Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1851-12-13
present a condensed stateHent of the opera
lions of that important department Of the Gov


ernment
twill be seen that the cash sales of the
public lands exceed those of the proceeding
year, and that there is reason to anticipate a
still further increase, notwithstanding the
large donations which have been made to
many of the States, and the liberal grants to
individuals as reward for military services,
This fact furnishes very gratifying evidence of
the growing wealth and prosperity Of our
country,
Suitable measures have been adopted for
the survey of the public lands in
California and Oregon. Surveying parties
have been organized, and some progress has
been made in establishing the principal base
and meridian lines. But further legislation
and additional appropriations will be necessa-
ry before the proper subdivisions can be made,
and the general land system extended over
those remote parts of our territory.
On the Sd Of of March last an act was pass
ed providing for the appointment of three
commissioners to settle private land claims in
California. Three persons were Immediately
appointed, ali of whom, however, declined ae-
cepting the Office, in consequence of the mad
equscy of the compensation Others were
promptly selected, who, for the same reason,
declined and it was not until late in the sea-
son that the services of suitable persons could
be secured. A majority of the commissioners
convened, in this city, on the 10th of Septem-
Der last, when detailed Instructions we're CIV
en- to them in regard to their duties. Their
6rst meeting 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 de-
| lay in filling the commission, but to call your
attention 70 the propriety of increasing the
compensation of the commissioners The of
fee is one of great labor and responsibility, and
the compensation should be such as to COM
mand men of high order of talents and the
most unquestonable integrity.
The proper disposal of the mineral lands Of
California is a subject surrounded by great
difficulties. In my last annual messageI rec
commended :he survey and sale Of them in
small parcels, under such restrictions, as would
effectually guard against monopoly and spec
ulation. But upon further information, and in
Difference to the opinions of persons familiar
with the subject, am inclined to change that
Recommendation and to advise that they be
permitted to remain, as at present, common
| field, open to the enterprise and industry of
all our citizens until further experience shall
have developed the best policy to be ultimate
! ly adopted in regard to them. 1t is safer to
suffer the inconveniencies that now exist, for a
short period than, by premature Legislation.
to fasten on the country a system founded in
error, which may place the whole subject be-
yond the future control of Congress,
The agricultural lands should, however, be
Surveyed and brought into market with as lit
! tie delay as possible, that the titles may be-
come settled. and the inhabitants simulated
to make permanent improvements, and enter
on the ordinary pursuits of life. To effect
these objects il is desirable that the necessary
provision be made by law for the establish
ment of land offices in California and Oregon,
and for the efficient prosecution of the surveys
at an early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organiz-
ing the Territorial governments of New Mex
leo and Utah and when more accurate infor-
nation shall be obtained of the causes, a fur
ther communication viii be made on that sub
Iject.
In my last annual communication to Con-
gress | recommended the establishments 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-ifths of
our active population are employed in the cuL
tivation of the soil, and the rapid expansion of
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 citizens. And
yetit is singular fact that, willis the manu-
featuring and commercial interests have en-
gagged the attention Of Congress during large
portion of every session, and our statutes
abound in provisions fer their protection and
encouragement, little has yet been done di-
rectly 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 la
5ors without adopting efficient means to sup
ply the omissions of those who preceded
them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the
"a OOdSCtuIS anu DISSEMINATING correct In
formation as to the best modes of cultivation
and of the most effeetual means of preserving
and restoring the fertility of the soil, and Of
procuring and distributing seeds and plants
and other vegetable productions with instruc-
tions in regard to the soil, climate, and treat
meRt best adapted to their growth, could not
fail to be, 10 the language Of Washington, in
his last annual message TO Congress- very
cheap instrument of immense national ben
eft
Regarding the act of Congress approved
2Sth September, 1850. granting bounty lands
to persons who had been engaged in the mill
tary service Of the country. as a great meas
ure of national justice and munifcence. an
anxious desire has been felt, by the officers en-
trusted with its immediate execution, to give
prompt effect to its provisions All the means
within their control were, therefore, brought
into requlsition to expedite the adjudication of
claims, and / am grati6ed to be able to state
that near one hundred thousand applications
have been considered, and about seventy
IL