Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-12-14


humher of acres sold is 7,035, T35. and the
amount received therefor SIS, 2S5 1913. The
aggregate amount of lands solids located under
military scrip and land warrants, selected as
swamp lands by States, and by locating under
grants for roads, is upwards OF % 900 900 of
acres.
The increase Of lands sold, over the previous
year, IS about 100000 of acres; and the
sales daring thetwo first quarters of the cur
rent year present the extraordinary result of
5.5O0,0OO sold, exceeding by nearly A. 900 900
OF acres the sales of the corresponding quar-
ters of the last year, thus Increasing TO an ex-
tenn unparalleled during any like period in
our past history the amount of revenue pro
vlded from this source for the Federal Treas
ury.
The commendabe policy of the government
In relation to setting apart public domain for
those who have served their country in time
of war, is illustrated by the fact, that since
1850 no less than 10000, 900 of acres have
been applied to this object.
The suggestion, which submitted in my
annual message of last year, in reference to
grants of land in aid of the construction of
railways, were less full and explicit than the
magnitude of the subject and subsequent de-
velopments would seem to render proper and
desirable. Of the soundness of the principle
then asserted with regard to the Limitation of
the power of Congress, entertain no doubt
but In lis application it is not enough that the
value Of lands in particular locality may be
enhanced that, in fact, larger amount Of
money may probably be received, in a given
time, for alternate sections than could have
been realized for all the sections, without the
impulse and influence Of the proposed improve
ment.
prudent proprietor looks beyond limited ]
sections of his domain, beyond present results,
to the ultimate effect which particular line
of policy is likely to produce upon all his pos
sessions and interests. The government,
which is trustee, in this matter for the peO-
pie of the States, is bound 10 take the same
wise comprehensive view. Prior to, and dur
ing the last session Of Congress, upwards of
10000, 900 of acres of land were Withdrawn
from public sale with view to application
for grants of this character pending before
Congress. A careful review Of the whole sub
Ject led me to direct that all such orders be
abrogated, and the lands restored to market
and instructions were Immediately given to
that effect. The applications at the last ses-
sion contemplated the construction of more
than five thousand miles of road, and grants to
the amount of nearly 10000 900 Of acres of
the public domain. Even admitting the right
on the part of Congress to be UNREASONABLE.
is 1t quite clear that the proposed grants would
be productive of good, and not evil The
different projects confined, for the present,
to eleven States Of this Union, and one Terri
tory. The reasons assigned tor the grants,
show that it is proposed to put the works
speedily In process Of construction.
When we reflect that since the commence
ment of the construction of railways in the
United States, stimulated as they have been
by the large dividends realized from the earli-
er works over the great thoroughfares, and be-
tween the most important points of commerce
and population, encouraged by State legisa-
ton, and pressed forward by the amazing en-
ergy OF private enterprise, only II 900 miles !
have been completed in all the States in |
quarter OF century-when we see the Grip
pied condition of many works commenced and |
prosecuted upon what were deemed to be |
sound principles and safe cacuation-when |
we contemplate the enormous absorption Of
capital Withdrawn from the ordinary channels /
OF business, the eXtravagant rates of interest /
at this moment paid TO continue operations, |
the bankruptcies not merely in money. but in
and the inevitable effect UPON f.
nances generally-can it be doubted that the
Is 1t wise 10 augment this excess by encour-
aging hopes of sudden wealth expected to flow
from magnificent schemes dependent upon the
action Of Congress! Does the spirit, which |
has produced such results, need to be stmu-
lated or checked! Is it not the better rule to
leave all these works to private enterprise,
regulated, and, when expedient, aided by the |
cooperation Of States If constructed BY pri-
waite capital, the stimulant and the check 90
together, and furnish a sautary restraint
agalnt speculative schemes and extravaganza.
But 1t is manifest that with the most effective
guards, there is danger Of going too fast and |
TOO far.
We may well pause before proposition
a simultaneous movement for |
the construction Of railroads, which, in extent,
will equal, exclusive of the great Pacific road
with all It's branches, nearly One-third of the
entire lengths of such works, now completed
IN the United States, and which cannot cost,
with equipments less than $50, 600, 000.-
The dangers likely to result from combina-
lions OF Interests of this character, can hardly
be estimated. But, independently of these
where is the accurate knowl- |
edge, the comprehensive intelligence, which
shall discriminate between the relative claims
OF these twenty-eight proposed roads, in elev-
en- States and one Territory Where will |
you begin and where end If 10 enable these
companies TO execute their proposed works, it
IS necessary that the aid of the general gov
eminent be primarily given, the policy will
present problem so comprehensive in its
bearings, and SO important to our political and
social well-being, as to claim, in anticipation,
the severest analysis. Entertaining these
views, l recur with satisfaction to the expert |
ence and action of the last session of Congress,
as furnishing assurance that the subject will |
not fail TO elicit a careful REORGANIZATION and |
rigid scrutiny.
1t was my intention to present, on this oc-
caslon, some suggestions regarding internal !
improvements by the general government, |
which want Of time at the close Of the last
session prevented my submitting on the return
to the House of Representatives, with objec-
tlons, of the bill entitled, an act making APP
for the repair, preservation and
completion of certain public works. heretofore
commenced under The authority of law - but
the space in this communication already occu
pied with other matter of immediate public
eXlgency cOnstrains me to reserve that subject
for special message, which will be trans
mltted to the two houses of congress at an
early day,
The Judicial establishment Of the United
States requires modification, aud certain re-
forms in the manner Of conducting The legal
business Of the government are also much |
needed but as have addressed You upon both |