The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-12-21
REPORTS OF THE DEPARTMENTS.
Land Omce Report.

eyed between the Both September, 1000,
md the Both September, 1854, and that
!, ),I90,Gl7 acres were broug ht into market
,etwecu the same periods, excluding the
ands on the Pacific, of which ,676, All
acres have been surveyed.
During the year ending June 30, there
we're, 1906, ,O0O acres sold for cash; b
iO2, 600 located by land warrants, and
Ia 900 by other certificates; ii ,OOo,0 600
reported as swamp lands, and 1,15l GOO
for internal improyement-making to-
tai 23, ,23s, 1913 acres.
From this it appears that the sales OF
the past year exceed those for the pre-
cecding year by $3.50 ,239,S6 acres, and
that the sales of the last quarter were
more than double those for the same quar-
ter in the last year, though the aggregate
amount of land disposed of was not so
great, for the reason that the grants for
bounty lands, swamps, &c. had mostly
been disposed of.
The bounty land warrants issued un-
der the several laws is 292, 500, embrac-
ine &c, ,543, $50 acres, leaving 81 1888 out
standing, which call for 4,307 $50 acres.
The grant of 500, 600 acres made to the
States by the act Of 4th of September,
IS4l, has been nearly closed, except Oh
the Pacific.
The Surveyors General of Kansas and
Nebraska, New Mexico and Washington
Territories, have repaired to the fields OF
their respective duties, with full instruc-
tions for their guidance aud direction,
copies Of which are appended to the Re-
port.
The Land officers for the Washing ton
and Oregon have also repaired to their
Land Districts, with all necessary instruc-
tions, records, reforms, sc. Those for
Kansas and Nebraska were not appointed,
as there was nothing further to do till the
surveys have beed made.
The basis is assumed, that the average
of the population of the old States has
been three fold more numerous than the
new; that the tariff as tax bears more
equally upon the whole population than
any other; that as far as the tariff has
been relieved By the proceeds of the pub
lie lands, the benefits have flowed in like
manner equally to all; as consequence
the cid States have been bene fitted by
three fourths of the proceeds of the Pub
lie lands. The Bounty lands for services
in Revolutionary War and that of 1912,
and one half that Of 1S49, have flowed to
citizens of the old States, who were also
benef fitted by the amount actually paid to
the old States of the surplus revenue un-
der the act of lS4l.
That the new States have been benefit
ted by grants for Schools, Colleges, Pub
lie Buildings, Internal improvements, &C.,
by the ?, 3, and 5 per cent, fund, and by
the portion of the surplus revenue actual
" paid them On these basis it is shown
that the old States have been benefited
in lands and money, estimating the lands
at 81 20 per acre, to the amount Of Sl46,-
1876 Gal, and the new States to the a
mount Of s94, ,344, 1897, thus showing that
the proportion of benefits has been about
equal; or, if there was any advantage, 1t
was not sufficient to induce discussion be-
tween sires and sons, as it was all in the
one great family.
1t is suggested that the true policy Of
the Government is, to encourage the set
tlement Of the public lands, By extending
every facility to preemptors to secure
their homes in reasonable time without
compensation; and to aid in the construc-
ton of railroads and other means of com
municatioD, by grants Of alternate sections
With judicious restrictions, where applica-
tions are made for such grants by the
State.
Il is shown that since July, 1852, there
have been sold in Illinois, along the line
Of the Central Railroad, 2,377, ,994 acres,
for which there were received in warrants
estimated at 81 25-100 per acre, equal
to S2,OO5, sol, and incash 81 ,9s4, 100, and
hence that this system is alike beneficial
to the Government, the States and the
people.
The Report winds up with a reference
to the Pacific Road and the suggestions,
that it can only be constructed in this
way-for the reason that it is of too great
magnitude for individual enterprise; and
that no State can accomplish it, as none
can 60 outside of its own limits.
The report also refers to the recon-
mendations made last year. and renews
them in general terms.
War Report.
From the Report of the Secretary Of
War it appears that the actual strength
Of the Army is 10,745, and the whole
authorized l4,2I6. Enlistments are in
progress to ell up the deficiency.
After explaining the distribution of the
army, the Indian difficulties are spoken
Of Efforts to remove the remnant of the
Seminolcs from Florida have not sue
ceeded
Depredations and massacres on our
frontiers are noticed and an immediate
increase in the army, sufficient to give pro-
lection there is recommended.
Our entire loss in Indian actions dur
ing the year is four officers and sixty
three men killed, and four officers and
forty-two men wounded
The increased pay to enlisted men in
duced the cnlistments of ,005 men in
October and September last, against 300