The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1860-01-05

ed the prosecution with vigor of the line
of policy which has been adopted by
Congress, and an addition of much
larger number of steamships. which can
be maintained at a comparatively small
cost. 1t is source of extreme regret
and modification that we are now at times
obliged to set by passively and see in
some foreign countries American citizens
imprisoned, plundered and murdered,
because the Executive has not means to
protect or redress them. He urges an
increase in the Marine. Medical and
Purser's departments. He narrates the
operations of the various squadrons dur
ing the past year.
The Department in May last made a
conditional contract with Chiriqui, for
the purpose of securing very valuable
transit depot and Naval station, and coal
privileges in the Provinces at Chiriqui J;
harbor on the Atlantic, another on the
Pacific side. 1t is for Congress to make
an appropriation of 100000.
He recommends the enlistment Of men
for a mounted corps, for six months, be-
ginning in May, for active services
against the Indians. their success being
more to individual prowess, skill in arms
and horsemanship than in discipline. In
point Of economy, great advantages will
accrue to the country.
He recommends provision for retir-
ing disabled and infirm officers as mea-
sure of increasing the efficiency of the
army.
1t is not deemed advisable to proceed
in manufacturing rifed cannon beyond
those required for experimental purposes.
He speaks favorably of the breech load
ing arms. 1t does not appear necessary
to request any considerable appropria-
tons for additional masonry work for the
fortitications. Such as are not strong
enough to offer good defence against
shipping, may, when an emergency aris-
es, be reinforced alta small expense BY
earthen batteries properly combined with
them for material support. and of such
an extent as to give an aggregate arma-
ment OF sufficient power for defence.
The army in Utah remains inactive,
and stands in an attitude of menacing
force towards the conquered and sullen
people. He is satisfied that the preserva
ton of right and justice throug gh means
of any jurisprudence known or recogniz-
ed by the people of the United States, is
impossible IN that Territory. There is in
the present attitude of affairs scarcely
any necessity for the presence of troops
there, and they will be otherwise dispos-
ed of during the coming season.
The above named Secretary shows
wherein they have largely reduced ex
penditures and estimates as compared
with previous years.
The Secretary of the Interior says that
during the five quarters ending Septem-
ber, sales of lands yielded over 50. .l07,-
600. Six hundred aud seventeen thous-
and acres were located with bounty war
rants.
Among the several recommendations
is one that law be passed in spirit of
liberality to settlers of unoccupied lands,
allowing to each two years, from the date
of filing his declaration statement. with
in which to make his proof and pay for
his land and at the same time making
1t incumbent for the President to offer at
public sale. by proclamation. all lands
that may have been surveyed by the au-
thority of Congress, AT any time within
two years after the date Of survey have
been approved.
He also suggests the manner of pre-
venting frauds. All things considered,
our relations with the various Indian
tribes continued during the past year
satisfactory. He regrets to add that off
ciai documents furnish sufficient evidence
to justify the belief that most atrocious
cases of murder and rapine, charged to
account of Indians. have been in reality
by white men wearing the
disguise of Indians Measures have been
taken for the amelioration of the Indians.
Our policy now is to gather them in
small tribal reservations.
1t is believed both wise and Just to
continue operations for the purchase and
distribution from the Agricultural Office,
Of such varieties of plants. seeds. cut
tings, &c. as have not already been in
troduced into the country.
He recommends an appropriation to
provide permanent aud convenient ac-
for the IT, S. Consuls in
New York.
The necessary expenses which will be
incurred for the census. will require an
of at least million.
A Legislative Scene.