The daily union., 1852-12-11


the close OF their terms they forced TO dispose OF their
household effects AT ruinous sacrifice. and return TO
their homes impoverished in fortune aud with the
gracious reflection that while they have devoted their
time and talents the public service, their country has
| refused them the means OF support
may DO said IN reply that there rs no obligation
any 10 accept these positions, and they do they
must abide by the consequences OF their own acts In
this is true. There is no legal obligation
any TO accept official position. But there is high
moral and patriotic obligation every citizen 10 contrib
ute his service to his country when il may be required
and there is reciprocal obligation the country not 10
allow him 10 suffer IN his private fortune by that service
By furnishing the heads OF departments and Vice Pre-
sden with houses their present salaries will be adequate
for their support They will be freed from the and
use, and be enabled TO devote their whole time TO the
duties OF their Offices. They will be placed in cond
ton OF comparative independence, by being relieved from
the prospect Of heavy sacrifice by the sale OF their ei
ecs upon the termination OF their official connexion with
the government The heads OF departments, instead Of
being scattered the The city, will be brought
10 each other and TO the President and be enabled 10
confer together without inconvenience And at the close
Of their terms they will leave the seat OF government
with the knowledge that If they have not added 10 they
have al least not been obliged 10 subtract from their pm
yate resources.
From estimates which have caused TO be made, am
satisfied that lots could be bought and eight substantial
plain, and tasteful houses erected, furnished and fitted
up Tor occupation for the sum OF 3000oo, And as The
near approach Of the close oil my own Official term re-
eves me from all suspicion Of being influenced oy per-
your notice. earnestly recommend II to your favorable
regard.
THE DISTRICT COLUMBIA
Ia former reports have earnestly invited your atten
ton 10 the interests OF the District OF Columbia, and
deavored 10 explain the peculiar claims which II has TO
The fostering Of Congress Without repeating the
heretofore urged beg leave again 10 present the
subject TO your favorable notice, and 10 specify some OF
the particular objects in regard to which legislation is
CURED.
The introduction of ample supply Of pure water
into the city of Washington and Georgetown is meas.
n of inter he
gress appropriation made TO deiray the cost OF the
necessary surveys &c. 10 determine the best mode OF
accomplishing this object An officer OF the engineer
corps detailed for This duty, and progress has
already been made in the work, but not enough to
BILE 10 express opinion TO the plan which should
be adopted full report will however, be made and
submitted 10 Congress in time for It's action during the
approaching session and hope the necessary approprl
auons will be made TO commence the work without de-
lay Ii additional arguments TO those heretofore sub
m,ed deemed necessary, might refer to the recent
conflagration in the library OF the Capitol
pha,c admonon OF the insecurity of the public build
ngs and archives in the absence OF copous supply OF
water
deem my duty also to call your attention to the ur-
gent necessity which exists for the erection OF suitable
bridges The Potomac to supply the place OF those
which were destroyed by the floods in the early part OF
the present year.
The interruption OF the trayel and commercial inter-
course with The opposite side OF the river has proved
serious evil TO the residents of the District and the public
generally. And during the winter, when navigation may
be obstruced By ce the Inconvenience will be greatly
augmented. therefore recommend that appropriation
be asked for 10 make the necessary surveys and prepare
suitable plans and estimates for the construction OF one
or more permanent bridges which may be adapted mol
only for the accommodation of the ordinary travel and
trade but also for the safe and convenient passage OF
railway trains The rapid extension of the system Of
railways throughout the whole country forbds the iea
that the intercourse by mail between the North and The
South should continue longer 10 be delayed and interrupt
ed it has hitherto been, at particular seasons Of The
year, by the difficulty OF crossing the Potomac.
The Commissioner of Public Lands, in his report, has
suggested the propety OF grant By Congress OF por
ton of The public lands in aid OF public schools in the
District OF Columbia. This proposition commands my
cordial appreciation and would be happy IN il
adopted, with amendment extending lis benefits the
charitable Institutions OF the District. The population Of
the District is composed OF czens OF every State in the
Union This general interest in its pros
perity and welfare; and know OF no disposition of
portion OF the public domain which would be
strictly in accordance with The spirit OF the trusts reposed
in Congress, useful in itself, than appropra-
ton OF reasonable portion TO instruct the ignorant re:
form the vicious and relieve the distressed Inhabitants OF
The metropolis OF the nation.
In former reports have brought 10 your notice many
other subjects which regarded OF public nieresi.
Among these The establishment OF Agricultural
and Statistical Bureau revision OF the laws relating 10
The fees OF marshals attorneys and clerks OF the circuit
and district courts OF the United States an increase ot
the salaries OF the judges of the DISTRICT courts OF the
United States; the enlargement OF the functions OF the
Attorney General to make him the head OF the De-
parment OF Justice and the transfer 10 that department
of all matters connected with the administration OF JUS
tce; the construction OF national highway through
territory to the PachcI the more precise defni
ton OF the duties OF the several executive departments;
and that provision be made for the appointment OF
a solicitor 10 The Department OF the Interior.
On all these subjects my opinions remain unchanged,
and, without repeating ihe reasons by which they were
sustained, beg leave again 10 commend Them 10 your
favorable consideration.
have The honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
To the President Of the United States.