Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1869-12-18


fso9 was 81 ,597 $40 less than the Increased ex-
penditurcs in 1863 showing by comparison
this gratifying feature of improvement,
that while the increase of expenditures
over the increase of receipts in 1868 was
S2,S59, $50, the increase of receipts over
the increase Of expenditures in 1869 was
1,0S4,37l. Your attention is respectfully
called TO the recommendations made by
the Postmaster General for authority to
change the rate OF compensation 10 the
main trunk railroad lines for services in
carrying the mails, FOR having post route
maps executed, for recognizing and in-
ereaeing the efficiency of the special
agency service; for the increase OF the
mail service OH the Pacific, and Tor cstab-
fishing mail service under the flag of the
Union on tic Atlantic; and most es-
pecially do l call your attention to his
recommendation for the total abolition
of the franking privilege This is an
abuse from which no one receives a COM
mensurate advantage. 1t reduces the re-
ceip!s for postal service from twenty five
to thirty per cent. and largely increases
the service to be performed. The method
by which postage should be paid upon
public matter is set forth fully iu the re-
port of the Post Master General.
The report of the Secretary of the In
terror shows that the quantity of public
lands disposed of during the year ending
S0th of June, 1869, was 7,666,l52 acres,
exceeding that of the preceding year by
100000 acres. OF this amount 2,s99,-
544 acres were sold for cash, and 2,737,-
365 were entered under the Homestead
Law. The remainder was granted to
aid in the construction of works of in-
ternal improvement, approved to the
States as stamp land and located war
rents and scrip. The cash receipts from
all sources were s4,472 $50, exceeding
those of the preceding year $2,s4O, ,l4O.
During the fiscal year 23,l9G names
were added to the pension rolls, 4,8G6
were dropped thereirom, leaving at its
close lS7,963. The amount paid to pen
sioners, including the compensation of
disbursing agents, was $2S, 1926, 1884, an
increase of $441,I02 on that of the pre-
vious year. The munifcence of Con
gress has been conspicuously manifested
in its legislation for the soldiers and sail
ors who suffered in the recent struggle to
maintain the unity of government which
makes us one people. The additions to
the pension rolls of each successive year
since its conclusion of hostlities, result
in great degree from the repeated
amendments OF the act of the l4th Of
July, 1862, which extended its provision
to cases not falling within their original
scope. The hlarge outlay which is thus
occasioned is further increased by the
more liberal allowance bestowed since
that date upon those who in the line of
duty were wholly or permanently dsa-
bled. Public opinion has given emphatic
sanction t. those measures of Congress,
and it will be conceded that no part OF
our public burden is more cheerfully
Borne than that which is imposed by
this branch of the service. 1t necessitates
for the next fiscal year, in addition to
the amount justly chargeable to the
Naval Pension Fund, an appropriation of
$3O,G0O,OOO.
During the year ending on the 3Oth OF
September, 1869, the Patent Office issned
1892 patents, and it's receipts were
S6S6,389, being $2l3,92G more than the
expenditures.
l would respectfully call your atten-
tion to the recommendation of the Secre-
tary OF the Interior, for uniting the duties
OF supervising the education of freedmen
with the other duties devoving upon
the commissioner of education
If it is the desire of Congress TO make
the census which must be taken during
the year 1870 more complete and perfect
than heretofore, would suggest early
action apon any plan that may be agreed
upon. Congress at the last session ap.
pointed committee to take into consid-
Grafton such measures as might be deemed
proper in reference to the census, and TO
report a plan. l desist from saying
more.
recommend to your favorable consid-
Grafton the claims of the Agricultural
Bureau for liberal appropriation. In
country so diversified in climate and soil
as ours, and with population 80 largely
dependent upon agriculture, the benefits
that can be conferred by properly foster
ing this bureau are incalculablc
desire respectfully to call the atten-
tion OF Congress to the inadequate sal
aries OF n number of the most important
officers OF the government. In this
message ! will not enumerate them but
Will specify only the Justices of the su.
preme court. No change has been made
IN their salaries for the last fifteen years.
Within this time the labors of the court
have largely increased, and the expenses
OF living have at least doubled. During
the same time Congress has twice found
1t necessary TO increase largely the com
pensation of its own members, and the
duty which it owes to another depart
ment OF government deserves, and will
undoubtedly receive, its due considera-
tion.
There are many subjects not alluded
to IN this message which might with
propriety be introduced, but abstain,
believing your patriotism and stateman-
ship will suggest the topics and lcgisla-
tion most conducive 10 the interests of
the whole people. On my part promise
rigid adherence to the laws and their
strict enforcement.
u. S. GRANT.