Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-12-11

lustraton of these frauds will be exhibited in the
Report the Secretary of the Treasury, showing
the cus,om-house valuation of articles imported
under former law subject to specific duties,
when there was no lnducement TO undeNaluation,
and the custon-house valuations of the same ar
tcles, under the present system Of al valorem
duties, so greatly reduced rs to leave no doubt
of the existence ofthe most fragrant abuses I'M
der the existing laws. This practical evasion Of
the present law, combined with the languishng
condition of some OF the great interests of the
country. caused by over lmportatons and conse-
quent depressed prices, and with the failure in
obtaining market for our increasing surplus of
breadstulis and provisions, has induced me TO
again recommend modification of the existing
tariff
The report of the Secretary Of the Interior,
which accompanies this communication, will pre-
senta condensed statement of the operations of
that important department Of the national Gov
eminent
1t will be seen that the cash sales Of the pub.
Tic lands exceed those OF the preceding year, and
that there Is reason TO anticipate a still further IN
crease, Notwithstanding the large donations
which have been made TO many Of the States, and
the liberal grants TO individuals as a reward for
military services his fact furnishes very graf
/ flying evidence of the growing wealth and pros
perity OF our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for COM
mencng the survey ofthe public lands IN Califor-
MIA and Oregon. Surveying parties have been
organized, and some progress has been made IN
establishing the principal base aud meridian
lines But further legislation and additional APP
Preparations viii be necessary before the proper
subdivisions can be made. and the general land
system extended over those remote parts of our
country.
Cd the I'd of March last, an act was passed
providing for the appointment of three commits
sloners to settle private land claims in CalIior-
mia. Three persons were Immediately appoint
ed, all of whom however, declined accepting the
Office in consequence OF the nadoquacy Of the
compensation. Others were promptly selected,
who for the same reason also declined aud 1t
was not until late IN the season that the services
of suitable persons could be procured. \ maor-
lts of the commissioners convened IN tins city.
on the lUth OF September last, when detailed IN
structOns were gwen to them IA regard to their
duties. Their first meeting for ;he transaction
of business viii be held at San Francisco on the
9Th OF the present month
have thought IT proper to refer to these facts,
not only 10 explain the causes of the delay in
filing the commission, but to call your attention
60 the proprety OF increasing the compensation
OF the commissioners. The office is one of great
labor and responsibility, aud the compensation
should be such as to command men of high or
der of talents and the most unquestonable integ
rty.
The proper disposal of the mineral lands o
California is subject surrounded by great diff
cultes. IN my last annual message | recon-
mended the survey and sale Of them in small par
GELS, under such restrictions as would oiiectuallS
guard against monopoly and speculation Blu
upon further information, and IN Difference e
the opinions of persons familiar with the subject
4 sl4upl chance that recommendation
and to advise that they be permitted to remain
as ut present, common field, open to the enter
prise and industry of all our citizens, until fur
Their time shall have developed the best policy t,
be ultimately adopted in regard 10 them. 1t j,
safer TO suffer the inconvenience that now eX
list, for a short period, than, by premature leeis
lutun, to iasten ON the country a system founded
IN error, which may place the whole subject be
yond the future control of Congress.
The agricultural land should however, be sur
veyed aud brought into market with as little de
lay az possible, that the titles may become set
tied aud the inhabitants stimulated to make per
maneut improvements, and enter upon the ordi
nary pursuits of life To effect these objects !
Is desirable that the necessary provision be made
by law for tie establishment Of land offices II
California AMI Oregon, and for the efficient pros
ecuuon of the surveys at an early day.
Some .hculues have occurred in organizing
the lcripra governments Of New Mexico ans
Utah; and. when more accurate information shal
be obtuued of the causes, a further communca
ton VIII be made on that subject.
In my last annual communication to Congress
recommended the establishment of an Agricul
tural Bureau, AMI take this occasion 10 agar
invoke your favorable consideration of the sub
jecL
Agriculture may Justly be regarded as tn
great interest of our people. Four tiiths of on
active population are employed IN the cultivation
Of the sail, and the rapid expansion of our settle
ments over new territory Is daily adding TO tn
number OF those engaged IN that vocation. Jus
tlce and sound policy, alike require that the gov
ernment should use all the means authorized b
the Constitution 10 promo'e the interests and wei
fare Of this important class OF our citizens. We
It Is u singular fact that while the manuiacturin
aud commercial interests have engaged the al
tenton Of Congress during large portion of ey
cry session, and our statutes abound IN provision
for their protection and encouragement, little ma
yet been done directly for the advancement {
agriculture. II Is time that this reproach TO on
legislation should be removed and | sincerel
hope that the present Congress will not clos
It's abors without adopting efficient means
supply the omissions of those who have precede
them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the d.
ty of collecting and disseminating correct info
mation as 10 the best modes Of cultivation, and {
the most eiiectual means of preserving and re
storing the fertility Of the soil, and Of procurin
and distributing seeds and plants and other veg
etable productions, with instructions IN regard {
the soil, climate. and treatment best adapted {
their growth, could not fail 10 be, in the languag
of Washington, IN his last annual message t
ongress, very cheap instrument Of immens
national benefit "
Regarding the act Of Congress approved 2st
September le5O, granting bounty lands to pei
sous who had been engaged IN the military Sc
vice of the country, great MEASURE of M
tonal justice and munihcence, an ANXIOUS desu
has been felt by the officers Entrusted with II
immediate execution, 10 give prompt effect TO II
provisions. All the means within their contrt
were brought into reqnslton to expedite IN
adjudication of claims, aud | anl grathed TO b
able TO state that near one hundred thousand ap
plcations have been considered, and about sew
entv thousand warrants issued within the shol
.pace Of nine months. Ii adequate provision b
made by law TO carry into effect the recommer
dations of the Department, II is confidently eN
nected that before the close Of the next iisc5
wear, all who are entitled to the benefits Of tn
! act will have received their warrants.
Tho Secretary OF the Interior has suggeste
IN his Report various amendments OF the law
relating TO pensions and bounty lands, for III
purpose of more efiectually guarding against
buses and frauds on the Government, TO all
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