The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-12-04

adverse right. A breach of the con-
ditions which Congress may deem
proper to impose, should work for
felture of claim to the lands so with
drawn, but unconveyed, and of title
to the lands conveyed, which remain
unsold. Operations on the several
lines of the Pacific Railroad have
been prosecuted with unexampled
vigor and success. Should no unfore-
seen causes of delay occur, it is conf
IDENTIFY anticipated that this great
thoroughfare will be completed be-
fore the expiration of the period de
signated by Congress- During
the last fiscal year, the amount
paid to pensioners, including
the expenses of disbursement, was
S13, 459, 996, and 50,177 names were
added to the pension rolls. The en-
tire number OF pensioners, June 80,
1866, was 126,7 ,722. This fact fur
nishes melancholy and striking proof
of the sacrifices made to vindicate
the constitutional authority of the
Federal Government, and to main
tain inviolate the integrity of the
Union. They impose upon us cor
responding obligations. It is esti-
mated that $33, 100000 will be re-
quired to meet the exigencies Of this
branch OF the service, during the
next fiscal year.
Treaties have been concluded with
the Indians who, enticed to armed
opposition to our Government, at the
outbreak of the rebellion, have un-
conditionally submitted to our au-
thorlty, and manifested an earnest
desire for renewal Of friendly rela-
tions.
During the year ending September
80, 1866, S,716 patents for useful in
ventlons and designs were issued,
and, at that date, the balance in the
Treasury to the credit of the patent
fund was 1928, 297..
AS subject upon which depends
an immense amount of the produc-
tion and commerce of the country, [
recommend to Congress such legisla-
ton as may be necessary for the pre-
servatlon of the levees Of the Missis-
slppl River. It is matter of national
Importance that early steps should be
taken, not only to add to the efficiency
of these barriers against destructive
lnundatlons, but for the removal of
all instructions to the free and safe
navigation of that great channel of
trade and commerce.
The District OF Columbia. under
existing laws, is not entitled to that
representation in the national coun-
ellis which, from our earliest history,
has been uniformly accorded to each
Territory established, from time to
time, within our limits. It maintains
peculiar relations to Congress, to
whom the Constitution has granted
the power of exercising exclusive
legislation over the seat of Go
vernment. Our fellow-citizens re-
siding in the District, whose inte-
rests are thus confded to the
special guardianship Of Congress,
exceed in number the population of
several Territories, and no just rea-
son is perceived why delegate of
their choice should not be admitted
to seat in the House of Represen-
tatives. No mode seems so appropri-
ate and effectual of enabling them to
make known their peculiar condition
and wants, and of securing the local
Legislation adapted to them. there
fore recommend the passage of law
authorizing the electors of the Dis
trlct of Columbia to choose a dele
gate, to be allowed the same rights
and privileges as a delegate represent
ing Territory. The increasing en-
terprise and rapid progress of i'm
provement in the District are highly
gratifying, and trust that the efforts
Of the municipal authorities to pro-
mote the prosperity of the National
Metropolis will receive the efficient
and generous cooperation of Con-
gress.
The] report of the Commissioner
of Agriculture reviews the operations
of his department during the past
year, and asks the aid of Congress in
its efforts to encourage those States
which, scourged by war, are now
earnestly engaged in the re-organiza-
ton of domestic industry.
It is a subject of generalization
that no foreign combinations against
our domestic peace and safety, or our
legitimate influence among the ma
tions, have been formed or attempt
ed, while sentiments OF reconcilia-
ton, loyalty and patriotism, have
increased at home. A more just con-
sideration of our national character
and rights has been manifested by
foreign nations. The entire success