The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-12-15
N UNI B Err 45.

pose INTO effect.
by the latest advices from the Mexican
Boundary Commission it appears that the
survey of the river Gila, from its conflu-
ence with the Colorado to its supposed in
tersectiOn with the western line of New
Mexico, has been completed. The survey
OF the Rio Grande has also been finished
from the point agreed on by the Commits
sioners as ",hc point where it strikes thu
southern boundary of New Mexico" to
point one hundred and thirty-fve miles
below Eagle Pass, which is about two
thirds Of the distance along the course Of
the river TO its month. -
The appropriation which was made at
the last session Of Congress for the contin-
uation Of the scrvcy is subject to the fol-
lowing proviso:
"PrOridcd, That no part of this appro-
priation shall be used or expended until
1t shall be made satisfactorily to appear to
the President of The United States that
the southern boundary of New Mexico is
not established by the commissioner and
surveyor of the United States farther
north of the town called "Paso" than the
same is laid down in DistunelIs map,
which is added to the treaty."
My attention was drawn to this subject
by report from the Department of the
Interior, which reviewed al the facts of
the case and submitted for my decision
the question whether, under existing cir
cumstanccs, any part of the appropriation
could be lawfully used or expended for the
further prosecution of the work. After
careful consideration of the subject, came
to the conclusion that it could not, and SO.
informed the head of that Department.
Orders were Immediately issued by him
to the commissioner and surveyor to make
no further acquisitions on the Department,
as they cou,I not be paid; and to discon-
tinuc all operations on the southern Iine of
New Mexico. But as the Department
had no exact information as to the -an-9"nt
of provisions and monNy--Vi11ch renamed
unexpendsd i'm the hands of the commis-
sioncr and surveyor, it was left discretion
airy with them continue the survey down
the Rio Grande as far as the means at
tLcr disposal would enable them, or at
once to disband the Commission. A spe-
cial messenger has since arrived from the
officer in charge ofthe survey on the river,
with information that the funds subject to
his control were exhausted, and That the
officers and others employed i'll the service
were destitute alike of the means of pros
ccuting the work and ofreturning to their
homes.
Tile object of he proviso was doubtless
TO arrest the survey of the southern and
western lines of New Mexico, in regard to
whicE different opinions have been cx-
pressed for it is hardly to be supposed
tina, there could be any objection to that
! part of the line which extends along the
| channel of the Rio Grandc. But the
term. the law are so broad as to forbid
the Use of any part of the money for the
prosecution of the work, or even for the
payment, to the officers and agents, of the
arrcaragcs of pay which are justly due to
| them,
earnestly invite your prompt attention
to this subject, and recommend modifi-
catian of the terms of the proviso so as to
enable the Department to use as much Of
the appropriation as will be necessary to
discharge the existing obligations Of the
Government, and to complete the survey
Of the Rio Grandc to its mouth.
1t will also be proper to make further
provision by law for the fulfilment Of our
treaty with Mexico for running and mark
ing the residue of the boundary line be-
tween the two countries.
Permit me to invite your particular at
tcntion to the interests Of the District of
Co.Tmbia, which ale contided by the Con
stitution to your peculiar care.
Among the measures which seem TO me
of the greatest Importance TO its prosperi-
| ty, are the introduction of a copious sup
ply of water into the city of Washington,
and the construction of suitable bridges
across the Potomac, to replace those which
were destroyed by high water in the early
part of the present year.
At the last session of Congress an ap-
preparation was made to detray the cost
Of the surveys necessary for determining
the best means of afiording an unfailing
supply of good and wholesome water.
Some progress has been made in the sur
vey, and as soon as it is completed the
result will be laid before you.
Further appropriations will also be ne
cessary for grading and paving the streets
and avenues, and embellishing the public
grounds within the city of Washington.
commend all these objects, together
with the charitable institutions of the Dis
tricJ to your favorable regard. /.
Every effort has been made to protect
our frontier, and that of the adjoining
Mexican States, from the incursions Of
the Indian tribes. OF about 900 men
of which the army is composed, nearly
900 are employed in the defence Of the
newly acquired territory, (including Texasl
and Of emigrants proceeding thereto. 1
am gratified to say that these efforts have
been unusually successful. With the ex-
ception ofsome partial outbreaks in Cal
-: IL O.nn.o,, nr,h onnaainnnl dnnrn-