Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-12-04

The proper disposal Of the mineral lands Of California
is subject surrounded with great difficulties. In my
last annual message [ recommended the survey and
sale Of them in small parcels under such restrictions as
would efeciualy guard against monopoly and specula
ton. But upon further information and in Difference 10
the opinions Of persons familiar with the subject am
inclined to change that recommendation and TO advise
that Trey he permitted 10 remain, as at present
field open the enterprise and industry of our c
rntl further experience shall have developed the
hest policy be ultimately adopted regard 10 them
1t is safer to suffer the Inconvenience that for
short period than by premature Legislation asten
the country system founded in which may place
the whole subject beyond the future control OF Congress
The Agricultural lands should, however be surveyed
and brought into market with little delay possible
that the titles may become settled and the inhabitants
stimulated 20 make permanent Improvements and enter
on the ordinary pursuits OF life.
To effect these objects. il is desirable that the ncces
sary provis be made by law for the establishment of
Land Offices in California and Oregon and for the cf
eient prosecution of the surveys at early cay.
Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the terrific
rial governments of New Mexico and Utah. and when
more accurate Information shall be obtained OF the
further communication will be made on that
subject
cd the establishment of Agricultural Bureau, and
take this occasion to invoke your favorable consideration
Of the subject.
Agriculture may Justly he regarded as the great inter-
est Of people. Fourfths of active population
employed in the cultivation Of the soil and the rapid
expansion of settlements territory is daily
adding the numbers engaged That aVOcation.
co and sound policy, therefore, alike rcqniro that the
government should all means authorized 10y the Con-
stuon promote the interests and welfare of that
important class Of our citizens and yet il is SIM
gular fact that whilst the manufacturing and comerca
interests have engaged the attention during larger por.
ton OF every session. and statutes abornd in pro-
visions for their protection and little has
been done directly for the advancement Of aGrcu
lure. 1t is time that this reproach legislation
should be removed and sincerely hope that the
Congress will not close their abors without adopting
efficient means to supply the omissions of those who have
preceded them.
An Agricultural Bureau charged with the duty of
collecting and disseminating Information
the best modes of cuvating and Of the most eecnal
means of preserving and restoring the fertility Of the
soil and of procuring ard distributing seeds and plants
and other vegetable productions, with instructions in
regard the soil, climate and treatment hest adapted
their growth couid fail be- in the language Of
Washington in his last annual message 10 Congress.
very CHEAP instrument Of immense national benefit
Regarding the net Of Congress. approved 2Sih Sep
tcmber 1880 granting bounty lands persons who had
been engaged in military service Of the country
great measure Of national Justice and munifccnce al
anxious desire has been felt by the officers entrusted
with its immediate execution TO give prompt effect TO its
provisions All the within their control were,
therefore brought into Tcqusiion 20 expedite adluica
tions Of claims. I gratifcd in being able
thar 100 900 applications have been considered and
about 20 600 warrants issued within the short space OF
nine months If adequate provision be made by law 10
carry into effect the recommendations Of the Depart
mcn, it is confidently expected that before The close OF
the next fiscal year. all who entitled the benefits
Of the act will have received their warrants.
The Secretary Of tire Interior has suggested in his
port various amendments Of the laws relating Pen
sion and Bounty lands for the purpose Of more eecu
ally guarding against abuses and frauds the Govern
mcnt: to all of which invite particular attention.
The large accessions our Indian population. conse
quent upon the acquisition of New Mexico and Caor-
nia and the extension of settlements in Utah and
Oregon, have given increased interest," and Importance
relations with the aboriginal race No material
change has taken place within the last year in the
dillon and prospects OF the Indian tribes who reside in
the Northwestern Territory ard west Of the Mississippi
river.
We are Mt reacc with all Of these. and it will be
Of pleasure you learn that they gradual
" advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social
life Along the Mexican frontier and IN California and
Oregon there have been occasional manifestations Of
Infriendlv feeling and deprcdatioEs committed.
am satisfied however, that they resulted more from the
destitute and starving condition Of The Indians than from
any settled hostility towards the Whites As the set
dement's progress towards them, the upon which
they mainly RELY for subsistence Is driven oil or destroy
ed and the only alternative left for them Starvation
plumber. 1t becomes consider in view Of this
tlon of things whether Justice and humanity well
frightened economy, do not require rat instead Of
seeking punish for offences which the result
IF our policy towards them. we should provide Tor
their immediate wants and encourage them TO engage
agriculture and rely their labor instead of the
,hase for the Of support. Various important rca
les have been negotiated with different tribes during
he year v which their title large and valuable
If country has been exiinguished all Of which WILL at
he proper time be submitted to tho Senate for ratifca
ion
The Joint commission under the treaty OF Gnadaonpe
le Hdago has been engaged IN running and marking the
boundary line between the United States and Mexico.
L stated in the last annual report OF he Secretary
# the Interior that the initial point Of the Pacific aud
he point of the junction Of the ella with the Colorado
lad been determined The intervening line, about $50
niles length, has been and marked 10y temporary
Since that time monument has been erect
d the initial point. and permanent land marks Of iron
bla1 ctoo flal no \
initial point on the Rio Grande has, also, been fixed by
he Commission at latitude 80 deg % min. and at the
of the last communication the survey of the line
lad been made westward about $50 miles, Ia the neigh
orhood of the Copper mines The Commission on one
art was at first organized scale which experience
roved to he unweldy and attended with unnecessary
Expense. Orders have therefore, been issued Tor the
cducton of the number persons employed within the
mallest limits consistent with the safety OF those
ragged in The survey, and the prompt and efficient exc
ution of their important suites. c
Returns have been received from all the officers enga
ed in taking the Census in the States and Territories
kept. California The Superintendent employed TO @
make the enumeration that State has not vet made
is full report from causes he alleges, beyond his con-
roll This failure is much be regretted, Preven-
ed the Secretary OF the Interior from making his decen
a apportonment OF Representatives the States,
required by the act of Nav 3d. 1880. II Is hoped
owever, that the returns will be received and
time will bc lost in making the necessary appor
onment and transmitting the certificates required
law The Superintendent Of the Serenth Census is q
igeny employed under the direction of the Secretary
the INTERIOR in classifying and arranging, IN system
tables the statistics derived from the returns oil the
farshas and il is believed that when the work shall Il
ave been completed il will exhibit perfect view Il
the population wealth. occupation and social condi
on Of this great country than has been presented
, the world Tho value of such work the basis :,
enlightened J. .isation can hardly be overestmated
earnestly hope that Congress will lose no time IN ma
ing the appropriations necessary complete this cas
cation and to publish the results in style worthy oil
. i. IT.. ,1.l,