The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1860-01-12

These representations have been regularly
communicated to Congress by this Department,
but no favorable action as yet has been taken
with reference thereto. No reason can be as
signed for this failure to act, but the supposed
one, that Congress must have regarded the
cost of these improvements as properly devolv-
ing upon the District,
| With view to the advancement of the true
interests of the city and district, and at the
same time to remove all ground of complaint
against Congress in reference to the non-action
upon these subjects, he recommends a radical
change in the system of making appropriations,
and the adoption of such an arrangement as
will in future secure exact fairness and Justice
to every interest. The most feasible plan sug-
gested would be this Let the usual appropria.
tons for the improvement and lighting of streets
and avenues and the support of general po-
lice force, be discontinued, as also all special
appropriations for objects properly falling
under the immediate control of the city au-
thorities, or of the people of the District; and
in lieu thereof, let an annual appropriation be
made, propor6onate in amount to the value of
the property owned by and held for the ex-
elusive use of the United States within the
District, to be applied in such manner and for
such objects as Congress shall approve.
The Secretary recommends that the "Circle" y
be enclosed with good iron fence, as the
Equestrian Statue of Washington is to be
| located there.
The penitentiary is referred to. The amount
required for the next fiscal year is 81 ,843.75
less than the appropriation made last Congress.
The number of inmates in the Insane Hos
pital is l6l IS admitted during the year, and
| 81 discharged, of which number 20 had entire
ly recovered. Satisfactory progress has been
i Al. IL, I,..l
The amount drawn from the Treasury for the
| Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institution is S., 45l SO.
| The Institution has received $ll58.32 from
| other sources.
The report refers to the Eighth Census, and
says it must be accomplished during the year.
| Steps have been taken to commence it. One
million of dollars will be required for that pur-
pose.
| The record Of the operations of the Patent
Office during the past year furnishes, as usual,
a most satisfactory exhibit of the steady pro-
gress of our country in the application of sci
ence to the useful arts.
During the three quarters ending September
| 30, 1859, five thousand one hundred and sixty
seven applications for new patents were re-
ceived, eight hundred and thirteen caveats
filed, and three thousand three hundred and
thirty-four patents issued and reissued. There
has been an increase In the business of the
Office for the past nine months, over the cores
ponding months of 1858, of one thousand and
seventy-six applications for patents, one hun
dred and seven caveats, and FIVE hundred and
eighteen patents granted. The receipts for the
three quarters were $l88, 538.77, being an in
crease of $37,554.S6 over the corresponding
period of last year. The expenditures were
1857, l0l.l5, leaving a surplus on hand of
$3l, 1882. Congress is recommended to au-
thorize the appointment, from time to time, of
such additional examiners and first assistant
examiners as may be required to transact the
business of the Office with dispatch, provided
the annual expenses of the Office shall in no
case exceed the annual receipts.
The report adds, that the fees of British ap-
plcants should be reduced.
The agricultural portion of the Patent Office
is alluded to, and Congress recommended to
con6ne the purchase of seeds, &C., to such va
rieties as have not been introduced in this
country.