Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1866-12-13

of such grants, and thus to exclude the
inception of a subsequent adverse right.
A breach of the conditions which Con-
gress may deem proper to impose should
work forfeiture of claim to the lands so
withdrawn but unconveyed, and of title
to the lands conveyed which remain un-
sold.
THE PACIFIC RAILROAD.
Operations on the several lines of the
Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted
with unexarnpled vigor and success.
Should no unforeseen causes of delay oc-
cur, 1t IS con6Gentially anticipated that
this great thoroughfare will be completed
before the expiration of the period desig-
mated by Congress.
PAYMENT OF PENSIONS.
During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioners, including the expenses
of disbursement, was thirteen millions
four hundred and fifty-nine thousand nine
hundred and ninety-six dollars, and fifty
thousand one hundred and seventy-seven
names were added to the pension rolls The
entire number of pensioners, June 80, 1866,
was one hundred and twenty-six thousand
seven hundred and twenty-five. This fact
furnishes melancholy and striking proof of
the sacrifices made to vindicate the con-
stitutional authority of the Federal Gov
ernment, and to maintain inviolate the
integrity of the Union. They impose
upon US corresponding obligation. 1t is
estimated that thirty-three million dollars
will be required to meet the exigencies Of
this branch of the service during the next
fiscal year.
TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS.
Treaties have been concluded with tho
Indians, who, enticed into armed opposi-
tion to our Government at the outbreak Of
the rebellion have Internationally submit
ted to our authority, and manifested an
earnest desire for . renewal Of friendly
relations.
THE PATENT OFFICE.
During the year ending September 80,
1866, eight thousand seven hundred and
sixteen 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-eigbt thousand two hundred and
ninety seven dollars.
THE MISSISSIPPI LEvEEs
AS subject upon which depends an
immense amount Of production and COM
merce of the country, 1 recommend to
Congress such legislation as may be nec-
essary for the preservation of the levees of
the Mississippi river. L. is matter of
national Importance that early steps should
be taken not only to add to the efficiency
of these barriers against destructive inun-
dations, but for the removal of all obstruc
tons to the free and safe navigation of
that great channel of trade and commerce.
REPRESENTATION FOR THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA.
The District of Columbia, under exist
ing laws is not entitled to that representa-
tion in the National Councils which, from
our earliest history, has been uniformly
accorded to each Territory established
from time to time within our limits. 1t
maintain, peculiar relations to Congress,
to whom the Constitution has granted the
power of exercising legislation over the
scat of government. Our fellow citizens
residing in the District, whose interests are
thus confided to the special guardianship
of Congress, exceed IN number the popn-
lation Of several of our Territories, and
no Just reason is perceived why delegate
OF their choice should not be admitted to a
seat in the House of Representatives. No
mode seems SO appropriate and effectual
OF enabling them to make known their
peculiar condition and wants, and secu-
ring the local legislation adapted to them.
1, therefore, recommend the passage of
law authorizing the electors of the District
of Columbia 10 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, and [ trust that the efforts of
the municipal authorities to promote the
prosperity of the national metropolis will
receive the efficient and generous COOP
Grafton of Congress.
AGRICULTURE
The report of the Commissioner of
Agriculture reviews the operations of his
Department during the past year and asks
the aid of Congress in his efforts to en-
courage those States which, scourged by
war, are now earnestly engaged in the
reorganization of domestic industry.
CAUSE FOR coNGRATULAT1oN.
1t is subject of congratulation that no
foreign combinations against our domestic
peace and safety, or our legitimate infu-
ence among the nations, have been formed
or attempted. While sentiments of recol-
lection, loyalty and patriotism have in
creased Mt home, a more just consideration
OF our national character and rights has
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