The daily comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1850-1856, 1853-12-13

tration of Mr.. Jefferson. exercised the
power to construct roads within the
territories and there are so many and
obvious distinctions between this exer-
else of power aud 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 set
tied construction of the power Of Fed
cral Government upon he subject.
Numerous applications have been,
aud no doubt will continue to be
made for grants, in aid Of the constrnc-
ton Of railways 1t is not believed to
be within the intent aud meaning Of
the Constitution, That the power to dis
pose Of the public domain, should be
used otherwise than might be expected
from n prudent proprietor, and there
fore, that grants Of land to aid in the
construction of roads should be restrict
ed to cases, where it would be for the
interest OF proprietor, under like cir
cnmstances, thus to contribute to the
construction OF these works For :hc
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 en-
haucing the value and promoting the
rapid sale Of the public domain, re-
fer you to the report Of the Secretary
of the Interior. A careful examna.
ton, however, will show that this cX-
perience is the result Of a just discrlm-
alton, and will be far from affording
encouragement to reckless or indis-
eliminate extension of the principle.
commend to your favorable con-
sideration the men OF genius of our
country, who by their inventions aud
discoveries in science and art, have
contributed largely to the improve
ments of the age, without, in many III
stances, securing for themselves any
thing like an adequate reward. For
many interesting details upon thi'
subject, refer you to the appropriate
reports, aud especially urge upon youI
carly attention the apparanFly slight
bu, really important, notifications q
existing laws therein suggested |.
The liberal spirit which has 50 long
marked the action Of Congress in rela
ton to the District of Columbia will.
have no doubt, continue to be maui
tested
The erection Of an asylum for the
insane Of the District OF Columbia
and Of the army aud navy Of the Uni
ted States, has been somewhat rctard
cd by the great demand for materials
and labor during rho past summer; bu
full preparation for the reception o
patients, before the return II another
winter, is anticipated and there is III,
best reason to believe, from the plal
and contemplated arrangements which
have been devised, with the large OK
pcricnce furnished within the last few
years in relation to the nature ant
treatment Of the disease, that it vii
prove an asylum indeed to this mos
helpless and afflicted class Of Sufferer.
: and stand as noble monument Of wis
dom and mercy.
Under the acts Of Congress Of Au
gust 81, 1852, and Of March 3, 1895
designed to secure for the cities O
Washington aud Georgetown an abuu
dant supply Of good and wnolesom
water, it becomes my duty to cxamin
the report and plans Of the enginee
who had charge Of the surveys unde
the act first named. The best, if no
The only plan calculated to secure per
t manently the object sought, was tina
which contemplates taking the waite
from the Great Falls Of the Potomac
+ and, consequently, gave to it my ap
: prevail.
For the progress and present condi
, lion Of this important work, and 70
, its demands, SO far as appropriation
: are concerned, | refer you to the re
: port Of the Secretary of War.
The present Judicial system of tn
United States has now been in opera
, alton for SO long a period Of time, an
has, in its general theory aud much c
l il, details, become so f miliar 20 tb