The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-10

stimulated 10 make permanent Improve
ments, and enter on the ordinary pursuits
of life. TO effect these objects it is desira.
BILE that the necessary provision be made
by law for the establishment Of land Offices
in California and Oregon, and for the eff.
Gent prosecution otthe surveys at an early
day.
Some difficulties have occurred in or.
ganzing the Territorial Governments Of
New Mexico and Utah; and, when more
accurate information shall be obtained of
the causes, a further communication will
be made on that subject.
In my last annual communication to
Congress | recommended the establish.
ment Of an 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
ftths Of our active population are employ
ed in the cultivation Of the soil. and the
rapid expansion Of our settlements over
new territory, is daily adding 10 the num-
Der of those engaged in that vocation
Justice and sound policy; therefore. alike
require that the Government should use
all the means authorized by the Constitu.
ton to promote the interests and welfare
of that important class Of our fellow-clti-
zens. And yet it is a singular fact that,
whilst the manufacturing and commercial
interests have engaged the attention OF
Congress during a large portion OF every
session, and our statutes abound in pro-
visions for their protection and encourage
ment, little has yet been done directly Tor
the advancement OF agriculture. II is
time that this reproach to our legislation
should be removed, and | sincerely hope
that the present Congress will not close
their labors without adopting efficien,
means to supply the omissions OF those
who have preceded them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with
the duty OF collecting and disseminating
correct information as TO the best modes
of cultivation, and of the most effectual
means OF preserving and restoring the fer
tilitv of the soil, and Of procuring and dis
tributing seeds and plants and other vege.
table productions, with instructions in re-
gard 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 Congress. a
"very cheap instrument of immense ma.
tional benefit"
Regarding the act of Congress APPROX
ed 28th September. 1850. granting bounty
lands to persons who had been engaged
in the military service OF the country, as
a great measure OF national justice and
munifcence. an anxious desire has been
felt by the officers entrusted with its imme.
diate execution. to give prompt effect to its
provisions. All the means within their
control were, therefore. brought into re-
QUESTION to expedite the adj udication of
claims, and am gratifed TO be able to
state that near one hundred thousand ap.
plications have been considered, and
about seventy thousand warrants issued
within the short space of nine months II
adequate provision be made by law TO car.
ry into effect the recommendations nj the
Department. it is confidently expected that,
before the close of the next fiscal year, all
who are entitled TO the benefits Of the act
will have received their warrants.
The Secretary of the Interior has sug-
ges,ed in his report various amendments
TO the laws relating 10 pensions and boun-
ty lands. for the purpose OF guarding more
etfectually against abuses and frauds on
the Government, TO all Of which invite
your particular attention.
The large accessions to our Indian pop
ulation consequent upon the acquisition OF
New Mexico and California, and the ex-
tension Of our settlements into Utah and
Oregon, have given increased interest and
importance to our relations with the abo.
riginal race.
No material change has taken place.
within the last year, in the condition and
prospects of the Indian tribes who reside
in the Northwestern Territory and west OF
the Mississippi river. We are at peace
with all Of them; and it will be a source OF
pleasure to youto learn that they are grad
ually advancing in civilization and the
pursuits Of social life.
Along the Mexican frontier, and in Cal.
%ifornia, and Oregon, there have been oc.
casional manifestations of uniriendly feel
ing. and some depredations committed.
am satisfied. however. that they resulted
more from the destitute and starving con.
dition of the Indians than from any set.
tied hostility toward the whites. As the
settlements Of our citizens progress towards
them. the game upon which they mainly
rely for subsistence is driven off or DIES.
troyed, and the only alternative left to them
is starvation or plumber. 1t becomes usto
consider. in view ofthis condition OF things.
whether Justice and humanity, as well as
an enlightened economy. do not require
that, instead Of seeking to punish them for
offences which are The result of our own
policy towards them, W. should not pro.
vide for their immediate wants and en-.
courage them to engage in agriculture, and
10 reply on their labor, instead of the chase