Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1872-12-12

vide tensions for the survivors of The war of
1912, SO ,55l applications prior 70 june 3oth.
1872. OF these there were SLOWED during tho
last fiscal year 20, l26 claims; i,s45 were re.
jected during the year, leaving 1850 claims
pending. The number OF pensions OF all
classes granted dnriug the last fiscal year was
1888. During that period there dropped
from the rolls, for various causes, 9l4 names,
leaving grand total Of 2,229 pensions on
the rolls on the 3oth of June, 1872. II is
thought that the claims for pensions on ac-
count of the war of 1912 will all be disposed
of BY the LIST of Nav, 1878. 1t is estimated
that SO, 04s, 900 will be required for the pension
service during the next fiscal year.
THE CENSUS.
The ninth census il almost completed. It's
completion is subject of congratnlatlon, In
asmueh as HE use to be made OF the statls-
tics contained depends very greatly on the
prompttude of publication. The Secretary OF
the Interior recommends that census be
taken in 1875. which recommendation shond
receive the ready attention of Congress. The
interval at present established by tho federal
census is so long that tho information
obtained at the decimal periods, as to the ma
terial condition. wants and resources OF the
nation. il of little practical value after the e1-
piraton of the first half OF that period. 1t
would probably obviate the conStltut lonal pro-
vision regarding the decimal census, II CEN
sus taken in 1875 should be divested OF all po-
ltical character, and no apporuonmcnts of
Con gressiona representation be made under IT
such census. coming as it would, in the last year
of the first century of our national existence
would furnish noble monument of the pro-
gress of the United States during that CEN
fury.
EDUCATION.
The rapidly increasing interest in education
is a most encouraging feature In the current
history Of the country, and 1t Is no doubt true
that this is due in great measure TO the
efforts of the bureau Of education. That office
is continually receiving evidences which
abundantly prove its efficiency from the war;
ious institutions of learning and educators of
all kinds throughout the country.
The report of the Commissioners contains
vast amount of educational details OF great in
terest. The bill, nov pending before Cen
gress, providing foi the appropriation OF part
of the proceeds of the sales OF puDlic lands
for educational purposes, to aid the states IN
the general education OF their rising genera
tons. is a measure OF such great Importance
TO our real progress. and is so unanimously
approved by the leading friends Of education,
that commend it to the favorable attention
of Congress.
TERRITORIAL AFFAIRS,
Affairs in the territories are generally salts
factory The energy and business capacities
of the pioneers who are settling up the vast
domains not yet incorporated into state. are
keeping peace in internal Improvement 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 the citizen may be disturbed by real
or imaginary danger of Indian hostilities, it
has seemed 10 be the policy of the Legislature
of Utah to cyade all responsibility to the gov
eminent of the United States, aud even to
hold position in hostility to it.
| recommend a careful revision OF the pres
. IL, kt-r nd ths.
enactment OF such law as tho ole proposed
in Congress at its last session. for Instance, or
something similar TO it, az Will secure peace,
the EQUALITY of all citizens before the law, and
the ultimate extinguishment OF poiygamy
Since tbs establishment of territorial gov
eminent for the District Of Columbia, the lm-
provement Of the condition of the city of
Washington and surroundings, and the in
creased prosperity of the citizens, is obsery-
able to the most casual visitor. The nation
being large owner Of property IN that city,
should bear with the citizens OF the District
its Just share of the expenses of these
improvements. | recommend, therefore, IN
appropriation to reimburse the citizens for
the work done by them along and in front OF
the public grounds during the past year, and
liberal appropriations in order that the i'm
provement and establishment OF the public
buildings and grounds may keep pace with the
improvements made by the torritortorial au-
thorities.
AGRICULTURE.
The report of the Commissioner of Agri-
culture gives a very full and interesting
count of the several divisions OF the Depart
meut-the horticultural, agricultural, Stats
teal, chronological and chemical, and the
benefits conferred by each upon the agricul-
tural interests of the country. The whole re-
port is complete history IN total of the
workings Of that Department in all OF its
branches, showing the manner in which the
farmer, merchant, and miner is informed,
and the extent to which he Is aided
in his pursuit. TIE Commissioner makes one
recommendation that measures be taken by
Congress to protect and induce the planting
OF forests, and suggests that no part of the
public lands should be disposed Of without the
condition that oue-tenth OF 1t be reserved in
timber when II exists, and where 1t does not
exist Inducements be offered for planting it.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
In accordance with the terms of an act OF
Congress approved March Sd, 1871, providing
for the celebration of the Tooth anniversary of
American Independence, a commission has
been organized consisting OF two members
from each Of the states and territories. The
Commission has held two sessions and made
satisfactory progress IN organization and in
initiatory steps necessary for carrying ont the
provisions of the act and for executing
the provisions also Of the act CT June LIST, 1872,
creating a Centennial Board OF Finance. "A
preliminary report Of progress has been re-
ceived from the President OF the Commission
and is herewith transmitted 1t will be the
duty Of the Commission at your coming session
to transmit report Of the progress made and
10 lay before you the details relating to the
exhibition OF arts, products and manufactures
which by the term of the act is to be held I'M
der the auspices of the government OF the
United States in the city Of Philadelphia In the
year 1876. This celebration will be looked for
ward TO by American citizens with great in
terest, as marking century of greater prog
ress and prosperity than is recorded in the
history OF any other nation and subscribing
further good purpose III bringing together on
our soil the people OF all the commercial ma
tinra ~ fhp narfh In a manner rnlnnlAtnl