Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-12-21
Report OF the Department Of the Inte-

Report OF the Department Of the Inte-
ri0F.
During the year the survey of the public lands
has been steadily prosecuted, large bodies of new
lands brought into market, the wants Of the emf
grant fully met, and choices selections offered to
the pioneer.
The land system is nearly correct in principle.
It's details need but little modification. During
the year 9,819,4Il acres have been surveyed, 1O,-
363, 1891 brought into market, and 1888 ,495
acres sold. The number of land warrants issued
up to the sOth September last was 266,O42. of
which there were then outstanding 66,s47.
The entire area of the public domain is estima-
ted at 1,584,OOO,0O0 of acres. Its purchase was
effected at the rate of IL Al cent per acre,
reservation, valued at 4,25O ,9O6, and adding the
cost Of selling lands sold previous to June last,
the entire cost, excluding surveying, amounts to
$88,O94O15. The whole amount accruing from
sales up to June 20, 1853, was $l42 1883 478, be-
ing $53 299, ,465 more than the cost of the whole.
1t is estimated that the net amount which will
have been realized for them, is the sum of $751;
18l 1863.
The policy of bringing the lands into market
at the earliest possible day is urged. .t
Early attention is called to the disposition of
the mineral lands of California the unsettled busi-
ness of the pension Office, and the frauds upon the
same. The clerical force of the bureau of pa
been unusually peaceful through the year. Their
present number in the United States is estimated
at 4OO, ,OOO-1S, 900 east of the Mississippi
The report is quite interesting, and not at all
lacking in length. N. Y. Times.
The REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF War;
Jefferson Davis, states the actual strength of the
army as lO,4l7 officers and men, almost all en-
ployed on the frontiers. AS an army three times
as large could not guard all the points of our
frontiers, large bodies have been and are to be
posted on the important points. He estimates
that 46OO recruits will be wanted for the ensuing
year to maintain the full authorized strength OF
the army, 1891. To prevent desertion and
keep the ranks full, he recommends an increase
of pay to the soldiers and an additional increase
for every five years he shall serve; also provisions
for the promotion of non-commissioned officers to
the lowest grade of commissioned officers. For
soldiers re-eRlsting within one month after an
honorable discharge, he proposes an increased pay
of So per month, and the same addition to those
who receive certificate of merit for services in
Mexico The report contains a history of the
exploring expeditions.
THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
| advocates the reorganization of the Navy, and
| recommends the appropriation of five millions fol
building six first class steam propeller trgates--
He recommends that the Santee, at Kittery, and
the Sabine, at New York, on the stocks since
l8lo be altered and finished as substitutes for two
The old ship of the line, Franklin, is being re-
paired at Kittery, and her model changed, with a
view of converting her into first class steam frig-
ate. We have already stated that the report would
recommdnd the establishment of machine shops
To the restoration of fogging in the Navy, he is
decidedly opposed. He advises retired list, dis
charge of the inefficient, promotion of merit, pay
according to sea service, and rewards and punish.
ments, and honorable discharge to sailors, as a
means of encouraging longer enlistments. These
are radical changes, in which public opinion viii
sustain Mr.. Dobbin.
The POSTMASTER GENERALS REPORT is long
document. The expenditures of his department
for the fiscal year were 81, 1882 ,758, excess over
the revenue of So, ,742, ,364,67. The cheap post
age system has created an actual deficit of nearl
So 900, 900. The reduction newspapers has
been $4OO 900. The California mail service pays
but third of its expense. Still, by balance on
the Auditors books July l, 1852, and appropria-
tons to supply deficiencies, the department has ar
available balance of $lO4,726,46. The tota
number of post Offices is 1858. During the past
year, commencing July 1, 1852, 1898 post offices
were estabshed; 479 were discontinued Post
masters appointed during the year ending June
| 80, 1863, 8567. On the 3Oth June last, there
| were in operation 6692 mail routes Aggregate
| length 217,743 miles, and 5583 contractors en-
ployed thereon. Annual transportation of the
mails on those routes 81 1896, ,542 miles, and the
cents two mills per mile. The postage stamps
sold amounts to 81 ,629, ,262, 10; envelopes $295,
292 90.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER ON INDl AN
AFFAIRS treats mainly of the Commissioners Wis.
it to the Nebraska territory and Indians. Mr.
Manypenny visited eighteen of the twenty-foul
| tribes of Indians, and is encouraged to hope thai
they may be removed west, and their lands secu
| red on easy terms. ..s
This Report does great credit to the sagacity
and good sense of the Commissioner. Its style is
pure and simple, its tone elevated and worthy o.
the head of one of the great interests of our ma
ton. We hope to publish it at length. ....
| ssiOt among Railroad WOFkmen.--
Several kiIled-NIurder of a Com
tfaclOF--Thirfy-tWO of the Rioters