The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-03

HlGlDB lOI bLc appointment Va '''NN '"''H''
to settle private land claims in California. Three
persons Immediately appointed, all of whom,
however, declined accepting TIC cffice in conse-
quence Of the nadcquacy Of the compensation
Others were promptly selected, who, for the same
reason also declined; and it not until late i'll
the season that the services Of suitable persons
could be secured. majority Of the commission
ers convened, in this city, the l0,h of septem-
Der last, when detailed instructions were given 10
them in regard to their duties. Their first meet
ing for the transaction Of business will he held in
San Francisco the 6th day Of the present month.
have thought it proper to refer totheee facts,
not only to explain the of the delay in fill
ing the commission, but TO call your attention to the
propriety of increasing the compensation of the
commissioners. The office is of great labor
and responsibility and the compensation should be
such as 20 command men of high order Of tall
ents and the most unquestIonable integrity.
The proper disposal of tho mineral lands of Cali
fornia is a subject surrounded by great difficulties.
! In my last annual message recommended the
survey and sale of them in email parcels, under
such restrictions would eifectually guard against
monopoly and speculation. But upon further in
formation, and in Difference to the opinions OF per-
sons familiar with the subject, am inclined TO
change that recommendation, and to advise that
they be permitted to remain, at present, a com
mon field open to the enterprise and industry of
all our citizens, until further experience shall have
developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted
in regard them 1t is safer to suffer the inconvc
nicnces that now exist for short period, than by
premature legislation, to fasten on the country
system founded in error, which may place the
4 Iz4,,- ,t-,,Io %,
grees.
The agricultural lands should, however, be sur
veyed and brought into market with little delay
as possible that the titles may become settled, and
the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent inn
provements and enter on the ordinary pursuits of
life. To effect hese objects it is desirable that the
necessary provision be made by law for the estab-
lishment of land offices in California and Oregon,
and for the efficient prosec uon of the surveys at
early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the
Territorial governments of New Mexico and Utah;
and, when accurate information shall be OBJ
tanned Of the causes a further communication will
be made that subject.
In my last annual communication to Congress
recommended the establishment Of an A Agricultural
Bureau, and take this occasion again to invoke
your favorable consideration of the subject.
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great
interest of our people. Four ffths of our active
population employed in the cultivation of the
soil, and the rapid expansion of our settlements
over new territory is daily adding to the number
of those engaged in that vocation Justice and
cound policy therefore, alike require that the
Government should use all the means authorized
| to the itia nd
welfare Of that important class of fellow-citi-
zens And yet it is a singular fact that, whilst the
manufacturing and commercial interests have
gagged the attention of Congress during large
portion OF every session. and statutes abound in
provisions for their protection and encouragement,
little has yet been done directly for the advancement
Of agriculture 1t is time that this reproach to our
legislation should be removed and sincerely hope
that the present Congress will not close their abors
without adopting efficient TO supply the
omissions of those who have preceded them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the duty
OF collecting and disseminating correct informa-
ton to the best modes of cultivation, and of the
most effectual means of preserving and restoring
the fertility of the soil, and of procuring and dis
tributing seeds and plants and othervegctable pro-
ductions, with instructions in regard to the soil
climate, and treatment best adapted to their
growth, could not fail to be, in the language of
Washington, in his last annual message TO Con-
gress, every cheap instrument of immense ma
tional benefit
Regarding the act of Congress approved 2Sth
September, 1850, granting bounty lands to persons
who had been engaged in the military service of
the country, a great measure Of national Justice
and munihcence, an anxious desire has been felt,
by the officers entrusted with its immediate cxecu-
ton, 10 give prompt effect to its provisions. All
the means within their control were, therefore,
brought into requisition to expedite tho adjudica-
ton of claims, and | am gratiGcd to be able to
state that near one hundred thousand applications
have been considered, and about seventy thousand
warrants issued within the short space Of nine
months. If adequate provision be made by law to
carry into effect the recommendations Of the De-
partment, it is confidently expected that, before
the close ofthe next fiscal year, all who entitled
to the benefits Of the act will have received their
warrants.
The Secretary OF the Interior has suggested in
his report various amendments Of the laws relating
10 pensions and bounty lands, for the purpose of
moro efIectually guarding against abuses and
frauds on the Government, to all of which invite
your particular attention.
The large acccssions to Indian population
consequent upon the acquisition of New Mexico
and California, and the extension of our settle
mcnts into Utah and Oregon, have given increased
interest and importance to our relations with tho
aboriginal race.
No material change has taken place, within the
last year, in the condition and prospects Of the In
dian tribes who reside in the Northwestern Terrific
ry and west of the Mississippi river. We arc at
peace with all of them; and it will be a source of
pleasure to you to learn that they arc gradually
advancing in civilization and the pursus oi social
life.
Along the Mexican frontier, and in Calilornis. and
Oregon, there have been occasional
unfriendly feeling and some depredations commit
ted. am satisfied, however, that they resulted
more from the destitute and starving condition of