Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-01-25

arrangements for the establishment and
maintenance of Soldiers and Seamen' 4
Homes in several of the States, and it is
quite possible that these institutions when
established will have capacity TO receive
and accommodate all, including disabled
soldiers and seameB of Indiana.
When this comes to pass, it will not be
necessary to continue our Home. as such,
longer, and the fine property where it is
located can doubtless be turned to some
other humane purpose. But until that
occurs, it is, in my judgment, the duty of
the State to adopt the Home and make
appropriations for its support.
1t would not be just to pass from this
subject without stating th(rfact that the
general management apS tupervision Of
the Soldiers Home since its irst organi.
cation has been under the care and direc-
ton Of William Hannaman, Esq; his
heart has been in his work, and he has
given to il unremitting attention, and
much of its success has resulted from his
labor.
THE SOLDIERS ORPHAN.
The soldiers orphan has not been pro
vided for. From return made by coun-
ty auditors to n circular addressed to them
by Mr.. Hannaman, il is estimated that
there are in the State 900 orphans whose
fathers have perished in the army, and a
number Of whom are now in the county
poor house. Their natural protectors and
guardians, by whose labor they were TO be
supported and educated, have died in the
service Of their country. Many of these
orphans are left in destitute and helpless
circumstances, without relatives or friends
who are able or willing to give them train
ing and education. Are they not the
wards of the Statep Is ii not the duty Of
the State, dictated alike by justice. hu-
manity, and the sacrifice made by their
dead fathers, to step forward and as far as
possible take the fathers place in giving
TO these orphans protection and suai !.
cient education to ft them for useful and
honorable members of society Can the
proposition be strengthened by argument?
Does not the bare statement of il carry
conviction to the mind aud touch the
heart of every patriotic man? The way
and manner in which this can be accom-.
plished is proper subject for legislative
research and discovery. But it has been
suggested that if the General Government
shall finally provide for our disabled SOL
diers and seameu, that the beautiful prop
crty near Kuighistown might be convert
ed into "Soldiers' Orphans Home"
CEMETERIES ANo MONUMENTS.
The report Of Col. James Blake, who
was appointed Commissioner to represent
Indiana on the Board Of Managers of the
Gettysburg Cemetery. contains full his
tory Of the Cemetery, its condition, the
amount of money required to finish it, and
the proportion due from Indiana.
Papers will also be laid before you in
relation to the Cemetery at Antietam, and
asking a small appropriation to defray SO
much OF the expense as falls to Indiana in
the general arrangement.
The Board Of Trustees Of Crown Hill
Cemetery, situated about two miles from
this city, donated sufficient and beauti-
fu part Of the Cemetery for the burial of
Union soldiers who died in the camps and
hospitals at this place, and such as might
be brought from elsewhere The Govern
mcnt Of the United States, represented by
General Elkin, accepted the donation, and
agreed TO pay the Crown Hill Cemetery
Association the sum Of five thousand dol
lars, to be expended in the Improvement
of the grounds, and the dead have already
been removed from the places where they
were first laid, and buried in the new cenl-
etery.
In this cemetery there is a high hill,
quite overlooking the city, and recon.
mend that upon this hill the State erect n
monument in memory Of her brave soldiers
who perished in the rebellion. We can
not pay too much honor to the memory Of
the men who died for their country. This
monument overlooking all the country
around, would be the first object to greet
the eye of the traveller as he approached
the capital, and in the language Of the
great Webster, when he laid the corner
stone Of Bunker Hill monument ut Bos-
ton: "Lct it rise! let it rise, till it meet
the sun in its coming; let the earliest light
Of the morning gid it, and parting day
linger and play upon its summit" To
this monument each county Of tbs State
should be requested to contribute one
block, bearing such inscription as ii might
choose in commemoration Of its dead and
the part it bore in the war.
EMIGRATION.
On the 18th Of January, 1866, Gov.
Bak% issued to John A. Wilstach, Esq,
an appointment as "Commissoner for the
encouragement of emigration to the State
Of Indiana, and to take such steps both in
the United States and in Europe as he
may deem advisable for that purpose"
Mr.. Wilstach's report is herewith sub
mitted, and your attention invited 10 the
important suggestions it contains.
1t is not necessary to argue the impor-
tance of adding to the wealth and popula-
ton OF Indiana by increasing the emigra-
ton to her borders from the various coun-
tries of Europe. The agricultural and
mineral resources of the State are as yet
comparatively undeveloped, for the want
Of population, labor and capital. Nearly
one.tourth OF the whole area of the State
is coal field, large part Of which is said
to be Of the best quality. Excellent iron
ore is found in vast quantities~in many of
the connties aud throughout the State
Excepting few small localities, the soil
is rich aud fertile, capable Of producing
all the grains, grasses and fruits ia the
greatest abundance. The State abounds
10 fine timber and living streams Of water,
and IN every respect presents facilities for
an easy and profitable agriculture. while