The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-04


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 Mssour but not having been received, the
precise character of their siipulatons cannot be
given.
The Secretary refers to the Indian depreda-
tons in New Mexico, and thinks that our ac-
QUESTIONS and rapidly expanding settlements IN
the Far West may render necessary change
in our whole policy in regard to our Indian re-
lations. A temporizing system can no longer
he pursued The policy of removal, except un-
der peculiar circumstances, must necessarily be
abandoned And the emily alternative left IS TO
civilize or exterminate them. We must adopt
one or the other. A just, humane, and Chris
tan people cannot long hesitate which to choose
We must commence by substituting kindness
for coercion by feeding and clothing them, IA
Their than warning upon and driving them from
their territory.
The Secretary argues that dire necessity COM
pels the Indians to hostile depredatons, since they
are driven from their fertile lands, and hunger
impels them to seize the horses, mules and cattle
of the pioneers to relieve their wants and sat
isfy the cravings of nature and he says that
by mild means we shall soon reap our reward
in the suppression of Indian depredatons 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
principles of civil liberty.
Our Indian relations in Texas continue in an
embarrassed condition, and suitable country
should be set apart for the occupancy of the In
dams in that State.
Our judicial expenses are very heavy, and
the laws regulating the fees of the ministerial
officers of the courts are obscure, conflicting,
and, as a whole, incomprehensible. The com
pensation in some States is inadequate, and in
others extravagant.
The Secretary at some length reviews the
difficulties growing out of the fee bills. He
refers 10 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
uniform and proporhonate 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 pro
per to be done. He recommends the compile
ton of the west wing of the Patent Office, and
refutes the idea that that building should not
be occupied 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 examination OF the accounts, that but
little more than one-eighth part of the cost Of
the principal building and two wings has been
derived from the patent fund; but that, if the
facts were as represented, 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 Ca
pitol, the work has been diligently prosecuted.
The foundations of both wings are now near
ly completed, and if suitable appropriations be
made by Congress at its approaching session
no effort will be spared TO push on the work
with as much despatch as may be consistent
with its 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 making the apportionment Of representa-
ton contemplated by law
The Secretary makes sundry explanations
and suggestions in regard TO the census, and
recommends an additional appropriation of one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars to complete
its preparation and publication.
In connexion with the Patent Office, the
Secretary refers to the London Industrial Elk
hibition to Mr.. CHARLES +. STANsBuRY,
whom he sent thither an agent; and to the
valuable and interesting document which that
gentleman has prepared in pursuance of his in
structiOns.
The Secretary iterates his recommendation
of last year in regard to the establishment Of
an Agricultural Bureau, and offers number of
reasons for his opinion.
The Secretary gives a sketch of the opera
tions 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 its welfare may require
The city of Washington, says the Secretary,
has peculiar claims on the munfcence of Con
gress. 1t owes its existence to the establish
ment of the seat Of the Federal Government
here. 1t was planned with reference TO the
purposes Of Government, and not for the cohve-
nience of its permanent inhabitants. The ex-
tensive scale on which its avenues and streets
and public grounds were laid out, and the