Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1851-12-11

llagrant abuses unucf cAlstli!g iaNs' lins
practical evasion Of the present law, com-
bined with the larguishing condition of
some of the grnnt interests of the country
caused by our importations and consequent
depressed prices, and with the failure in
obtaining ready market for DIR increasing
surplus in breadstuiIs and provisions has
induced me again TO recommend mod'Eca-'
ion Of the existing tariff.
The report of the Secretary Of the Into
ror which accompanies this communication,
will present a condensed statement Of the
operations Of that important department o.
! the Government. II will be seen that The
cash sales of public lands exceed those Of
the preceding year, and there Is reason 10
anticipate still further increase, notwith-
standing the large donations which have
been made to many of the States and the lib
eral grants TO individuals as a reward for
! Military services. This factfurnshes very
gratifying evidences Of the growing health
and prosperity Of our country. suitable
measures have been adopted for commence
ing survey OF the publ!c lands in Califor-
MIA and Oregon. Survey parties have been
organized, and some progress has been made
in establishing the principal base and meri-
dian, lines, but further legislation and addi-
tional appropriations will be necessary be-
fore the proper subdivisions can be made
and the general land system extended over
those remote parts Of our Territory.
On the 3rd Of March last an act was pas
sed providing for the appointment Of three
Commissioners, to settle the private land
claims in California. Three persons were
Immediately appointed, all Of whom, howev-
or, declined accepting the office in conse-
quenec of the inadequacy Of the compensa--
ton. Others were promptly selected, who
for the same reason also declined, and it
was not until late in the season that the SER
vices of suitable persons could be procured.
A majority of the Commissioners convened
i'll this city on the 10Th Of September last,
when detailed instructions We're given them
in regard to their duties. Their first meet
ing for the transaction of business will be
held in San Francisco on the 8th day OF the
present month. l have thought it proper
, TO refer TO these facts not only to explain the
. causes of the delay in filling the commission,
but TO call your attention TO the propriety Of
increasing the compensation Of the Commits
sioncrs. The office is one of great labor and
possibility, and the compensation should
be such as TO command high order of tall
f ent and the most unqucstionable integrity.
The proper disposal Of the mineral lands
of California is subject surrounded ty
= great difficulties. In my last message | re-
commended the survey and sale of these lands
in small parts, under such restrictions as
would eifcctually guard against monopoly
, and speculation; but upon further informa-
ton and in dcicrencc to the opinions of the
persons familiar with the subject, am in
cined to change that recommendation and to
advise that they be permitted TO remain as at
? present, common field open to the enter
prise and industry Of all our citizens until
further experience shall have developed the
best policy TO be ultimately adopted in regard
to them. 1t is safer TO suffer the inconven-
fence that now exists for a short period than
f by premature legislation to fasten on the
, country system founded in error which
may place the whole subject beyond the fur
, Their control OF Congress. The agricultural
lands should, however, be surveyed and
brought into market with as little delay as
I, possible, that the titles may become settled,
I the inhabitants stimulated to make perma-
] nent Improvements and enter on the ordin-
| AIRY pursuits Of life. To effect these objects
it is desirable that necessary provision be
q made by Congress for the establishment Of
land offices in California and Oregon, and
for the efficient prosecution of the surveys
at an early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organ
izing the Territorial Governments of New
. Mexico and Utah, and when more accurate
information shall be obtained of the causes
p further communication will be made on
f that subject.
81 In ,,- lot ,,,,,,,I
, gress recommended the establishment Of an
f Agricultural Bureau, and take this occasion
again 10 invite your favorable consideration
d OF the subject. Agriculture may justly be
regarded as the great interest Of our people.
I four-iiIhs Of our active population are en-
4 p!oved III the cultivation OF the soil, and the
. rapid expansion by our settlements over the
territory is daily adding to the number Of
h those engaged in that vocation. Justice and
n sound policy, therefore, alike require that
f government should use all the means au-
thorlZod by the constitution to promote the
= interests and welfare Of this important class
\ OF our fellow citizens; and it is a singular
/ fact that while our manufacturing and COM
mercial interests have engaged the atten-
| Ton OF congress during portion of every
, session, and our statuets absurd in provision
for farther protection little has yet been done
\ directly for the advancement of Agriculture.
1t is due that this reproach to our lcgis-
g ton should be removed; and | sincerely
nope That the present Congress will moi close
| ITS labors without adopting efficient means
5 y supply the omission of those who prece-
: dGd them. An Agricultural Bureau charg-
ed with the duty Of collecting and dispensing
correct information as to the best method Of
culture and the most eifectual means of pre-
f serving and restoring the fertility of the
| soil and Of reserving and distributing seeds,
plants and other vegetable productions,