The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-02

greatly reduced as 10 leave doubt Of the exist
ence OF the moot fragrant abuses under the existing
laws. This practical evasion Of the present law,
combined with the languishing condition OF some
OF the great interests Of the country, caused by
over importations and consequent depressed prices,
and with the failure in obtaining foreign market
for our increasing surplus Of breadstufs and provi
sions, has induced me again TO recommend mod
ifcation of the existing tariff
The report Of the Secretary Of the Interior, which
accompanies this communication, will present
condensed statement Of the operations of that
important department of the Government
II viii be that the cash sales Of the public
lands exceed those of the preceding year, and that
there is reason 10 anticipate still further increase
notwithstanding the large donations which have
been made to many OF the States, and the liberal
grants to individuals reward for military SER
vices. This fact furnishes very gratifying evil
denoe Of the growing wealth and prosperity OF our
country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for com
nencing the survey ofthe public lands in caiiior-
mia ard Oregon Surveying parties have been or
ganized, and some progress has been made In es-
tablshing the principal base and meridian hnes.
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 an act passed pro.
viding for the appointment Of three commissioners
TO settle private land claims in California. Three
persons were Immediately appointed, all of whom,
however, declined accepting the office, in oonse-
uncnce Of the inadequacy of the compensation.
Others were promptly selected, who, for the same
reason, also declined and il was not until late in
the season that the services Of suitable persons
could be secured majority Of the commission
era convened, in this city, on the 10th OF Septem-
Der last when detailed instructions were given to
them in regard to their duties. Their first meet
ing for the transaction of business will be held in
San Francisco the 9Th day Of the present month.
have thought it proper TO refer to these facts,
not only to explain the causes of the delay in hill
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 unquestionablc integrity
The proper disposal of the mineral lands Of Cali
q
In my last annual message | recommended the
survey and sale Of them in small parcels, under
such restrictions as would efectualy guard aganst
monopoly and speculation. But upon iurth' !"
formation, and in Difference to IL MONS o.
sons familiar with the subject, n inclined to
change that recommendation, and to advise that
they he permitted to remain, IA at present, com
mon field, open to the enterprise and industry oil
all our citizens until further experience shall have
developed the best policy to 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 iasten on the country
system founded in error, which may place the
whole subject beyond tho future control OF Con-
grcss.
The agricultural lands should, however, be sur.
veyed 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
fc To effect tbesc objecs il 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 an
early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the
Territorial governments OF New Mexico and Utah;
and, when more accurate information sball be OBJ
tanned Of the causes. further communication will
be made that subject.
In my last annual communication to Congress
recommended the establishment Of an Agricultural
Bureau, and take this occasion again TO invoke
yoor favorable consideration of the subject
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great
interest Of our people. Four.fiiths Of our active
population employed in the cultivation Of the
coil, 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 usc all the means authorized
by the Constitution TO promote the interests and
welfare OF that important csss Of our fellow cti.
rens And yet it is singular fact that whilst the
manufacturing and commercial interests have en-
gagged the attention Of Congress during large
portion of every session. aud statutes abound in
provisions for their protection and encouragement
little has yet been done directly for the advancement
OF agriculture. II Is time that iha reproach TO our
Legislation should be removed; and sincerely hope
that the present Congress will not close their abors
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 informa-
ton as to the beat modes Of cultivation, and Of tho
most effcctual means Of preserving and restoring
the fertility of the soI and of procuring and dis
tributing seeds and plants and other vegetable pro-
auctions, with instructions in regard 10 the coil.
climate, and treatment best adapted to their
growth, could not fail TO be, in the language Of
Washington, in his last annual message 10 Con-
gress, every cheap instrument Of immenso ma.
tional benefit"
Regarding the act Of Congress approved 25ih
September, 1850, granting bounty lands TO persons
--So had been engaged in the military service Of
The country az great measure Of national justice
and muni6cence, an anxious desire haa been felt,
by the officers entrusted with its immediate execu-
ton, to give prompt effect TO ts provisions. All
the means within their control were, therefore,
brought into requisition to expedite the adjudicn.