Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-12-03

would furnish noble monument of the rrc-
gress Of the United States during that
century.
EDUCATION.
The rapidly increasing interest in education
is most encouraging feature in the current
history OF the country, and it is no doubt
true That this IS in great measure due to the
efforts Of the bureau of Education. That
office is continually receiving evidences which
abundantly prove its efficiency, from the va
rious institutions of learning and education of
all kinds throughout the country The report
OF the commissioner contains a vast amount
of educational details, of great interest. The
bill now pending before Congress, providing
tor the appropriation of the net proceeds Of
the sales of public lands for educational Dur.
poses, to aid the States in the general educa-
ton OF the rising generation, is measure of
such great Importance to our real progress,
and is SO unanimously approved by the lead.
ing friends of education that commend it to
the favorable attention of Congress.
THE TERRITORIES.
Affairs in the territories are generally sat-
isfactory. The energy and business CAPACITY
of the pioneers who are settling up the vast
domain not yet incorporated into States, are
keeping pace in internal Improvements and
civil government with the older communities.
In but one of them, Utah, is the condition of
affairs unsatisfactory. Except so far as the
quiet of society may be disturbed by real or
imaginary dangers Of Indian hostilities, it has
seemed to be the policy Of the legislature of
Utah to evnde all responsibilities to the gov
eminent of the United States, and even to
hold position in hostility to it. recommend
a careful revision of the present laws of the
Territory by Congress, and the enactment of
such law as the one proposed in Congress
at its last session, for instance. or something
similar to it, as will secure the equality of ali
citizens before the law, and the ultimate ex-
tinguishment of polygamy. Since the estab-
Ii sbment of a Territorial government for the
District Of Columbia, the improvement of the
condition of the city of Washington and its
surroundings, and the increased prosperity of
the citizens, is observable to the most casual
visitor The nation being large owner of
property in the city, should bear with the cit
liens Of the district its just share of the ex-
pense Of those improvements. l recommend,
therefore, an appropriation to reimburse the
citizens for the work done by them along and
in front of public grounds, during the past
year, and liberal appropriations in order that
the improvement and establishment of the
public buildings and grounds may keep pace
with the Improvements made by the Terrific
rial authorities.
AGRICULTURE.
The report of the commissioner of agricul.
ture gives very full and interesting account
of the several divisions Of that department.
the horticult ural, agricultural and statistical,
entomologica and chemical, and the benefits
conferred by each upon the agricultural in
terests Of the country. The whole report is
complete history in detail Of the workings
of the department in all its bra inches, show
ing the manner in which the farmer, mer-
chant, and miner is informed, and the extent
to which he is aided in his pursuits. The
commissioner makes one recommendation,
that measures be taken by Congress to pro-
tect and induce the planting Of forests, and
suggests that no part of the public lands
should be disposed of without the condition
that one-tenth of it be reserved in timber
where it exists, and where it does not exist
inducements should be offered for planting it,
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
In accordance with the terms of the act of
Congress approved March Sd, 1871, providing
for the celebration of the Tooth anniversary
of American Independence, commission
has been organized, consisting of two men,
beers from each Of the States and Territories
This commission has been making satisfactory
progress in the organization and the initiatory
steps necessary for carrying out the provis-
ions of the act, and for executing also the
provisions of the act of June, 1871, creating
a centennial board of finance. A prelimin-
airy report of their progress has been received
from the President of the Commission and is
herewith transmitted. 1t will be the duty of
the commission at your coming session to
transmit full report of the progress made,
and to lay before you the details relating to
the exhibition of American and Foreign arts.
products, and manufactures, which by the
terms offered is to be held under the auspices
So n Trtt
the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1876
This celebration will be looked forward to
by American citizens with great interest, as
marking a century of greater progress and
prosperity than is recorded in tine history of
any other nation, and proving further good
purpose in bringing together on our soil peo-
Pile of all the commercial nations Of the earth,
in manner calculated to secure information
al good feeling.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
An earnest desire has been felt to correct
the abuses which have grown up in the civil
service of the country through the defective
method Of making appointments to Office
Heretofore federal offices have been regarded
too much as the reward of political service.
Under the authority of Congress rules have
been established to regulate the tenure Of Of
fee and the mode of appointments. 1t could
not be expected that any system of rules can
be entirely effective and prove perfect rem
edy for the existing evils, until they have
been thoroughly tested by actual practice
and amended according to the requirements
of the service. During my term OF service it
shall he my best endeavor to so apply the
rules as to secure the greatest possible reform
in the civil service of the government; but it
will require the direct action of Congress to
render the enforcement of the system binding
upon my successors, and hope that the ex-
perience of the past year, together with ap-
propriate legislation by Congress may reach
satisfactory solution Of this question and Sc
cure to the public service for all time prac
tcal method of obtaining faithful and eff
cient officers and employees.
(Signed.) U. S. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dec. I'd, 1872.