Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-12-07
yeyed. and of title to the lands conveyed

veyed, and of title to the lands conveyed
which remain unsold.
OperationsIon the several lines of the Pa
cifc Railroad have been prosecuted with un-
exampled vigor and success. Should no I'M
foreseen causes of delay occur, it is confident
| " anticipated that this great thoroughfare
| will be completed before the expiration Of
the period designated by Congress.
| During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioners, including the expenses Of
: disbursement, was thirteen million fonr hun
dred and ffty-nine thousand nine hundred
and nincty-six dollars; and fifty thousand
one hundred and seventy seven names were
added to the pension rolls The entire num-
Der of pensioners, June 80, 1866, was one
hundred and twenty-six thousand seven hun
dred and twenty-five. This fact furnishes
melancholy and striking proof of the sacrifices
made to vindicate the constitutional authori-
ty Of the Federal Government, and to main
tain inviolate the integrity Of the Union
They impose upon US corresponding obliga-
tons. 1t is estimated that thirty-three mil
lion dollars will be required to meet the ext
gencies of this branch Of the service during
the next fiscal year.
Treaties have been concluded with the In
dams who, enticed into armed opposition to
our Government at the outbreak Of the re-
bellion, have Internationally submitted to
our authority, and manifested an earnest de-
sire for a renewal of friendly relations.
| During the year ending September 80,
1866, eight thousand seven hundred and six
teen patents for useful inventions and designs
were issued, and at that date the balance in
the Treasury to the credit of the Patent fund
was two hundred and twenty eight thousand
two hundred and ninety-seven dollars.
AS subject upon which depends an i'm
mense amount of the production and COM
merce Of the country, recommend to Con-
gress such legislation as may be necessary
for the preservation of the levees of the Miss
issippi river. 1t is matter Of national i'm
portance that early steps should be taken no
only to add to the efficiency of these barriers
against destructive foundations, but for the
removal Of all distractions to the free and
safe navigation Of that great channel of trade
and commerce.
The District of Columbia, under existing
laws, is not entitled to that representation in
the National Councils which, from our ear
Hest history, has been uniformly accorded to
each Territory established from time to time
within our limits. 1t maintains peculiar re-
lations to Congress, to whom the Constitu-
ton has granted the power of exercising ex-
elusive legislation over the seat Of govern
ment Our fellow citizens residing in the
District, whose interests are thus confded to
the special guardianship Of Congress, exceed
in number the population Of several of our
Territories, and no just reason is perceived
why delegate Of their choice should not be
admitted to seat in the House of Represcn-
tatives. No mode seems so appropriate and
effcctual Of enabling them to make known
their peculiar condition and wants. and Of Sc
curing the local legislation adapted to them.
| therefore recommend the passage of a
law authorizing the electors Of the District
of Columbia to choose delegate, to be al
lowed the same rights and privileges as del
cgate representing Territory. The increas-
ing enterprise and rapid progress of improve
ment in the District are highly gratifying,
and I trust that the efforts of the municipal
authorities to promote the prosperity of the
national metropolis will receive the efficient
and generous CO. operation of Congress.
The report of the Commissioner of Agri-
culture reviews the operations Of his Depart
ment during the past year, and asks the aid
of Congress iii it efforts to encourage those
States which, scourged by war, are now ear
nestly engaged in the reorganization of do
mestic industry.
It is subject of congratulation that no
foreign combinations against our domestic
peace and safety, or our legitimate influence
among the nations, have been formed or at
tempted. While sentiments of reconciliation,
loyalty, and patriotism have increased at
home, more just consideration Of our char
acter and rights has been manifested by
foreign NATIONS.
The entire success of the Atlantic Tele-
graph between the coast Of Ireland and the
Province Of Newfoundland, is an achievement
which has been justly celebrated in both hem
ispheres as the opening Of an era in the pro.
gress of civilization There is reason 10 ex-
pect that equal success will attend, and even
greater results follow, the enterprise for con-
Meeting the two Continents through the Pa
cifc Ocean by the projected line Of telegraph
between Kanlschatka and the Russian pos
sessions in America.
The resolution of Congress protesting
against pardons by foreign Governments Of
persons convicted Of infamous offences, Oh
condition Of emigration to our country, has
been communicated to the States with which
we maintain intercourse, and the practice, so
justly the subject of complaint on our part,
has not been renewed.
The congratulations Of Congress to the
Emperor of Russia, upon his escape from at.
tempted assassination, have been presented
to that humane and enlightened ruler and
received by him with expressions Of grateful
appreciation.
! The Executive, warned of an attempt by
Spanish American adventures to induce the
emigration of freedmen of the United States
to foreign country, protested against the
project as one which, if consummated, would
reduce them to bondage even more oppres-
sive than that from which they have just been
relieved. Assurance has been received from
the Government of the State in which the
n)an was maturod that the nroceedinp will