Washington sentinel., 1853-12-07


ing for twelve million eight hundred and seventy
nine thousand two hundred and eighty acres; un-
der acts OF September 2S, 1850, and March %,
loo2, calling for twelve million five hundred and
fve thousand three hundred and sixty acres
making total of twenty-five million three hun
dred and eightyfour thousand six hundred and for
ty acres.
IL Is believed that experience has verified the
wisdom and justice of the present system, with
regard TO the public domain, in most essential par
ticulars.
You will perceive, from the report of the Secre-
tary OF the INTERIOR that opinions, which have of.
Ten been expressed in relation 10 the operation of
Inc land system as not being a source of revenue
10 othe federal treasury, We're erroneous The net
prohts from the sale of the public lands June 30
loo3 amounted 10 the sum Of flty-three million
two hundred and eighty-nine thousand four hun
dred and sixty-fve dollars.
recommend the extension of the land system
over the Territories of Utah and New Mexico,
with such notifications as their peculiarities may
require.
Regarding our public domain as chiefly valuable
TO PROVIDE homes for the Industrious and enter
prlsng, am not prepared TO recommend any es-
sentiai change In the land system except by modi-
hcations In favor Of the actual settler and an ex-
tension OF the pre-empton principle in certain
cases, for reasons, and on grounds, which will be
you.
Congress- representing the proprietors of the
territorial domain, and charged especially with
power TO dispose of territory belonging to the
United States, has, for a long course of years,
beginning with the administration of Mr. Jefferson
exercised the power to construct roads within the
territories; and there are so many and obvious
distinctions between this exercise of power and
That OF making roads within the States that the
former has never been considered subject TO such
objections as apply TO the latter, and such may
now be considered the settled construction of the
power Of the federal government upon the sub
ject.
Numerous applications have been and no doubt
will continue TO be, made for grants of land in aid
OF the construction of railways. II is not believed
10 be within the intent and meaning Of the Consti-
tuition, that the power to dispose of the public do
main, should be used otherwise than might be ex-
pected rom prudent proprietor, and, therefore,
that grants Of land TO aid in the construction Of
roads should be restricted to cases, where it would
be Tor the interest Of proprietor, under like cir
cumstances thus to contribute to the construction
OF these works. For the practical operation of
such grants thus far, in advancing the interests Of
the states In which the works are located and at
the same time the substantial interests of all the
other states, by enhancing the value and promot-
ing the rapid sale OF the public domain refer YOU
TO the report of the Secretary of the Interior. A
careful examination, however, will show that this
experience is the result of lust discrimination
and VIII be far from aiiording encouragement TO a
reckless or indiscriminate extension Of the prin-
ciple
commend to your favorable consideration the
men OF genius of our country, who, by their inven-
tions and discoveries in science and act have con-
trlbuted largely TO the improvements of the age,
witnout, IN many instances, securing for them
selves anything like an adequate reward. For
many interesting details upon this subject | refer
you TO the appropriate reports and especially urge
upon your early attention the apparently slight,
but really important, notifications Of existing laws
therein suggested.
The liberal spirit which has so long marked the
action of Congress in relation to the District of
Columbia, WILL have no doubt, continue TO be
manifested.
Ihe erection OF an asylum for the insane of the
District OF Columbia, and Of the army and navy
OF the United States has been somewhat retard-
ed, by the great demand for materials and labor
during the past summer; but full preparation
for the reception Of patients, before the return of
another winter, is anticipated and there is the
best reason TO believe, from the plan and contem-
plated arrangements which have been devised,
with the large experience furnished within the last
few years In relation TO the nature and treatment
OF the disease, that il will prove an asylum indeed
to this most helpless and afflicted class of suffer
ers, and stand noble monument OF wisdom
and mercy.
Under the acts of Congress of August 81, 1852,
and OF March 3, 1858, designed to secure for the
cities OF Washington and Georgetown an abund-
ant supply OF good and wholesome water il be-
came my duty 10 examine the report and plans of
the engineer who had charge of the surveys under
the act first named. The best if not the only plan,
calculated 10 secure permanently the object sought,
was that which contemplates taking the water from
the Great Falls the Potomac, and, consequently,
give TO il my approval
For the progress and present condition Of this
important work, and for its demands, so far as ap-
preparations are concerned, | refer you TO the re-
port of the Secretary of War.
The present judicial system of the United States
has now been in operation for so long period of
time, and has, in its general theory and much of
its details, become familiar to the country and
acquired so entirely the public confidence, that if
modified in any respect, i should only be in those
particulars which may adapt it to the increased
extent, population and legal business of the United
States. In this relation, the organization of the
courts is now coniessedy inadequate TO the duties
TO be performed by them; in consequence of
which, the States of Florida, Wisconsin, Iowa.
Texas and California and districts of other States
are in effect excluded from the full benefits of the
general system, by the functions of the circuit
court being devolved on the district Judges in all
those States, or parts of States.
The spirit of the Constitution and due regard
TO justice, require that all the States of the Union
should be placed on the same footing in regard to
the judicial tribunals | therefore commend to
your consideration this important subject, which,
In my Judgment, demands the speedy action of
Congress. ! will present TO you, if deemed de-
sirable, plan, which am prepared TO recon-
ihCHu, ioI the eHldTSCiHcHl anu VI the
present judicial system.
The act of Congress establishing the Smith
sonian Institution, provided that the President of
the United States, and other persons therein de-
signated should constitute an establishment" by
that name, and that the members should hold
stated and special meetings for the supervision of
the affairs Of the Institution The organization
not having taken place, il seemed TO me proper
that il should be effected without delay. This
has been done; and an occasion was thereby pre-
sented for inspecting the condition of the Institu
tion and apprecating its successful progress thus
far, and its high promise of great and general
usefulness.
have omitted to ask your favorable consdera-
ton for the estimates Of works of local character
in twenty of the thirty-one States, amount
ing 10 million seven hundred and ffty-fonr
thousand five hundred dollars because, independ-
emily of the grounds which have so often been
urged against the application of the federal reve-
nue. for works of this character inequality with
consequent injustice is inherent in the nature of
the proposition, and because the plan has proved
entirely inadequate TO the accomplishment of the
objects sought.
The subject ofinternal improvements, claiming
alike the interest and good will of all, has never
theless, been the basis of much political discus
sion, and has stood as deep craven line of division
between statesmen of eminent ability and patriot