American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-12-12

conditions which Congress may deem
proper to impose should work iorfeit>
ure of claim to The lands so withdrawn
but unconveyed, and oe title to the lands
conveyed which remain unsold.
Operations on the several lines of the
Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted
with unexamplei vigor and success
Should no unforeseen causes of delay oc>
eur, it is confidently anticipated that this
great thoroughtare will be completed be
fore the expiration of the period desig-
mated by Congress.
During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioners. including the expen-
ses of disbursement, was thirteen million
four hundred and fifty.nine thousand
nine hundred and ninety>six dollars; and
fifty thousand one hundred and seventy
seveu names were added to the pension
rolls ] he entire number of pensioners,
June 30. 1866, was one hundred and
twenty-six thousand seven hundred and
twenty-five. This fact furnishes melan.
choly aud striking proof of the sacrifices
made to vindicate the constitutional au.
thority of the Federal Government. and
to maintain inviolate the integrity of the
Union. They impose upon us cores
ponding obligations. 1t is estimated that
thirty-th,ee million dollars will be re.
quired to meet the exigeneies of this
branch of the service during the next
fiscal year
Treaties have been concluded with the
Indians who, enticed into armed opposi.
tion to our Government at the outbreak
of the rebellion, hav, unconditionally
submitted to our authority, aud manifes-
ted an earnest desire for a renewal of
friendly relations.
During the year ending September 80,
1866, eight thousand seven hundred and
sixteen patents for useful inventions and
designs we're 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 dellars.
As subject upon which depends an
immense amount of the production and
commerce of the county. recommend
to Congress such legislation as may be
necessary for the preservation of the lev
ees of the Mississippi river. 1t is
matter of national Importance that early
steps should be taken not only to add to
the efficiency of these barriers against
destructive inundatious, but for the re-
moval of all Instructions to the free and
safe navigation of that great channel Of
trade and commerce
The District of Columbia, under ex
isting laws, is not entitled to that repre.
sentation in the National Councils which
from ur earliest history, has been uni
lormly accorded to each Territory estab-
lished from time TO time within our lin
its. 1t maintains peculiar relations to
Congress, to whom the Constitution has
granted the power of exercising exclu-
sive legislation over the seat of govern
ment. Our fellow citizens residing in
the District. whose Interests are thus
confided to the special guardianship OF
Congress, exceed in number the popula-
tion of several of our Territories, an no
just reason is perceived why a delegate
of their choice should not he admitted to
seatin the House of Representatives
No mode seems so appropriate and effect
ual of enabling them to make known
their peculiar condition and wants, and
of securing the local Legislation adapted
to them. therefore recommend the
passage cf law authorizing the electors
of the District of Columbia to choose a
delegate. to be allowed the same rights
and privileges as delegate representing
Territory. The increasing enterprise
and rapid progress of improvement in the
District are highly gratifying, aud trus,
Tint the efforts of the municipal antbor-
tiles to promote the prosr Gritty of the
national metropolis will lreceive the eff
cient end generous co operation of Con-
gress. 5rHs
The report of the commissioner of
Agriculture reviews the operations of his
Department during the past year, and
asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to
encourage those States which, scourged
by war, are now earnestly engaged in the
reorganization Of domestic industry.
1t is a subject of congratulation that
no foreign combinations against our do
mestic peace and safety, or our Legitimate
influences among the nations. have been
formed or attempted. While sentiments
of reconciliation loyalty and patriotism
have increased at home. n more just con
sidcTation of our nat onal character and
rights have been manifested by foreign
| nations. 8f s-8
| The entire success of the Atlantic
Telegraph between the coast of ireland
and the Province of Newfoundland, is an
achievement. which has been justly cele-
brated in both hemispheres as the opening
of an era in the progress of civilization
There is reason to expect that equal sue
cess will attend, and even greater results
follow, the enterprise for connecting the
two Continents through the Pacific Ocear
by the p'oject, d line of telegraph between
Kamschatka and the Russian Possessions
in America. .,~t1 s....r
The resolution of Congress protesting
against pardons by foreign Governments
of persons convicted of infamous often
ses, on condition of emigration to our
country, has been communicated 10 the
States with which we maintain inter
course, and the practice, so Justly the
subject Of complaint on our part, ha'
! not been renewed
n a.. - a l.