The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-12-08

manent home, upon the condition of res
idencc for o term of years. This liberal
policy invites emigration from the Old,
and the more crowded portion Of the
New World. Its propitious results are
undoubted, and will be more signally
manifested when time shall have given
to it wider development.
RAILROAD GRANTS.
Congress has made liberal grants of
public lands to corporations, in aid of the
construction of railroads and other in
tcrnal improvements, should this pol
icy hereafter prevail, more stringent
provisions will be required to secure a
faithful application of the fund. The
title &c the lands should not pass, by pat
Cnt or otherwise, but remain in the Gov
crumont and subject to its control until
some portion of the road has been actually
built. Portions of them might, then,
from time to time, he conveyed to the
corporation, but never in greater ratio TO
the whole quantity embraced by the
grant than the completed parts bear to
the ontire length of the projected i'm
provcment. This restriction would not
operate to the prejudice of any under
taking conceived in good filth and exc
cutcd with reasonable energy, az 1t is the
settled practice to withdraw from market
the lands falling within the operation of
such grants, and thus to exclude the in
ception of a subsequent adverse right. A
breach Of the conditions which Congress
may deem proper to impose should wort;
forfeiture of claim to the lands 50 with
drawn but unconveyed, and of title to
the lands conveyed which remain un-
sold.
Operations on the several lines Of the
Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted
with uncxampled vigor and success.
Should no unforeseen causes Of delay
occur, it is confidently anticipated that
this great thoroughfare will be complied
before the expiration of the period des-
ignated by Congress.
PENSIONS.
During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioners, including the eX-
penses of disbursement, was Sl3, ,l59, 1896,
and 30, III names were added to the pen
sion rolls. The entire number of pen
sioners, June thirtieth, 1866, was 126, 722.
This fact furnishes melancholy and strik-
ing proof of the sacrifices made to vim
dicate the constitutional authority of
the Federal Government, and to main
tain inviolate the integrity of the Union.
They impose upon lis corresponding OBJ
legations. 1t is estimated that thirty
three million dollars will he required to
meet the eXigencies of this branch Of the
service during the next fiscal year.
TREATIES WITH TIE INDIANS.
Treaties have been concluded with
the Indians, who, enticed into armed
opposition to our Government at the
outbreak of the Rebellion, have uncon-
ditionally submitted to our authority,
and manifested an earnest desire for Il
renewal of friendly relations.
TIE PATENT OFFICE.
During the year ending September
thirtieth, 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-scven dollars
TIE MISSISSIPPI LBvEFs.
AS subject upon which depends an
immense amount of production and
commerce of the country, I recommend
to Congress such legislation rs may be
necessary for the preservation of the
levees of the Mississippi River. 1t is q
! matter of national Importance that early
steps should be taken not only to add tc
structive foundations, but for the re-
mOval of all Instructions to the free ant
safe. navigation of that great channe
of trade and commerce.
DISTRICT spF COLUMBIA.
The District of Columbia, under OK
isting laws, is not entitled to that rep
resentation in the National Council
which, from our earliest history, ha
been uniformly accorded to each Terri
tory established from time to time with
in our limits. 1t maintains peculiar re
lations to Congress, 10 whom the Con
> stitution has granted the power of eXer
: cising exclusive legislation over the sea
of Government. Our felloW-citizcns re
; siding in the District, whose interest
are thus confidcd to the special guar
) dianship Of Congress, exceed in nunbe
the population of several of our Terri
tories, and no just reason is perceive,
why Il delegate to their choice shoul
, not be admitted to scat in the lIous
of Representatives. No mode seems S
= appropriate and eifectual of onablin
: them to make known their peculia
) condition and wants, and of securing
D the local legislation adapted to them
, therefore recommend the passage Of
5 law authorizing the electors of the Dis
= trict of Columbia to choose delegate
| to be allowed the same rights and priv
f ilcgcs as n delegate representing q Ter
| ritory. The Increasing enterprise am
{ rapid progress and Improvement in tn
t District are highly gratifying, and
g trust that the efforts of the municipa
r authorities to promote the prosperity o
r the National Metropolis will receive tn
! efficient and generous cooperation o