Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-12-05
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
THE INTERIOR

THE INTERIOR.
The report of Secretary Harlan, besides its
matter OF great general importance, contains
very much of special District interest. During
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1865, and during
the quarter ending September 80, 1865, public
lands were disposed of to the amount of 5394,-
52959 acres, being sold for cash, located with
military warrants, agricultural scrip; under
college grants; approved to the States as
swamp lands, or for railroads; or taken under
the homestead law.
Daring the fiscal year ending June 30, 1865,
4,1Gl,77S acres Of public lands were surveyed
The aggregate quantity of surveyed public
lands undisposed OF September so, 1866, was
49,, 1898 acres.
The homestead law has been in operation
since the 1st day of January 1853. Large bodies
OF lands have been entered under its proyi-
slons. Five years continued residence is neces-
sary 10 the perfection of the title of homestead
settler, unless he prefers TO purchase the lands
at minim um price, and obtain a patent. 1t is
estimated that from forty to fifty per cent of
persons who have so claimed the privilege of
the homestead law Will prefer to make pay
ment, and thus secure title before the expira-
lion OF the period when it would otherwise
vest
The Secretary recommends that early pro-
vision should be made for the adjustment Of
Spanish and Mexican titles; also urgesth or
ganzation of Bureau of Mining. The in
creasing number of pension applications re-
quires that the appropriation for the next
should largely exceed that made tor the cur
rens fiscal year.
The number of Indians residing within the
jurisdiction Of the United States does not prob
ably exceed 3~e,CGo large majority OF whom
maintained during the past year peaceful re-
latons. In this connection Secretary Harlan
makes very humane and sagacious recommen-
dations IN relation TO the mode of dealing with
the Indian tribes. He regrets, as athorrent TO
humanity, the policy sometimes recommended
for the total destruction of the Indians in con-
sequence of outrages committed by some of the
tribes. He recommends that stringent legisla-
ton be adopted for the punishment of viola.
tons OF the right Of persons and property of
members OF Indian tribes who are at peace
with the government, and that sufficient ap-
preparations shouldi be made TO supply the
pressing wants of these wards OF the gov.
ernmeht, resulting from the encToaching set.
Elements springing up in every organized ter
ritory.
1t is earnestly recommended that the snperin-
'snGents, and also agents of a suitable grade be
empowered to act as civil magistrates within
the limits OF reservations where the tribal reIa-
items are maintained, and also on the plains
remote from the jurisdiction of the civil au-
thorities.
there were received at the Patent Office eleven
thousand eight hundred and sixty applica ions
for patents, and seventy applications for an
extension of patents. Six thousand two hun
Gred and nineiy-two patents (including re-is-
sues and designs) were issued, and sixty-one
extensions granted. One thousand fl 4e hun
dred and thirty-eight caveats were filed.
Seven hundred and forty -One applications al
lowed, but no patents issued thereon by reason
OF the non payment OF the final fee. There was
balance TO the credit of the Patent Office fund
on Oct. /, lists, OF S1lO,659.
The law provides that in interference cases,
or where letters patent have been refused, an
appeal lies from the decision of the primary
examiner 10 the examiners in chief and from
their decision 20 the Commissioner OF Patents
According 10 the judicial construction of exist
ing laws, an appeal may be taken from the de-
clsion OF the Commissioner to the chief Justice
or one Of the associate Judges or the Supreme
Court of this District. This procedure Is un-
necessarily circuitous and protracted. and
should be abridged by an amendment OF the law
so as TO allow an appeal from the decision of
the primary examiner or the examiners in chief
directly to the supreme court of the District of
columbia II the party against whom It is rem
Gered so elects.
The Commissioner of Patents is clothed with
unrestraiaed discretionary power in all cases
of application for the extension Of patents His
decision, whether favorable or unfavorable is
fnal, and frequently jim wolves private and pub
for the consideration of Congress whether IL is
wise to lodge SO large power with subordi-
pate OIL Ger, without sublecting its exercise to
the supervisor control Of the head Of the de-
partment.
The work Of completing the work on the cen.
sus OF 1e6U Is proceeding expeditiously under
the supervision of the commissioner OF the
Land Office.
Work is progressing satisfactorily on the
Union Pacific Railroad affording assurance
that the whole will be completed within the
period fixed by law, thus furnishing a contin .
uous line OF railway from the Atlantic to the
Pacific.
I'm regard to the Washington Aqueduct. Sec.
rotary harlan submits the suggestions Of the
engineer in charge to the effect that the dam of
solid stone masonry already commenced across
the Maryland channel Of the Potomac river at
to secure ssan abundant and needful supply of
good and wholesome water during certain
seasons Of the year, and that il should be com
pleted with the least possible delay The tenn
porary dams erected from time to time have
repeatedly been carried away. Nothing in his
opinion, VIII enectually serve the purpose but
a dam OF the character indicated, and he urges
It's construction upon the grounds of economy
rs well as of necessity. He reports in favor Of
the completion Of the connecting conduit at the
receiving reservoir, the further excavation and
deepening OF the distributing reservoir and
also the construction of n sloped rubb,e wall
TO prevent the washing OF it's interior slopes or
water faces.
Congress, at its last session, made no annro.
pr!Gtion for work on the Capitol Extension
and the architect estimates that Si75,OOO will
Se required 10 continue 1t during the present
ing June 30, 1867. Attention is invited to that
part OF The report which relates 10 the neces
city OF extending the central building and por-
uco 10 The line OF the porticos of the wings and
OF enlarging the Capitol grounds The archj
tect recommends that the plans prapared for
these purposes by his predecessor be adopted
liz hting the new dome. by Gardner electro-
magnetic apparatus, are in progress A fur
Their appropriation 10 necessary for the compl
non Of the dome, which Is now nearly finished
and TO discharge existing liabilities for work
already done upon il.
After suspension Of nearly four years the
work on the north porticO OF the Interior De-
pafiment has been resumed under Il contract
made in the year 1867.
DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
tEcer ID Is head Secretary Harlan say. thu
power conferred on Congress of exrInsiye ,eg
lsiation tor the District OF Columbia innnnses
the CORES ronding duty of making iustand ado
CUa;e provision for its welfare. lis local inter.
esis, so liable 10 be overlooked IN the midst ~
subjects OF more general and engrossinr con
cerD, fall 10 some extent within the province n
this Department. and require 4 special aim
sion.
TIE ANIMAL report OF the Commissioner of
Public bindings gives n detailed accom-, of
the expo ndiiuTes authorized by Congress with
IL ibIs District. i have also received COM
municaiion from the mayor Of the city of WASH
lngfon, which l have directed to ba printed
These papers present important facts and con-
sldoraiions which merit the attention of the leg.
IslAtiye department.
he controlling object in the original design
81 this city was the Hccommoda ton of Oh pub
he interests which IL was anticipated would
.'f'r about the capital of a urea, nation
nV,oInlngiy, only three thousand and sixteen
~ ire thOus Al pn b,,,, Hr..,