The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-11

river Gila. from its confluence with the Colo
RADIO to the point where it strikes the western
boundary of New Mexico, has been completed;
and it is believed that ere now two thirds Of
the survey of the Rio Grande have also been
accomplished. To explain the course Of the
Department on the subject Of the initial point on
the Rio Grande, and the line thence westward
constituting the southern boundary Of New
MexIco-a history of all that has been done is
presented. This involves review Of points
connected with the treaty Of Guadalupe, Hi
dalgo, and the construction to be put upon the
commission which that treaty contemplated.
II is shown that the present head of the De-
partment has taken view upon this subject
which comedies with the views of Mr.. BUcHA-
NAN-under whose instructions the treaty was
negotiated--also, with the opinions entertained
by Mr.. FORSYTH, Secretary of State at the pc
Rod when the convention for marking the
boundary between the United States and Texas
was concluded. The practice of the Mexican
government comedies with this understanding.
If, however, an error has been committed, it is
one which the Secretary has no power to correct,
and which must therefore be referred to other
departments of the Government. In reference
to the proviso attached by Congress to the ap-
preparation voted last session, the Secretary
shows that he had no alternative but to instruct
the Commissioner to discontinue all operations
on the disputed portion of the boundary until
further action shall be taken by Congress.
The result is great hardship and embarrassment
to the persons attached to the Commission, who
have been for five months diligently employed
in the full confidence that Congress would
make the necessary provision for their ex-
penses. This expectation has been disap-
pointed !; they are left in the wilderness far
from home, without the means of sustenance
or travel while the Government is exposed
to discredit by the protest of the drafts of its
accredited agents. Prompt action on the part
Of Congress is therefore recommended
The progress of the work upon the extern
sion of the Capitol is described as having
been as rapid as was consistent with its proper
execution. A high compliment is paid to Mr..
WALTER, for the genius and taste with which
he has planned the arrangements for the new
Library room; and to Messrs. BEEBE s. Co.,
of New York, for the skill and fidelity with
which his plans have been carried into effect
1t is recommended that suitable houses be
erected for the Vice President and the members
Of the Cabinet, and that they be provided with
furniture, fuel, and lights In support of this
recommendation, the report refers to the great
ly increased cost Of house-rent and all the ne
cessaries of life in Washington; the practical
effect of which is to reduce the value of the
salaries paid to little more than half their value
at the time when they were fixed by law. If
measures are not adopted to equalize the means
and expenses, none but those possessed of pri-
vate fortunes will be able to fill the most re-
sponsible public Offices. 1t is estimated that
lots can be bought and eight houses erected,
furnished, and fitted up as proposed, for
100000. .:.... .... '.-.. ...a..
Attention is invited to the wants Of the Dis
trict of Columbia, and the claims which it has
upon the fostering care of Congress. The in
PRODUCTION of an ample supply of pure water to
Washington and Georgetown is dwelt upon as
Of primary importance An officer of the En-
gineer Corps is employed in examining the
matter, with the view of determining the best
method of accomplishing this object, and as it
it probable that his report will be presented to
Congress during its present session, hope is
expressed-that the necessary appropriations for
| the commencement of the work will be made
without delay. The necessity that exists for
the erection of bridges across the Potomac is
also noticed, and an appropriation for the ne
cessary surveys, plans, and estimates, is sug
gested. The proposition of grant of public
lands in aid of the public schools of the Dis
trict-submitted by the Commissioner of Pub
lie Lands-is cordially approved by the Sec
rotary, who remarks that he would be happy
to see it adopted, with an amendment extend
ing its benefits to the charitable institutions of
| the District ...
Recommendations contained in former re-
ports are recalled to the attention of Congress,
as deserving Of their favorable consideration.
These include the establishment of an agricul-
tural and statistical bureau, and the construc-
ton of national highway through our own
territory to the Pacific. ..-
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