Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-12-21


he expected from prudent proprietor, and there |
fore that grants of land to aid in the construction
of roads should be restricted to cases where IL |
would be for the interest ola proprietor under IKE
circumstances, thus TO contribute to the construc-
tjon ofthese 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
States, by enhancing the value and promoting the
rapd sale of the public domain, refer you to the
report of the Secretary of the Interior careful
termination however, will show that this eXpe-
rience is the result of just discrimination, and
will he far from affording encouragement to a
reckless or indscriminate extension of the prin-
ciple
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 the District of Co
lumbia will, have no doubt, continue to be mani
tested.
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 re-
cepton of patients, before the return OF another
winter is anticipated and there is the best reason
to believe, from the plan and contemplated ar
rangements 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 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 81 1852,
and of March g. 1853, designed to secure for the
niti IF Wnc @ GpOrpptOyyu
ant supply of good and wholesome water 1t be-
came my duty to examine the report and plans OF
the engineer who had charge Of the surveys UNI
der the first act named. The best, if not the only
plan, calculated to secure permanently the object
sought was that which contempates taking the wa
ter from the Great Falls of the Potomac, and, con-
sequently, gave to it my approval
For the progress and present condition or tnls
important work. and for its demands, so far as APP
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 so familiar to the country, ana
acquired so entirely the public confidence, that If
modified in any respect, it should only be in those
particulars which may adapt it to the increased
extent population, and legal business OF the Uni
ted States. In this relation, the organization OF
the courts is confessedy inadequate to the du-
ties 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 10
your consideration this important SUBJECT, winch,
in my judgment, demands the speedy action OF
Congress. will present to you if deemed desira-
bic, plan, which [ am prepared to recommend,
for the enlargement and modification OF the pres
ent judicial system
The act of Congress of establishing the Smith
sonian Institution provided that the President OF
the United States, and other persons therein des-
ignated, should constitute an establishment by
that name and that the members should hold sta
ted and special meetings for the supervision of the
affairs of the Institution. The organization not
having taken place, it seemed to me proper that 1t
should be effected without delay. This has been
done; and an occasion was thereby presented for
inspecting the condition of the Institution, and APP
precatng its successful progress thus far, and its
high promise of great and general usefulness.
Ihave omitted to ask your favorable considera-
ton for the estimates of works of local charac-
ter in twenty of the thirty-one States am
ounting to million seven hundred and ffty-four
thousand five hundred dollars, because, indepen-
IDENTITY 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
cnIlrcly lHaucQuitc 10 lllc vi lHc
objects sought.
The subject of internal improvements, claiming
alike the interest and good will of ALL has, never
theless been the basis of much political discussion,
and has stood as deep craven line of division be-
tween statesmen ofeminent ability and patriotism.
The rule Of strict construction of all powers dele
gated by the States to the General Government
has arTayed itself, from time TO time. against the
rapid progress of expenditures from the National
Treasury on works of a local character within the
States. Memorable as an epoch in the history OF
this subject is the message of President jackson,
of internal improvements in its cOmpartiye infan-
cy; but so rapid had been its growth that the pro-
jeced appropriations in that year for works of this
character had risen to the alarming amount of
more than one hundred millions of dollars.
In that message the President admitted the diff
hcuty of bringing back the operations of the Gov
crnment to the construction of the Constitution
set up in 1898, and marked it as an admonitory
proof of the necessity of guarding that instrument
with Sleepless vigilance against the authority of
precedents which had not the sanction of its most
plainly defined powers.
Our Government exists under written COM
pact between sovereign States, uniting for specific
Objects and with specific grants to their general
agent. If, then in the progress of its administra-
ton, there have ibeen departures from the terms
and intent of the compact it is, and will ever be,
proper to refer back to the fixed standard which
our fathers left us, and to make q stern effort to
conform our action to it. 1t would seem that the
fact of principle having been resisted from the
first by many of the wisest and most patriotic
men of the Republic, and policy having provok
cd constant strife without arriving at a conclusion
which can be regarded as satisfactory to its most
earnest advocates, should suggest the inquiry
whether there may not be plan likely to be crown
cd Nv HAMMER WithOut auU