The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-12-06

the progress made in the construction OF the
Pacific railroad, and furnishes information In
reference to matters of local interest IN the
District of Columbia. 1t also presents evil
dence OF the successful operation OF the home
stead act. under the provisions OF which
l.l6O,6l3 acres of the public land was enter
ed during the fiscal year-more than one
fourth OF the whole number of acres sold or
otherwise disposed Of during that period. 1t
is estimated that the receipts derived from
this source are sufficient to cover the expen-
ses incident to the survey and disposal OF the
lands entered under this act, aud that pay
ments in cash to the extent OF from forty to
fifty per cent will be made by settlers, who
may thus at any time acquire title before the
expiration OF the period at which it would 9TH
erwlse vsss The homestead policy was es-
taolished only after long and earnest resist
auce; experience proves it's wisdom. The
lands, in the hands Of Industrious settlers,
| hose labor creates wealth and contributes to
/ the public resources, are worth more to the
United States than If they had been reserved
as a solitude tor future purchasers.
| The lamentable events of the last four
years, aud the sacrifices made by the gallant
men of our army and navy, have swe lled the
records of the pension bureau to an unpre-
cedented extent. On the 30th dag of June
/ last, the total number of pensioners was S.
&C
of expenses, the Of 50 ,023 445 The
number OF applications that have been allow
ed since that date will require large in
| crease of this amount for the next fiscal year.
| the means for the payment OF the supsuds
due, under existing laws. tn our disabled SOL
diers and sailors. and TO the families Of such
| a have persisted in the servic of the country,
will no doubt he cheerfully and promptly
granted. A grateful people will no. hesitate
iect the relief of soldiers mutilated and faui-
lies made istherless in the efforts 10 preserve
our national existence.
The report of the postmaster general pre-
sents an encouraging exhibit OF the opera
tons of the post office department during the
year. The revenues OF the past year from
the loyal states alone exceeded the maximum
annual receipts from all the states previous
to the rebellion, in the sum of S6,038, 09I 1;
and the annual revenue during the last four
years, compared with the revenues of the
four years inmmediatoiy preceding the re-
bsllion was 50 533, SIS The revenues of the
last fiscal year Amounted to $I4.J56. l5S, and
the expenditures TO Sl3, 694.72S. leaving a
surplus of receipts over expenditures of
SS6l ,i2O. Progress has been made in res,or-
ing the postal service IL the southern etates.
The views presented by the postmaster gem
eral against the policy of granting subsidies
to ocean mail steamship lines upon establish
ei routes, and in favor of continuing the pres
ent system. which limits the compensation
for ocean service TO the postage earnings, are
recommended to the careful consideration of
congress.
Id appears from the report of the secretary
of the navy ,that while at the commencement
/ of the present year, there were in commission
! $50 vessels of all classes and descriptions
armed with ; 600 guns aud manned by ST.
600 men. the number of vessels at present IN
commission is III. with $50 guns and ~ I2S
men. By the prompt reduction of the naval
| forces the expenses of the government have
been largely diminished, and a number of
! vessels, purchased for naval purposes from
the merchant marine, have been returned 10
/ the peaceful pursuits Of commerce. Since the
Suppression of active hostilities our foreign
/ squadrons have been re established and con-
/ siSts of vessels much more efficient than those
employed on similar service previous to the
rebellion. The suggestion for the enlarge
ment If the navy yards and especially for the
} establishment Of one in fresh water for iron
clad vessels, is deservsng Of confederation, rs
! IL also the recon IN endatiOn for different To-
cation aud more ample grounds for the naval
academy.
/ Concluded in our next.