The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-05

timenI of Cslifo, MIA, he ssys, seems ~ DC OPP I
posed to any individual appropriation OF The
gold bearing lands and as the present system
Of leaving them common, open TO the enter
prize of all our citizens, and subject only 10
such regulations as the miners themselves may
adopt, and To the State laws, for the preservation
of the peace, seems to have worked well In prsc.
tice, he il inclined to think that the wisesl policy
is not to interfere with il for the present but 10
wait until time and experience shall have point.
cd out some less Objectionable mode Of dispos-
ing of them. The whole subject Is embar-
raised with difficulties, and il would seem ~ be
better to submit to the temporary irconyeni-
ence OF an imperfect system than TO incur the
hazard of adopting one founded in erroneous
principle, under which rights might be vested in
individuals, and the evils become irremediabe
by the Legislative power.
OF Indian affairs, the secretary says the tribes
resident 10 the State of New York, and the
country west of Arkansas, are making advances
in agriculture and civilization.
Treaties have been negotiated with tribes in
the Northwest and with those in New Mexico,
California, Oregon, and the country west Of the
Missouri; but not having been received, the
precise character of their stpulations cannot be
given.
The secretary refers to the Indian .depreda-
stions and rapidly expanding settlements in the
far West may render necessary change 10 our
whole policy in regard to our dian relations.
A temporizng system no longer be pur-
sued. The policy of removal, except under Pc
culiar circumstances, must necessarily be aban-
doned. And the only alternative left is to civil
iZe or exterminate them. We must adopt one
or the other. A just, humane, and Christian
people cannot long hesitate which to choose.
We must commence by substituting kindness
for coercion; by feeding and clothing them,
rather than warning upon and driving them from
their territory
The secretary argues that dire necessity COM
pels the Indians to hostile depredations, since
they are driven from their fertile lands and hun
ger impels them to seize the horses, mules and
cattle of the pioneers to relieve their wants and
satisfy the cravings of nature; and he says
that by mild means we shall soon reap our re-
ward in the suppression of Indian depredations
and diminished expenses of the Department of
War
The Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws and
Creeks are gradually adopting the usages and
industrial pursuits of our citizens, and begin
already to exhibit just appreciation of the prin-
ciples of civil liberty.
Our Indian relations in Texas continue in an
embarrassed condition, and a suitable country
should be set apart for the occupancy OF the In
dams in that State.
Our judicial expenses very heavy, and the
laws regulating the fees of the ministerial Off
GERS OF the courts are obscure, conflicting, and,
as whole, ncomprehensible. The compensa-
ton in some States is inadequate, and in the 9TH
ers extravagant,
The secretary at some length reviews the
difficulties growing out of the fee bills. Here
fers to the report of the First Comptroller of the
Treasury, and recommends revision of the
laws on this subject. He also suggests the
propriety of general revision Of the salaries OF
the judges, with view to render them more uni
form and proportonate to the labor and re-
sponsibility of the office.
The secretary gives his views in relation to the
public buildings and grounds, describing what
has been done, and indicating what is proper to
be done. He recommends the completion of
the west wing of the Patent Office, and relutes
the idea that that building should not be occu-
pied for any other purposes than those connected
with the Patent Office He says that it is not
true that the cost of the Patent Office building
has been paid out of the patent fund that on the
contrary, it will be found, on a careful examina-
ton of the accounts, that but little more than
one-eghth part of the cost Of the principal build
ing and two wings has been derived from the
patent fund but that, if the facts were repre-
scented, they by no means justify the inference
derived from them.
Since the adoption of the plan approved by
the President for the enlargement of the capitol,
| the work has been diligently prosecuted. The
foundations of both wings are now nearly com
pleted and if suitable appropriations be made by
Congress at It's approaching session, no effort
will be spared to push on the work with rs much
despatch as may be consistent with It's faithful
execution.
Returns have been received from the officers
engaged in taking the census in all the States
and territories except California and Utah; and
the delay has prevented the secretary from max
- ing the apportionment of representation contem-
plated by law.
The secretary makes sundry explanations and
suggestions in regard TO The census, and recon-
mends an additional appropriation of one hun
dred and fifty thousand dollars TO complete its
preparation and publication
In connexion with the Patent Office, the sec
retary refers TO the London Industrial Exhibition
TO Nr. Charles f. Stansbury, whom he sent
thitber as an agent; and to the valuable and in
teresting document which that gentleman has
prepared in pursuance of his instructions.
The secretary reiterates his recommendation
| of last year in regard 10 the establishment of
. nm AGRICULTURAL oureau' anu oheiS d" h"'nVei vi
reasons for his opinion
The secretary gives sketch Of the operations
of the Mexican Boundary Commission, and Of
the final determination of the initial point.
The secretary invites particular attention to
the interests of the District Of Columbia, whose
citizens, he says, being unrepresented in the
councils Of the nation, are obliged TO rely on the
Justice and magnanimity of Congress for such
legislation as it's welfare may require.
The city Of Washington, says the secretary,
! has peculiar claims on the munifeence of Con
press. II owes its existence TO the establish
ment Of the seat Of the federal government
here. 1t was planned with reference TO the pur.
noses of government and not for the convent
cnce of its permanent inhabitants. The extensive
scale on which its avenues and streets and public
grounds were laid out, and the powers reserved
over them, prove conclusively that its founders
intended that they should be improved and