Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-11

ing warrants, is four million seven hundred and |
seventy -eight thousand one hundred end twenty |
acres.
Warrants have been issued to SOth September
last, under the act of llth February, ls47, calling
for twelve million eight hundred and seventy
nine thousand two hundred and eighty acres !; I'M
der acts of September %, 1850, and March %,
1859, calling for Twelve million FIVE hundred and
five thousand three hundred and sixty acres ma
king a total of twenty-five million three hundred
and eighty-four thousand six hundred and forty
acres.
1t is believed that experience has verified the
wisdom and justice of the present system, with
regard to the public domain, in most essential par
tieulars.
You will perceive from the report Of the Sec
rotary of the Interior, that opinions, which have
often been expressed in relation to the operation
of the land system, as not being a source of rev.
enue to the federal treasury, were erroneous. The
net profits from the sale of the public lands to
June 80, 1853 amounted to the sum Of ffty-three
million two hundred and eighty-nine thousand
four hundred and sixty-fye 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 cur public domain as chiefly yalua-
bic to provide homes for the Industrious and en-
essential change in the land system, except by
notifications in favor Of the actualsettler, and an
extension of the presumption principle in certain
cases, for reasons and on grounds, which will be
fully developed in the reports to be laid before
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 long course of years, be-
ginning 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. 1t is not 5eliev-
ed to be within the intent and meaning of the
constitution that the power to dispose of the pub
lie domain, should be used otherwise than might
be expected from a prudent proprietor, and,
therefore. that grants of land to aid in the con-
struction of roads should be restricted to cases,
where it would be for the interest of proprietor,
under like circumstances 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 loca
ted and at the same time the substantial interests of
all the other States, By enhancing the value and
promoting tue rapid sale of the public domain, |
refer you to the report of the Secretary of the In
terror careful examination, however, will
show that this experience is the result of a just
discrm nation, and will be far from sffording en-
enlargement to a reckless or indiscrimnate extern
sion OF the principle.
commend to your favorable consideration the
men of genius of our country, who, by their in
ventions and discoveries in science and art, have
contributed largely TO the Improvements OF the
age without, 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.
The 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 retarded, 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 contemplated arrangements which
have been devised, with the large experience fnrn-
ished within the last few years in relation to the
tire and treatment Of the disease that it will prove
an asylum indeed TO this most helpless and afflicted
class of sufferers, and stand as noble monument of
wisdom and mercy.
Under the acts of Congress Of August 21st, 1852
and of March Sd, 1853 designed 10 secure for the
cities of Washington and Georgetown an abundant
supply of good and wholesome water, it became my
duty to examine the report and plans Of the engi-
peer who had charge Of the surveys under the act
first named The best, if not the only plan, calcu-
lated to secure permanently the object sought was
that which contemplates taking the water from the
Great Falls of the Potomac and, consequently, l
gave to il my approval
For the progress and present condition Of this i'm
portant work. and forts demands, so far as appro-
priatons are concerned refer you to the report of
the Secretary of War.
The present judicial system of the United States
has now been in operation for so long a period of
time and has in its general theory, and much OF its
details, become so familiar TO the country and
qured so entirely the public confidence that if mod
fled in any respect it should only be in those par
ticuars 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
confessedly inadequate to the duties to beperformed
by them; in consequence of which the States of
Florida Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas, and California,
and districts Of other States in effect excluded
from the full benefits of the general system by the
functions Of the circuit court being devolyed the
district judges in all those States parts Of States
The spirit Of the constitution and due regard tC
Justice require that all the States OF the Union should
be placed upon the footing in regard to the ju
dical tribunals. / therefore commend to your con-
sideration this important subject; which, in my udg
ment, demands the speedy action Of Congress l
will present to you, if deemed desirable, plan,
which am prepared to recommend for the en-
largement and modification of the present Judicial
system.
The act of Congress establishing the Smthson-
ian Institution, provided that the President of the
United States and other persons therein designated
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 In
stitution The organization not having taken place,
it seemed to me proper that it should be effected
without delay. This has been done and an occa-
sion was thereby presented for inspecting the con-
dition of the institution and approaching its sue
cessful progress thus FAR and its high promise of
great and general usefulness.
| have omitted to ask your favorable considers
ton for the estimates Of works of local character
IN twentv-seven of the thirty one States, amount
ing to one million seven hundred and ffty-four
thousand five hundred dollars, because independ-
entity of the grounds which have so often been urg-
ed against the application of the federal revenue