Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1866-12-08

development of our agricultural resourc-
es, and the deffusion of an energetic pop
ulation of our vast territory, are objects of
far greater Importance to the national
growth and prosperity than the proceeds
of the sale of the land to the highest bid
der in open market. The homestead
cnactments relieve the settler from the
payment of purchase money, and secure
him permanent home, upon the condi-
ton of residence for term of years. -
This liberal policy invites emigration
from the old, and from the more crowd
cd portions of the new world. Its pro-
pitious results are undoubted, and will
be more sigually manifested when time
shall have given to it wider develop
mcut.
Congress has made liberal grants of
public land TO corporations, in aid of the
construction of railroads and other in
ternaI improvements. Should this policy
hereafter prevail, moro stringent pro-
visions viii be required to secure faith
ful application of the fund. The title to
the lands should not pass, by patent or
otherwise, but remain in the Government
and subject to its control until some
portion Of the road has been actually
built Portions of them might then, from
time to time be conveyed to the corpo-
ration, but never in greater ratio to tho
whole quantity embraced by the grant
than the completed parts bear to the en-
tire length of the projected improvement.
This restriction would not operate to the
prejudice of any undertaking concerted
i'll good faith and executed with reason
able energy, as it is the settled practice
to withdraw from market the lands falling
within the operation of such grants, and
thus to exclude the inception of subse-
quent adverse right. A breach of the
conditions which Congress may deem
proper to impose should work forfeiture
of claim to the lands so withdrawn but
unconveyed, and of title to the lands con-
veyed which remain unsold.
Operations on the several lines of the
Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted
with unexampled vigor and success.
Should no unforeseen cause of delay occur
it is confidently 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 disbursements, was thirteen million
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 ofpensioners, June 80.
1866, was one hundred and twenty-six thousand
seven hundred and twenty-five. This fact fur
nishes melancholy and striking proof of the
sacrifices made to vindcate the constitutional
authority of the Federal Government, and to
maintain inviolate the integrity of the Union
They impose upon US corresponding obligations
1t is estimated that thirty million dollars
will be required to meet the eXigencies ofthis
branch of the service during the next fiscal
year.
TREATIES.
Treaties have been concluded with the Indians
who, enticcd into armed opposition to our
Government ut the outbreak of the rebellion
have Internationally submitted to our authority,
and manifested an earnest desire for a renewal
of friendly relations.
PATENTS.
Daring The year enCing September 3Otl 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-eight thousand two
hundred and ninety seven dollars.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
AS subject upon which depends an imSacnse
amount of the production and commerce of the
country, recommend to congress such legsla
ton as may be necessary for the preser vation OF
the levees 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 inundations, but for
the removal of all obstructions to the free and
safe navigation of that great channel oftrade and
commerce.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
| The District of Columbia, under existing
laws is not entitled to that representation in th
! National Council which, from our earliest
| history, has been uniformly accorded to eacl,
Territory established from time to time within
our limits. 1t maintains peculiar relations tc
Congress, to whom the Constitution has granted
the power OF exercising legislation over the sea-
| OF government Our fellow -ctizens residing ir
the District, whose interests are thus confidet
to the special guardianship OF Congress, exceed
in number the population of sc veral of our Terri
tories, and no just reason is perceived why
delegate of their choice fhould not be admitie,
to seat in the House of Representatives. NJ
mode seems so appropriate and effectual of en-
'oiihE thN III +" ihonC hhoWn tlclT DtculluT co n
diton and wants, and OF securing the loca
lesisatio adapted to them. l therefore re
commend the passage Of law authorisng th
electors of the District of Columbia to choose .
delegate to be allowed the same rights an,
privileges as a delegate representing n Territory
! The increasing enterprise and rapid progress o
! Improvement in the District are highly gratifying
and trust that the Efforts of the municipa
authorities to promote The prosperity of til
national metropolis will receive the efficient an
generous corporation of Congress.
AGRIcUIrUrg
The report of the Commissioner of Arricultur
| reviews the operations of his Department durin
! the past year, and asks the aid of Congress i
| its efforts to encourage those States which
scourged by war; are now earnestly engaged /
the reorganization OF domestic industry
! H.t OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS. ,s
1t is subject of congrai ulaiion that no foreig
combinations against our domestic peace an
safety, or our legitimate influence among tn
nations, have been formed or attempted Will
sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, and patriot
ism have increased at home, a more lust cor
sideration of our national character and right
has been manifested by foreign nations.
INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH.
The entire success OF the Atlantic Telegram
between the coast of Ireland and the Provinc
OF Newfoundland, Is an achievement which ha
be IN justly celebrated in both hemispheres a
the opening of an era in the progress of civil
ization. There is reason to expect that eaui
| will of nd