The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-10

to guard which facilities should be anoroed tnem as W
every other portion Of fellow citizens, OF making
known their wants through their representative 70
the only body clothed with the authority to supply them
There be just for the distinction which has
heretofore prcvaicd-allowing Territory with meagre
population delegate upon the floor Of Congress- 70 make
known its requirements and advocate its interests ana
denying the privilege TO this district with s seventy
five thousand inhabitants II would be an act OF justice
10 provide the door of the House Of Represents
trct Of Columbia. Such an arrangement would
just ground Of complaint that they have accredited
organ by which their interests be fairly and avoraby
brought 10 the consideration OF Congress
In the to incorporate the city of Washington passed
May 1920 Congress invested the corporation with full
power and authority TO "lay and collect taxes 10
streets avenues lanes alleys drains and sewers agreea
bly, to the plan Of the city, ito erect lamps and to oc
Of the President of the United States any part of
the public and open spaces and squares in said city not
interfering with private rights"
In comforting these powers the corporation, Con-
gess must have acted the conviction that 1t was the
duty of the city, and not Of the general government to
open and repair streets and avenues as well make
the other improvements indicated.
evident that the city authorities, acting under the
influence of city constituency familiar with the localities
and well informed as TO the true interests and require
OF the people, less liable TO be msied in such
matters by the representations Of private interests than
those whose attention chiefly taken up with subjects Of
general concern and who to be
caly interested in the material advancement OF the city
seems to be emnenty proper, therefore, that these
improvements should be made IN pursuance OF the pro
visions OF the charter under the direction OF the city
thorites and hence estimates have been submitted
therefor by this department Beyond the appropriations
Of Public Buildings nor the secretary OF the Interior
has been entrusted with this duty The law relieves this
department from the Obligation not unrequently urged
of initiating plans and suggesting appropriations Tor the
opening, Improvement and lighting Of streets and ave
nues aud for the construction OF drains and sewers IN
the city.
The government however, Is large real estate pro-
pretor the city Of Washington, and provision made
in the charter incorporation by which the Commission
ration just proportion Of the expense incurred in open
ing and improving streets passing through and along
fore betrayed out OF money arising from the sale
Of lots belonging to the government; put TINS
resource has failed and an estimate has been sub
mtted for appropriation out OF the national treasury
that account
The reservations owned by the United States within the
city Of Washington require to be improved by the general
government Much attention has been bestowed upon
these during the last few years and several OF them have
been substantially enclosed and tstefully embelished
But while much has been accomplished more remains to
be DONE and liberal appropriations might with propriety,
be made for the continuation oil these improvements
whenever the condition of the treasury will admit OF It,
The grounds around the Capitol are particularly com
mended to the favorable consideration OF Congress- IN the
hope that early measures may be taken to relieve them
Of their present uncomely appearance. The time has
when plan should be agreed upon for their ex
tension but how far they should be extended is question
to be determined by Congressional action.
The auxiliary guard is police force provided ny the
government for the protection Of property and the
walton of the peace within the city of Washington Its
members are paid from the public treasury through the
Commissioner OF Public Buildings, but derive their ap
pontmensrom the Mayer of the city to whom alone they
are responsible for the faithful discharge of their duties
II respectfully recommended that the law on this sub
ect be far amended to require these appointments
before they can take effect to be reported approved
by officer OF the government, either the Commits
Of Public Buildings or the Marshal OF the District Of
Columbia and give such officer the power of removal
from office whenever III his opinion, the pubic good may
The reports Of the Superintendent and the Board of vs
ters Of the pta for the insane accompany
urpba of natau in hQ
l. 1866 ninety three During the fiscal year ending
June &c. 1857, fifty two admitted and thirty five dis
charged, leaving in the institution at the last mentioned
date one hundred four of whom independent
pay patients This number exceeds the rated capacity
Of that part Of the building completed but an appro
praon has been made for the construction OF the centre
building ahd three sections OF the wings according 10 the
original plan adopted which in process OF erection
and which viii be pressed to completion Win an proper
ing finished II is believed its capacity Will be sum
cent meet all present demands for the accommodation
Of this unfortunate class Of our people.
The institution is conducted with skill and fidelity, and
reflects credit upon all who are concerned in Its manage
ment.
the last session of Congress- act passed ncor
poralng the Columbia Institution for the instruction Of the
deaf dumb and blind In the charter OF inc orpora'on
made the duty Of the Secretary OF the Interior when
he satisfied that "any deaf and dumb blind
OF teachabe properly belonging 10 this District
IN INDECENT and cannot command the mean
secure education 10 authorize the said person L
the said institution for instruction. and TO pay for IN
her maintenance and tuition therein, at the rate Of sl5t
pupils have been placed In the institution.
The report OF the President OF the institution which he
Is required to make annually Is herewith communicated
II exhibits the institution In rather crippled condition II
il In cebt aud needs more land better buildings and
larger income to pay the teachers II has fifteen pupils
fourteen of which maintained by the government
The charity l. noble but il Is not government
institution IL for Congress determine whether further
assistance shall be extended TO II.
The report or the inspectors OF The penitcntry with
the accompanying reports Of the warden clerk physician
matron and chaplain, are herewith submitted. They
furnish a detailed account OF the administration
Of the affairs Of the penitentiary for the past year
The views expressed by the inspectors OF the present
working Of the pententary and their recommendation
for its future improvement are approved and commended
To your favorable consideration.
The report OF the engineer in charge Of the construction
IL the bridge across the Potomac Little Falls exhibits
the progress Of that work aud the probability Of early
complexion, There have been unavoidable delays which
explained, but the work, when finished, viii be ere
ditablc alike To the engineer aud the government
BY Joint resolution OF the last Congress the duty wa
devolved upon this department OF distributing portion
the Journals and Congressional documents ~ public bra
res &c, previously distributed by the Department o.
State Al the resolution prescribed rule Wy which the
distribution should be made v proposed 20 send to each
State copies In proportion 10 IL federal representation
and the distribution will be made that basis unless
Congress shall otherwise direct II IL respectfully sug
gcied thai law be passed Tor the future government
the department in reference 30 this subject
To this department belongs the supervision Of tho
of Marsha District Attorneys and Clerks Of th'
Circuit and District Courts Of the United States, aud n,
other branch 81 the public service encompassed will
greater difficulties In s administration In some respects
advantageous changes might be made, ani additional
legislation r. recommended.
by the Of February IS 1870, fees for services rem
dcfed by District Attorneys IN the performance 81 thei
duties were specifically prescribed, and in certain dis
trcts named annual salary was provided las a ful
compensation for all extra services" All District Attor
neys, except the one southern New York. now draw
salary the greater part ~ them AZ the rate of aud
less than two hundred dollars per annufn But the re
pca'ed applications for oupensson for extra services by
these officers u becoming serious evil
Some OF the District Attorneys assume that they are
under official obligation TO render any service for thu
government Cor which fee u prescribed under existing
laws such a. preparing a case for trial, procnrn.
and examining witnesses, examining title 10 property
purchased for the OF the United States and they In
SYST Of equity, " not Of strict legal right thai
they entitled 20 compensation for all professional
other than those specifically enumerated In the &C.,
act Notwithstanding they receive fixed compensation ~
all extra services and the act itself declares, othe
compensation shall be taxed or allowed than the fees
therein prescribed.
recommend an increase Of the salaries Of the respective
District Attorney graduated by equitable rule
coupled with provision dcvoving upon those oicers th'
duty of faithfully performing all such services Ia the ns
~ shout be required uf them