Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1870-12-15


country. 1t may, however, be well in
sisted that much of our legislation in this
regard has been characterized by indis-
criminate and profuse liberality. The
United States should not loan their credit
in aid of any enterprise undertaken by
States or corporations, nor grant lands in
any instance, unless the projected work is
of acknowledged national Importance. l
am strongly inclined to the opinion that it
is inexpedient and unnecessary to bestow
subsidies of either description but should
Congress determine otherwise, earnestly
recommend that the rights of settlers and
of the public be more effectually secured
and protected by appropriate Legislation.
THE PATENT OFFICE.
During the year ending September 30,
1870, there were filed in the Patent Ott1ce
l9,411 applications for patents, 1874 ca
yeats, and 100 applications for the extern
sion of patents; 1862 patents, including
reissues and designs, were issued; ITO ex-
tended; and 1859 allowed, but not issued,
by reason of the non-payment of the final
fees. The receipts of the office during
the fiscal year were $1S6, 3O4.29 in excess
of its expenditures.
THE CENSUS.
The work of the Census Bureau has
been theoretically prosecuted. The pre-
liminary report containing much informa-
ton of special value and interest will be
ready for delivery during the pres
emit session. The remaining volumes
will be completed with all the
dispatch consistent with perfect accuracy
in arranging and classifying the returns
We shall thus, at no distant day, be fur
MI xrsf1 pf M
condition and resources. It will, doubt
not, attest the growing prosperity of the
country although during the decade
which has just closed it was SO severely
tried by the great war waged to maintain
its integrity and to secure and perpetuate
our free institutions.
PENSIONS.
During the last fiscal year the sum paid
to pensioners, including the cost Of dis
bursement, was $27, 7SO,S11.11; and 1, 1853
bounty land warrants were issued: AT
its close ,19S,686 names were on the pen
sion rolls.
The labors of the Pension Office have
been directed to the severe scrutiny Of the
evidence submitted in favor of new claims,
and to the discovery Of fictitious claims
which have been heretofore allowed. The
appropriation for the employment of
special agents for the investigation of
frauds has been judiciously used, and the
results.of it have been Of unquestionable
benefit to the service.
EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE.
The subjects of education and agricul
ture are of great interest to the success of
our republican institutions, and our happi
ness and grandeur as nation. In the in
terests of one, a bureau has been estab
lished in the Interior Department-the Blu
reau of Education; and in the interests of
the other, a separate department-thato of
Agriculture. believe great general good
is to flow from the operations Of both these
bureaus if properly fostered.
l cannot commend to your careful con-
sideration too highly the reports of the
Commissioners of Education and Agricul-
ture nor urge too strongly such liberal
legislation as to secure their efficiency.
SUMMING UP
In conclusion, would sum up the policy
of the Administration to be a thorough
enforcement of every law; a faithful col
lection of every tax provided for,
and economy in the disbursement of
the same; a prompt payment OF the
debt of the nation; reduction of
taxes as rapidly as the requirements
of the country will admit, reduction
of taxation and tariff to be SO arranged as
to afford the greatest relief to the greatest
number honest and fair dealing with all
other people, to the end that war with all
its blighting consequences may be avoided,
but without surrendering any right or
obligation due to us; reform in the treat.
ment of the Indians and in the whole civil
90 ovNI lu in,
securing pure, untrammeled ballot,
where every man entitled to cast vote
may do so just once at each election, with
out fear of molestaton or prescription on
account of his political faith, nativity, or
color. u. S. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Dec. 5, 1870.