The Democratic sentinel and Harrison County farmer. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1851-1852, 1851-12-03

luOls WI FIFrSnta Ovuacue4 blote1eAf "
the operations Of that important depart
ment Of the Government.
1t viii be seen that the cash sales Of the
public lands exceed those Of the proceed
Ing wear, and that there IS reason TO Antie-
Iipate a still further increase, notwithstand-
ing the large donations which have been
made TO many Of the States, and the hber-
al grants to individuals as a reward for
military services. This faetfunishesv ery
gratifying evidence Ofthe, growing wealth
and prosperity Of our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for
commencing the suryeyofthe public lands
in California and Oregon. Surveying par
ties have been organized, and som pro-
gress has been made in establishing the
principal base and meridian lines. But
further legislation and Acknowledgment
atoms will be necessary before the proper
subdivisions can be made, and the gensr-
al land system extended over those remote
parts Of our territory.
Onthe Sd of March last an act was pass
ed providing for the appointment Of three
commissioners to settle private claims In
California. Three persons were immedi=
ately appointed, all of whom, however, de-
Iclined accepting the Office, in consequence
of the inadequacy of the compensation.
Others were promptly selected, who, for
the same reason, also declined; and it was
not until late in the season that the servi-
Ices of suitable per sons could be secured.
A majority Of the C commissioners convened
i'm this city, on the 10th of September last,
when detailed instructions were given to
them in regard TO their duties. Their
first meeting for the transaction of business
viii be held in San francisco IN the 9Th
day of the present month.
1 have thought Improper to refer to these
facts, not only to explain the causes OF the
delay in filling the commission, butte c all
your attention to the propriety OF increaS-
ing the compensation of the commissioners
The office is one of greatlabor and reSpoHe
slbility, and tie compensation should be
Fsuch as to command men Of a high order
of talents and the most unqueStionabls ia
Itegrity. 81
The proper disposal of the minerallandsl
of California is a subject surrounded by
great difficulties. In my last annual mes
sage I recommended the survey and sale
of them in small parcels, under such re-
strictions as would etiectually guasd against
monopoly and speculation. But upon fur
herinformation, and in Difference to. the
opinions Of persons familiar with the sub
iect, | am inclined to change thatreommen-
dalton, and to advise that they may be
permitted to remain, as OF present, a COM
mon field, open to the enterprise and in
dustry of all our citizens. until further ,ex-
p~erience shall have developed the best pol
icy to be ultimately adopted in regard, to
them. Its safer to suffer the inconvenlen-
ces that now exist, for a short period than.
by premature legislation, to fsstcA on the
country a system founded in error, which
may place the whole subject beyond the
future control # Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however.
be surveyed and Brought into market with
as little delay as possible, that the title
I may Become settled, and the inhabitants
stimulated to make permanent improve
; mlents, and enter ON the ordinary pursuits
oflife. 70 effect these objects it is desi-
rable that the necessary provision be made
by law for the establishment Of land offices
in t a~lifornia and Oregon, and for the ciii
, Gent prosecution Of the surveys at an early
. day.
u Some difficulties have occurred in Or
ganizing the Territorial governments OF
New MEXICO and Utah; and, when MOI >
Z accurate information shall be obtained q,
: the causes, a further communication will
) be made on that subject. .
J In my last annual communication t''
/ Congress. | recommended the establish
c mcnt Of an Agricultural Bureau, and {
c take this occasion again to invoke youi
! favorable consideration of the subject
C Agriculture may justly be regarded as
the great interest of our people. Four
ffths of or active population are employ
/ ed in the cultivation of the soil, and the
&c rapid expansion Of our settlements over
u new territory is daily adding to the mum
" Der of those engaged in that vocation
.. Justice and sound policy, therefore,, alike
u require that the Government should us
Is all the means authorized by the Constitu
Z, ton 10 promote the interests and welfare
III of that important class Of our fellow cit
Z zcns. And yet tits u singular fact that
y whilst the manufacturing and CONNER.
.cial interests have engaged the attention
of Congress- during a large portion ofeYery
!! session, and our statutes abound in provi-
rs isions for their protection and encourage
"a, ment, little has yet been done directly for
ca the advancement of agriculture. 1t is time
that this reproach to our legislation should
e, be removed; and | sincerely hope tina
the present Congress will not close theil
ne labors without adopting efficient means tt
Oh supply the omissions of those who hav'
on preceded them.
OF An Agricultural Bureau, charged witt
'er the duty of collecting and disseminating
correct information as to the best modes O
cultivation, and the most e~ffectual mean
al of preserving and restoring the fertility O
"a the soil, and Of procuring and distributinI
ID seeds and plants and other Vegetable pro
a d, notions, with Instructions in regard t
me the soil, climate, and treatment best adap
tedto their growth, could not fail to be, i
the language Of Washington, in his las
led annual message to Congress, a Every ohea
SIS instrument of immense national benefit.
Regarding to the acto of Congress apprc
eSs we'd goth September, 1850, grantin
bounty lands to persons who had been en-
ac- gagged in the military service of the cour
on try, as a great measure Of national justiC
tne and muniticence, and anxious desire hs
OnS been felt, by the offers entrusted with i
NY immediate execution, to give propnPt e
ON feet to its provisions. All the means will
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