Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-15


opened under favorable auspices, and bids fair
to he one of the first in the country.
The Washington Infrmary also claims and
merits attention. II is under the management
Of some of the most distinguished physicians Of
this District who gratuitously labor in it to
alleviate the sufierngs of those under their
charge. The annual appropriation made by
Congress enables it to relieve many nonresi-
dent paupers who are suddenly seized with dis
ease in this city. AT this time eighteen are
provided for, but the number could be in
creased to forty by doubling the usual appro'
priation. This is demanded by the increase of
that class of strangers visiting the city and re-
curing such aid.
The Penitentiary is so planned and con-
structed as not to be well protected against fire,
or the escape of bold and ingenious convicts.
It's Indebtedness has been paid the contract
system partially adopted, and the strictest econ
omy and accountability established.
The act of Sd March, 1855, provides for ten
clerks in the Office of the Secretary of the Int
rior, III addition to the chief clerk. In conse-
quence OF the large increase III the business OF
the department, that number has been found
to be so insufficient as to render it necessary to
transfer to it, under the authority contained in
the same act, one clerk of the fourth class from
grade from the Pension Office.
While such transfers have supplied the want
here, they have, at the same time, to a similar
extent, weakened the offices from which they
have been made.
Under these circumstances, it is better that
authority be given for the appointment of two
additional clerks in this Department-On Of
the third and one Of the fourth class.
In this connection, / beg leave to recur to
the compensation Of its chief clerk. The proper
discharge of its duties requires talents of a
high order, great intelligence, and much
experience. Three of the other departments
have besides chief clerks, assistant secretaries
each of whom receives $4,000 per annum,
whilst his salary is only $4,000. Knowing the
amount and value Of his services hesitate not
to say that his compensation should, in justice,
be equal to theirs, which is not too large. 1t
matters little by what name he is designated,
as it would not change the nature of his duties.
The House resolutions relative to the prepare
ton and printing of the mortality statistics of
| the seventh census has been executed, and it is
hoped this will close that work.
The tenth section of the act Of 3lst August,
| 1852, making appropriation for the fiscal year
ending. the 3Oth of June, 1853, requires all bal
ances of appropriations of more than two years
standing, to be carried to the surplus fund.- ex
cept in certain specified cases.
| On the goth of June last minute examina-
ton was instituted, to ascertain what balances
were liable to the operation of that act, in
order that the same should be disposed of, as
required by it. Balances were found under
| ffty-two heads of account, amounting in the
| aggregate to S359,246 l6ofthe character desig-
mated, and no longer required for the service of
the department all Of which we're duly carried
| to the surplus fund.
It's confidently believed that, by the practice
of rigid economy, the expenditures during the
present fiscal year will be kept within the APP
preparations, and leave considerable surplus
applicable to the service of the year following.
The estimates for the next fiscal year have
been prepared accordingly
In his capacity rs trpstee for the Indian
| tribes the Secretary of the Interior, for the
| time being, is required to hold in trust a large
amount OF securities belonging TO the Indians.
to collect the interest on them from time to
time as IT becomes due, and deposit it in the
Treasury, or investit for their benefit.
The stocks so held amount, at the present
time, in the aggregate, to $2,O9s,879 81, and
the collection of the interest on so large n
principal is attended with much labor and care.
Formerly, this was done through the agency of
banking-houses but since the lst July, 1853,
such agency has been entirely dispensed with.
and the collection made by this department.
The amount thus collected to the present
date is $3l3,l99 50; all of which has been
promptly placed in the Treasury, as soon as
realized, without any abatement on account Of
expenses.
| In making these collections, much aid has
beeen afforded the department by the assist ant
treasurer at New York city, the director of the
~ - al
Baltimore, and the financial officers Of the
State Of Virginia, at Richmond.
| In the Indian Bureau, everything has been
done which an able and honest discharge of
duty could accomplish. It's operations, during
the past year. have been large and important.
embracing very great extent Of country, and
nearly all the Indians within the boundaries OF
the United States. With the exception of n
few tribes, the Indians have been well disposed.
and anxious TO cultivate and preserve friendly
relations with us.
Several important treaties have been made.
and others equally so will soon be ready for
submission to the Senate. Those already in
force are numerous and Of varied. character.
Many Of them contain Objectionable provisions
and stipulations, which the Government was
compelled to insert at the Indians own urgent
solicitation, being the production Of the vicious
influences winch too often surround them on
treaty occasions. 1t therefore requires great
care and wisdom to execute them properly.
Every exertion has been made TO effect this.
and though as much has not been accomplished
as was desirable, yet it is hoped better state
Of things has been introduced.
The late Commissioner of the General Land
Office was deputed to join the Superintendent
Of Indian Affairs in Wisconsin, in order that
his superior knowledge Of the land system
might be made available in the settlement Of
the various and complicated questions involved
with the Stockbridge and Munsee Indians. A
supplemental treaty was made with them which
has since been disapproved by the Superinten-
dent, and, Immediately after it was executed,
by the Commissioner, for reasons contained in
his able REPORT, herewith transmitted. Although
persuaded that all was done that could be.
under the circumstances then existing. vet.
from perusal of the treaty and report. and
other reliable information, the stipulatons were
not considered beneficial either to the Govern
ment or the Indians, and therefore renewed
efforts are being made 10 arrange more salts.
factorily the pending difficulties.