The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-11


their constantly improving condition. The growing
importance of the foreign service also merits attention
The Post Office Department. of Great Britain and our
own have Agreed upon preliminary basis for new
Postal Convention, which it is believed will prove
eminenty beneficial to the commercial interests OF the
United States, nasmuch as it contempates reduction
of the international letter postage to onehaf the exist
ing Rates; reduction OF postage with all other countries
to from which correspondence is transmitted in the
British mail, in closed mails through the United
kincdom the establishment of uniform and reasonable
charges for the and territorial transit OF correspon-
dence in closed mails; and allowance to each Post
Office Department of the right to all mail cOmmu
nications established under the authority of the other
for the dispatch of correspondence, either in open or
closed mails. the same terms as those applicable to
the inhabitants of the country providing the means OF
transmission.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits
the condition of those branches of the public service
which are committed to his supervision During the
last fiscal year, four million six hundred and twenty
nine thousand three hundred and twelve of public
| land disposed of, one million eight hundred and
ninety-two thousand five hundred and sixteen acres OF
which entered under the homestead act. The
policy originally adopted relative to the public lands
has undergone essential notifications. Immediate rev.
euuc. and their rapid settlement the cardinal
feature of land system. Long experience and ear
nest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the
early development of agricultural resources, and
the diffusion of energetic population over our vast
territory objects of far greater importance to the
national growth and prosperity than the proceeds OF the
sale of the land to the highest bidder in open market
| The pre-emption laws confer upon the pioneer who
complies with the terms they impose the privilege OF
| purchasing limited portion OF "unufertd lands at
the minimum price. The homestead enactments relieve
the settler from the payment OF purchase money, ana
secure him permanent home, upon the condition OF
residence for term of years This liberal polcy IN
vites emigration from the old, and from the more crowd
ed portions of the world Its prupous results
undoubted. and will be more signal!y manifested when
time shall have given TO a wider Development
Congress has made liberal grants OF public lands to
corporations, in aid of the construction OF railroads and
other internal improvements Should this policy here
after prevail stringent provisions Will be required
to secure faithful 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 con-
troll until portion of the road has been actually
built. Portions of them might then, from time to time
be conveyed to the cOrpOratOn but never III greater
ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than
the completed parts bear the entire length Of the pro-
Jected improvement. This restriction would not oper-
ate to the prejudice of any undertaking conceived in
good faith and executed with reasonable 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 subsequent adverse
right. A breach of the conditions which Congress may
deem proper to impose should work forfeiture Ut
claim to the lands Withdrawn but unconveyed, and
OF little to the lands conveyed which remain unsod-
Operations the several lines of the Pacific Railroad
have been prosecuted with unexamped vgor and sue
cess Should no unforeseen causes 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 pen
soners, including the expenses of disbursement, was
|
sion rolls The entire number of pensioners, June 30,
1856 was 126122. This fact furnishes melancholy and
striking proof Of the sacrifices made to vindcate the
constitutional authority of the Federal Government and
to maintain involate the integrity of the Union. They
impose upon corresponding obligations. 1t is
mated that 1913 DOC, 900 will be required the ext
gcncies of this branch of the service during the next
fiscal year.
Treaties have been concluded with the Indians who.
entced into armed opposition to Government at the
outbreak of the rebellion, have Internationally sub
! mt tp1t n ant
sire for renewal Of friendly relations.
| During the year ending September 80, 1866, eight
thousand seven hundred and sixteen patents tor useful
inventions und designs issued and at that date
the balaEc in the Treasury to the credit of the Patent
| fund $22S, 297.
As a subject upon which depends an immense amount
OF the production and commerce of the country, re-
commend to Congress such legislation may be
sary for the preservation of the ievees 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 nundaons, but
for the removal of all distractions 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 Councils
which, from earliest history, has been uniformly
corded to each Territory established from time to time
within our limits 1t maintains peculiar relations to
Congress, to whom the Constitution has granted the
power of exercising exclusive legislation the seat
| of government. Our fellow-citizens residing in the
District. whose interests thus cOntded to the special
guardianship of Congress, exceed in number the popu
lation of several of our Territories. and Just
is perceived why delegate of their choice should not
be admitted to seat in the House of Representatives
No mode appropriate and etecual of enabling
them to make known their peculiar condition and
wants, and of securing the local Legislation adapted to
them. therefore recommend the passage OF law
authorizing the electors of the District of Columbia to
| choose delegate. to be allowed the rights and
privileges delegate representing Territory. The
increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement
IN the District highly gratifying and trust that the
efforts of the municipal authorities to promote the pros
perity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient
and generous cooper alton of Congress
The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture
views the operations of his Department during the past
year. and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts
courage those States which. scuurged by war
earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic in
dusry
1t is subject Of congratulation that foreign
bnatlons against domestic peace and safety,
legitimate influence among the nations, have been
formed or attempted While sentiments of reconciiia-
ton, loyalty, and patriotism have increased at home,
more just consideration of national character aud
rights has been manifested by foreign nations.
The entire success of the Atlantic Telegraph between
the OF Ireland and the Province of Newfoundland
is an achievement which has been justly celebrated in
both hemSphereS the opening OF an era i'll the pro-
greSs OF civilization. There is reason to expect that
equal success will attend, and greater results fol-
low the enterprise for connecting the two Continents
through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of ele
graph between kamschatda and the Russian posses
sions in America.
Inc resolution OF Congress protesting against pardons
by 1Oregn Governments ut convicted OF Inta-
nous offences, on condition of emigration to coun
try, has been communicated to the States with which
We MAINTAIN intercourse. and the practice, justly the
subject OF compliant: on part has not been renewed
The congratulations of Congress to the Emperor of
Russia. upon his escape from attempted assassination,
have been presented to that humane and enlightened