcn
ant Colonel J. Mcclellan detailed by the war
Department to act as It's chci astronomer. In The
month Of October, 1850, it was found necessary to
recall hun, and BreYet Lieutenant Colonel Ora
ham was Immediately ordered 10 take biz place, IN
the confident expectation that under his direction
the work would be vigorously prosecuted He did
not however, arrive at Ell Paso until the oath day
Of June, 1851; and misunderstandngs having
arisen betw cen him and the Commissioner IN re-
gard to their respective functions and powers,
which caused suspension OF active operations on
the line, il deemed proper to recall him and 10
substitute Brevet Major William H. Emory, the
officer who superintended the running and mark
ing of the line from the Pacific coast 10 the Colo
RADIO He was appointed on the 18th day oil sep
TENDER last, and within ten days thereafter took
his departure for the theatre oil his operations lie
arrived at San Antonio, in Texls, early III Octo-
ber and it is supposed, has by this time joined the
commission.
The known experience, ability, and energy OF
Major Emory in conducting operations in the held,
furnish the surest guarantees for the prompt and
faithful prosecution Of this survey.
After the withdrawal of 1t. Col. Mcclellan from
the Astronomical Corps, Lieut.. Whipple the officer
next in rank, took charge OF its operations, and at
the latest adyices the line had been ascertancd and
un from the initial point on the Rio Grande to the
ne ghborhood Of "the Copper Mines" distance of
more than one hundred and fifty miles. II Will be
impossible, however to complete the work within
the time allowed by law, and an extension OF 1t
number OF persons attached to the commission was
found to be greater than necessary, and il has,
therefore, been considerably reduced.
The District Of Columbia.
deem it my duty to invite particular attention
to the interests OF this District. Being unrepre-
scented in the councils OF the nation, It's citizens are
obliged to rely the justice and magnanimity OF
Congress for such Legislation as It's welfare may re-
qure. The acceptance by Congress OF exclusive
jurisdiction over il carried with II an obligation to
I. AZ. bat ffaFa
and, judging from the past, there is no reason to
doubt that all the just demands OF its citizens Will
be promptly and literally supplied. The city OF
Washington has peculiar claims on the muhn-
cence OF Congress. Ii owes it's existence 10 the
establishment of the seat OF the Federal Cow
eminent here. IL was planned with reference
| TO the purposes OF Government, and not Tor
the convenience Of it's permanent Inhabitants.
The extensive scale on which its avenues and
streets and public grounds were laid out, and
| the powers reserved over them, prove conclu-
svely that its founders intended that they should
| be improved and adorned by the General Govern
ment. II being the residence of most OF the Execu-
tive officers during their term OF service and OF the
members of the two Houses Of the Legislature whilst
they in session. and also OF the representatives
| of foreign governments near own, should
feel patriotic desire to add to its comforts and at
trac tions and to render il worthy of the oil
its founder and of it's relation TO great Rcpub
lie AT very early period of its history the idea
was suggested OF supplying il with water from
some OF the neighboring streams and surveys were
made with the view OF carrying 1t into effect No
efficient measures, however were adopted, and the
scheme was for the time abandoned. On the 30th
September, 1850, Congress, being impressed with
Just of the Importance OF the subject, adopt
ed a resolution directing the War Department TO
cause necessary surveys and estimates to be made
to show the prac ticability and cost of introducing
copious supply of pure water into The city.
In January, 1851, the Secretary OF War reported
TO Congress the results of the survey, which showed
that an ample supply could be obtained at cost OF
S50U,000. This sum ia small, compared with
the advantages to be derived from the work, that
| cannot hesitate TO urge the adoption of the plan
proposed in the report The losses which the Gov
eminent and individuals have already sustained
by the destruction by fire of the former Treasury
building, General Post Office, and Patent Office,
and other public buildings, amount to more than
| the estimated cost of the improvement. The ar
chves of the country and the various public edi-
fees still exposed 10 constant danger from the
| same cause. prudent regard for their security
would of itself be sufficient to justify the under
taking; but when to this is superadded the obliga
| ton to provide for the comfort, and health, and
safety Of the Inhabitants OF the city, it would seem
| to be q matter of imperative duty.
! In my last annual report invited attention to
| the designation of the Department, and renewed
the recommendation of my predecessor for the Gre
alton of the Office of Solicitor. Experience in the
| diverse and important duties with which this De-
partnent is charged, still strengthens my convic-
| ton as to the propriety of that recommendation;
and, without repeating the reasons therefor, beg
| leave again to bespeak for it the consideration OF
| Congress ALEX. ii. ii. STUART,
Secretary of the Interior.