Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-11-10

tuition by the state; and it is hoped W Il be without failure It is the duty sfths ate to encourage such institutions; and 1t hss abundance of means to make such iibe . provision as would render the institution permanently useful.
 $ The state owns a block of fsbesutiful lots some two or three hundred yards south of the penitentiary, and adjoining the western boundary of the city of Little Rock, in high and healthy locality. It is recom-, mended that liberal appropriation of m oney be made for theconstruction of suta- ble buildings upon this block of ground for an asylum for insane and elunatic per. sons; and that proper legislation be had upon the subject, to regulate and sustain the institution when esi ablishea. Such an institution is much needed, and if eStah- lished, would relieve the counties from the care of insane and lunatic persons. The counties have no suitable buildings or facili- ties for taking care of such unfortunate per sons; many of whom, with proper careand medical treatment, might be restored to sanity. e+.t. -.-t.-z .s. ..t Your attention is invited to communi- cation from the commissioner of the gene ral land office, dated August 22d, 1860, upon the subject of the joint resolution of the General Assembly of the State of Ar kansas, approved 4th February, 1859, re- lative to procuring for this state, "com plete lists of all lands in the State of Ar kansas, that have been ceded, granted, sold. donated or otherwise disposed of by the general government; together with a list of all entries, grants or locations that have been cancelled or set aside, " "and the probable cost of obtaining such lists, and whether, in his opinion, the obtaining of such lists by the state would be of advan- tage thereto, and warrant the cost of ob- taining the same" The commissioner states that it would be work of great magnitude, and involve an expense, which, in his opinion wenld not be yarrsnsed sses t de sy rive therefrom.
 To the report of the swamp land secre- tary, and the recommendations therein made, your attention is respectfully invited By it you will see that the work of reclaim , ing swamp and overfowed lands has been vigorously prosecuted.
 The unusually large amount of 3,815,- 643 93 cubic yards of levee and ditch work was constructed and paid for during the two years ending with the 30th day of September, 1860. Since the supervision of this troublesome business, requiring great extra labor, was confded to the go- vernon by the act of 18th January, 1857, the amount of levee and ditch work con structed and paid for mp to the 1st day of October, 1860, was six millions, thirty seven thousand, seven hundred and ninety four and 31-l00 cubic yards The whole amount paid, upon orders of the governor for the construction of this work, was $1, ,100,4S7 66. This business was for. merly confded to three swamp land com missioners, and it was considered so i'm. portant and laborious that each commis. sioner was allowed salary of two thou sand dollars per annum, besides contingent expenses.
 By the reports of the commissioners, it appears that the whole amount of levee and ditch work constructed and paid for by their orders, commencing in the year 1851, and ending in the year 1856, embracing six years, was ,026,67 56-100 cubic yards, for the construction of which the commissioners allowed and caused to be paid $1 ,435 ,469 59. To the amount and cost of levee and ditch work constructed under the administration of the commis- sioners, add the amount and cost of the levee and ditch work constructed under the direction and control of the governor, and 1t will be seen that the whole amount of levee and ditch work ever constructed and paid for by the state, from the beginning of the work in 1851, up to the 1st day of October, 1860, was thirteen millions, sixty four thousand, four hundred and sixty-six Ind S7-lOO cubic yards; and that the whole
 for the construction of this
 .957 24 The state has
 ,ontract in the Helena dis
 contracts can be r1,asaes
 h work in that district,
 at the unsold lands in the
 ktisfying the outstanding
 Fscrip, would not be sufficient
 kach works as are necessary in lle Helena district
 The estimated cost of levee and ditch work now under contract, and being con structed in the Batesville district, is S223.- 972 37. It is believed that all this work will be completed during the next twelve months. For information in detail with regard to the amount of such work con-