The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-05
R.por, Of tho secretary Of tho Interior.

| Of suggestions and recommendations OF great
interest and value In connection with the gem
eral business Of the department. As regards
the public lands, we find 1t stated that Of
6,423,9S4.l8 acres offered for sale during the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1866, 4,629, 312.s7
have been disposed Of The cash receipts from
sales and other sources were $S24,645. In the
number Of homestead entries there has been
an increase Of more than sixty per cent over
that Of last year--a gratifying evidence of the
soundness Of the chasge Of policy which con-
ers upon tho settler special privileges.
A speedy adjustment Of claims to land stu
ated in New Mexico and Arizona, and the per-
maoent establishment of the boundaries be-
tween New Mexico and Colorado and Nevada
| and California, are recommended These are
matters which should not be longer left unset
| tied for the sake 81 the vast mining interests
which are more or less affected by them. In
+! this connection it is also urged that Congress
should make prompt provision for the disposal
| Of the lands on the Pacific slope which belong
| 10 the government, as well as for the develop
| ment Of the treasures which they contain. AS
the exploration and working Of these mines by
individual enterprise have largely contributed
| to the national wealth, the Secretary very pro-
! perly assumes that our Legislation should be
| 10 some extent controlled by the existing
rights and interests which he says "are the
| legitimate results Of our policy Of inaction."
| The estimate for pensions for the next fiscal
year is ss3,OOO,o0O. Many interesting facts
are given under this head. Az We stated the
other day, Samuel Downing, of Saratoga
county, New York, is the only surviving soldier
Of the Revolution. OF the widows Of revolu-
| tionsry soldiers the names Of 96I still appear
on the pension rolls. OF pensioners disabled
| in the wars prior TO the rebellion there are
only 5000. The widows and minor children
who receive pension by reason Of the death
and services Of those who served 10 such wars
number 1,227. The aggregate number OF new
army pensioners Of all classes added to the
rolls during the last fiscal yesr 40 z21, and
the total Of army pensioners Of all classes
standing on the list at its close ia SOC at an
annual aggregate Of $llAl3,t22. or navy
invalid pensioners there were on the rolls at
the same period i,Os2, and OF widows and de-
pendent relatives I,lSl, requiring for their
annual payment 1921, .52 Making oil due
allowance tor the increase in the rate OF PEN
sions. it seems to US, from a comparison Of tho
total paid the pensioners OF both services with
the estimates for the current yesr, that consid-
cradle rotrenchmest might he effected in this
branch Of The public service.
On the subject Of Indian affairs We are glad
to lind il stated that collisions between the
whites and the Indians during the past year
have BEEN Of less frequent occurrence than
was generally believed Allowing this to be
the ease, we still believe that there is room for
improvement in our mode Of dealing with the
Indian tribes. That they have been grossly
imposed upon and pluncered BY dishonest
agents, and that these frauds have been the
of most of the trouble we have expe-
rlenced from them, there is abundant evidence.
Whether legislation can encctuslly protect
thep ccnains Ia be seen. Certainly it's power
in that direction cannot be said to have been
exhausted.
IN connection with the Patent Once some
important suggestions are made which The in
terest Of the public as well as OF inventors
demands that Congress should take into con-
sderatiop. The number ct patents (S.7I6)
issued during the past year shows the impor
lance Of surrounding the vast interests involved
in them with all the protection possible.
On the subject of the progress OF or rail-
road connections with the Pacific the state
mens of the report ore most satisfactory. The
works are being urged forward with all posi-
bic rapidi,y, and there is every reason to
anticipate that the lines will be completed and
in working order before The expiration Of tbr
period fixed by Congress. On the importance
Of this fact il is unnecessary 10 enlarge. That
il viii contribute immensely 30 the develop
ment Of the resources of our Pacific States and
Territories and thereby help TO relieve us from
the incubus Of debt accumulated by the war.
IS anticipation that may reasonably be in
dulged in.
After some remarks In reference 10 the Cant
tol extension. the Washington aqueduct and the
expenses Of The United States courts, the report
concludes with recommendation in favor ofa
general increase in tho salaries Of the subord-
nate officers Of the department. which the
Secretary thinks would be a measure OF
economy inasmuch AS II would secure greater
efficiency in the service.
CoSaRrss AM rHx PRESIDENTS PATRONAGE.
The nurnerou. decspitations OF radical office
hsidsrs BY the President during the late recess
OF Congress have resulted already In bringing
GU q number oil bills In both houses rcrolat-
Ing appointments TO Office, the tenure Of Office
sud removals from Office, the object Of all be-
ing to demoiSh the Executive suiIlotine in the
hands Of "Andv Johnson Here, we say, IL
great Acid Tor reform, in the porldcation Of our
Presidential elections, parties, cliqucs and
greedy politicians by comprehensive recon