Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1866-12-13


bear to the entire length of tie projected
improvement. The restriction would not
operate to the prejudice Of any undertaking
conceived in good foith and executed with
reasonable energy, as it is the settled prac-
tlce to Withdraw from market the lands
falling within the operation of such grants,
and thus exclude the inception of suisse
quent adverse right. A breach Of the con-
ditions which Congress may deem proper
to impose should work a forfeiture of claim
to the lands so withdrawn but unconveyed,
and of title to the lands conveyed which
remain unsold.
Pacific Railroad.
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 tho
roughfare will be completed before the ex-
piration of the period designated by Con-
gress.
Pensioners.
During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioners, including the expenses
Of disbursement, was S13, 459 ,996; and
80, III names were added to the pension
rolls. The entire number of pensioners
June 30, 1866, was 126, 722 This fact
furnishes melancholy and striking proof of
the sacrifices made to vindicate the const:-
tutional authority Of the Government and
to maintain inviolate the integrity of the
Union They impose upon us correspond
ing obligations. It is estimated that thir-
ty-three million dollars will pc required to
meet the exigencies of this branch OF the
service during the next fiscal year.
Indians.
Treaties have been concluded with the
Indians, who, enticed into armed opposition
to our Government at the outbreak of the
rebellion, have Internationally submitted
to our authority, and manifested an earn
est desire foG the renewal Of friendly rela-
tlOns.
During the year ending Sept. 50, 1866.
S,716 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 $228, 297.
Levees,
AS subject upon which depends an i'm
mense amount Of the production and COM
merce of the country, [ recommend to
Congress such Legislation as may be ndces-
sary for the preservation of ievees Of the
Mississippi river. Il is matter Of nation
al importance that carly stems should be
taken not onl j. TO add to the efficiency Of
these barriers against destructive inunda-
tons, but for the removal of all obsiruc-
tons to the free navigation OF that great
channel Of trade aud commerce.
District of Columbia.
The District Of Columbia, under exist
ing laws, is not entitled TO that represen-
tation in the national councils which, from
our earliest history, has been uniformly
accorded to eaoA Territory established from
time to time within our limits 1t main
tains peculiar relations to Congress, to
whom the Constitution has granted the
power Of exercising exclusive legislation
over the seat Of Government Our fellow
citizens residing in the District, whose IN
terests are thus confded TO the special
guardianship of Congress. exceed III NUM-
Der the population of several Of Cur Ierri-
tories, and no just reason is perceived
why delegate Of their choice should not
be admitted to ii seat in the House Of Re-
personalities No mode seems so appro-
pirate and effectaaI Of enabling them to
make known their peculiar condition and
wants. and Of securing the local legislation
adapted to them I therefore recommend
the passage Of a law authorizing the elect
ors of the District Of Columbia to choose
delegate, to be allowed the same rights and
privileges as a delegate representing
Territory The increasing enterprise and
rapid progress of improvement in the Dis
trict are highly gratifying, and trust that
the efforts of the municipal authorities to
promote the prosperity Of the national me-
tropolis viii receive the etncient and gen
erous cooperation Of Congress.
Agriculture.
The report Of the Commissioner eff Ag-
riculture reviews the operations of his De-
partnient during the past year, and asks
the aid of Congress III It's efforts to encour-
age those States which, scourged by war,
are now earnestly engaged in the reorgan-
lZation OF their domestic relations.
Foreign Relations.
It is subject for congratulatton that no
foreign combinations against orr peace and
safety, or ouf legitimate influence among
the nations, have been formed or attempt
ed While sentiments of reconciliation,
loyalty aud patriotism have increased at
home, more just consideration of our ma
tional character and rights has been mani
tested by foreign nations.
The Atlantic Telegraph.
Tire entire success Of tie Atlantic Teie-
graph between the coast Of ireland and the
Province of New Foundland, IS an achieve
ment which has been justly celebrated in
both henispheres as the opening of an era
in the progress Of civilization. There is
reason to expect that eauil success will az
tend, and even greater results follow, the
enterprise for connecting the two continents
through the Pacific Ocean by the projected
line of telegraph between Kamschatka aad
the Russian possessions III a.s:rca.