Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1852-01-03
PEAQEEMaNE:
SA TURDIY, JANUARY 3, 1852.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

and otttc House Of Representatives :
CONTINUED.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior
which accompanies this communication, will
present condensel statement of the operations
Of that important department of the Govern
ment
1t will be seen that the cash sales of the
public lands exceed those of the preceding
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 individu-
ais as reward for military services This fact
furnishes very gratifying evidence ofthe grow
ing wealth and prosperity Of our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for
commencing 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 me-
ridian lines. But further legislation and add-
tional appropriations will be necessary before
the proper subdivisions can be made, and the
general land system extended over those re-
mote parts of our territory.
On the Sd of March last an act was passed
provide for the appointment of three commits
soners to settle private land claims in Califor-
mia. Three persons were immediately appon-
ted, all of whom, however, declined accepting
the office, in consequence of the inadequacy of
the compensation. Others were promptly Sc
lected, who for the same reason, also declined
and it was not until late in the season that the
services OF suitable persons could be secured.
A majority Of the commissioners convened, in
this city, on the 10th Of September last, when
detailed instructions were given to them in re-
gard to their duties. Their first meeting for
the transaction Of business will be held in San
Francisco on the Sth day Mthe present month.
have thought proper to state these facts, not
only - explain the causes of the delay in fill
ing the commission, but to call your attention
to thepropriety of increasing the compensation
Of the commissioners. The Office is one of
great labor and responsibility, and the compen-
sation should be, such as to command men of
a high order of talents and the most unques-
tionable integrity.
The proper disposal of this mineral lands of
California is a subject surrounded by great DIFF
ficnlties. In my last annua! message recom-
mended the survey and sale of them in small par
cells, under such restrictions as would efectu-
ally guard against monopoly and speculation
But upon further information, and in reference
to the opinions of persons familiar with the
subject, am inclined to change that recon-
and TO- advise that they be permit
ted to remain, as at present. comVAon field,
open to the enterprise and industry of all our
citizens, until further experience shall develope
the best policy to be ultimately adopted in re-
gard to them. 1t is safer to suffer the incon.
that now exist, tor short PERIOD
than by premature legisation, to fasten on the |
country system founded in error, which may
place the whole subject beyond the future con-
troll of Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be
and brought into market with as lit
lie delay as possible, that the titles may become
settled, and the inhabitants stimulated to make !
improvement, and enter on the Or
linary pursuits of life. To effect these objects
t is desirable that the necessary provision be
made by law for the establishment of land Off
'es in California and Oregon, and for the eff
lent prosecution of the surveys at an early |
lay. .......r=..-
Some difficulties have occurred in organizing
he Territorial Governments of New Mexico
md Utah and when more accurate information
hall be obtained of the causes, further COM
nunication will be made on that subject.
In my last annual communication too Congress
recommend the establishment of an ,Agrcu-
ural Bureau, and take this occasion again to
invoke yonr favorable consideration Of the sub
ect.
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the
,reat interest of our people. Four-ffths of
'ur active population are employed in the cul-
ivation of the soil, and the rapid expansion
# our settlements over new territory is daily
dding to the number of those engaged in that
location. Justice and sound policy, therefore,
like require that the Government should use
IL the means authorized by the Constitution
o promote the interests and welfare OF that
important class of our fellow-citizens And
ret it is singular fact that, whilst the man.
featuring and commercial interest have en-
,aged the attention Of Congress during large
portion of every session, and our statutes
bound in provisions for their protection and
little has yet been done directly
or the advancement of agriculture 1t is time
hat this reproach to our Legislation should be
emoyed; and sincerely hope that the present