, 1854-02-18


no doubt will continue to be, made for
grants of land, in aid Of the construction of
railways. 1t is not believed to he within the
intent and meaning Of the constitution, that
the power to dispose of the public domain
should be used otherwise than might be
expected from a prudent proprietor, and,
therefore, that grants of land to aid in the
construction of roads should be restricted
to cases where it would be for the interest
of a 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 in
terests of the States in which the works
are located, and at the same time the sub
stantial interests of all the other States, by
enhancing the value and promoting the ra-
pid sale Of the public domain, / refer you to
the report Of the Secretary of the Interior.
A careful examination, however, will show
that this experience is the result of just
discrimination, and will be far from afford
ing encouragement to a reckless or indis-
crimnate extension of the principle.
commend to your favorable considera-
tion the men of genius of our country, who
by their inventions and discoveries in sci
enee and art, have contributed largely to
the improvements Of the age, without, in
many instances, securing for themselves
any thing like an adequate reward. For
many interesting details upon this subject l
refer you to the appropriate reports, and
especially urge upon your early attention
the apparently slight, but really important
notifications Of existing laws therein sug-
gested. ...
The liberal spirit which has so long mark
ed 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 the army
and navy Of the United States has been
somewhat retarded by the great demand
for materials and labor during the past sum-
mer; 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 con-
templated arrangements which have been
devised with the large experience furnish
ed 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 O noble monument Of wisdom
and mercy.
Under the acts Of Congress, Of August
81, 1859, and Of March 3, 1858, designed
to 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 en-
gineer who had charge Of the surveys under
the act first named. The best, if not the
only plan calculated to secure permanently
the object sought, was that which contem-
plates taking the water from the Great
Falls Of the Potomac, and, consequently, /
gave 1t my approval.
For the progress and present condition
Of this important work, and for its de-
mands, so far as appropriations are concern
ed, refer yOn to the report Of the Secreta-
~ 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 gene
raj theory and much of its details, become
so familiar to the country, and acquired so
entirely the public confidence, that if modi-
fed in any respect, it should only be in
those particulars which may adapt it to the
increased extent, population and legal bu-
siness Of the United States In this rela-
tion, the organization Of the courts is now
confessedly inadequate to the duties to be
performed by them in consequence Of
which, the States Of Florida, Wisconsin,
Iowa, Texas, and California, and district ol
other States, are in effect excluded from the
general system, by the functions Of the cir.
cult court being developed on the district
judges in all those States, or parts Ol
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 to your consideration
this important subject, which, in judgment
demands the speedy action of Congress.
will present to you, if deemed desirable, o
plan which am prepared to recommend
for the enlargement and modification of the
present judicial system.
The act Of Congress establishing the Smith.
sonian Institution provided that the Presi
dent Of the United States, and other per
sons 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 institution. The organization NOT
having taken place IL seemed to me proper
that ii should be effected without delay
This has been done; and an occasion was
thereby presented for inspecting the condi
tion Of the Institution, and appreciating It's
successful progress thus far, and its high
promise Of great and general usefulness.
/ have omitted to ask your favorable con
sideratiOn for the estimates Of works of Q
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