American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-12-02

greatly reduced as 10 leave no doubt OF the exist
ence of the most fragrant lbuses under the existing
laws. This practical evasion Of the present law,
combined with the langlishing condition Of some
of the great interests OF the country, caused by
over importations and consequent depressed prices
and with the failure in obtaining a foreign market
for our increasing surplus OF breadsufis and provi-
sions, has induced me agein to recommend mod
ification of the existing tariff
The report of the Secretary of the Interior which
accompanies this communication, will present
a condensed statement of the operations of that
important department Of he Government.
II will be seen that the cash sales of the public
lands exceed those of the preceding year, and that
there is reason to anticipate still further increase,
notwithstanding the large donations which have
been made to many Of the States, and the liberal
grants to individuals a reward for military SER
vices. This fact furnishes very gratifying evil
dcncc OF the growing wealth and prosperity of our
country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for com
mencing the survey Of the public lands in Califor
MIA and Oregon. Surveying parties have been or
ganzed, and some progress has been made in es-
tablishing the principal tase and meridian lines.
But further legislation and additional appropria-
tons will be necessary before the proper subdivi
sions can be made, and The general land system
extended over those remote parts of our territory.
On the Sd of March last act was passed pro-
viding for the appointment of three commissioners
to settle private land claims in California Three
ILL., ~yo1 III oc ,l>n,,
however, declined accepting the office, in conse-
quence of the inadequacy Of the compensation.
Others were promptly selected, who, for the same
reason also declined; and it was not until late in
the season that the services of suitable persons
could be secured. majority Of the commission
ers convened, in this city on the 10Th Of Septem-
Der last, when detailed Instructions given to
them in regard to their duties. Their first meet
ing for the transaction Of business will be held in
San Francisco on the Sth day of the present month.
have thought it proper to refer to these facts,
not only to explain the causes 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 one of great labor
and responsibility, and The compensation should be
such as to command men of high order of tai
ents and the most unquesionable integrity.
The proper disposal of The 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 small parcels, under
such restrictions as would effectualy goard against
monopoly and speculation But upon further in
formation, and in Difference 70 the opinions of per-
sons familiar with the subject, am inclined to
change that recommendation, and to advise that
they'be permitted to remain, az at present, COM
mon field, open to the enterprise and industry OF
all our citizens, until further experience shall have
developed the best policy 70 be ultimately adopted
in regard to them. II is safer to suffer the inconve-
niences that now exist for short period, than, by
premature legislation, to fasten on the country a
system founded III error, ut.aes-r----y-ri~a- tho
whole subject beyond tho future control Of Con-
gress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be sur
veycd and brought into market with as little delay
as possible that the titles may become settled, and
the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent i'm.
provements, and enter on the ordinary pursuits Of
He To effect these 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 prosecution Of the surveys at
early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the
Territorial governments Of New Mexico and Utah;
and, when more accurate information shall be OBJ.
tanned Of the causes, a further communication will
be made on that subject
In my last annual communication to Congress |
recommended the establishment 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-fifths of our active
population arc 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
SOUND policy, therefore, alike require that the
Government should use all the means authorized
by the Constitution to promote the interests and
welfare Of that important. class Of our fellow-c
gems. And yet il is singular fact that, whilst the
manufacturing and commercial interests have en-
gagged the attention Of Congress during large
portion OF every session, and our 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 labors
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 correct iniorma-
ton as to the best modes Of cultivation, and OF the
most efTectual means Of preserving and restoring
the fertility Of the soil, and of procuring and dis.
tributing seeds and plants and other vegetable pro-
ductions with instructions in regard TO the soil,
climate, and treatment best adapted to their
growth, could not fail 10 be, in the language OF