Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1872-12-11

and Savannah, Ga, by water, by way oil
the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and canals
and slack water navigation to the Savan.
nah and Ocmulgee rivers has been survey
ed and report made by an accomplished
engineer officer of the army. Second and
third new routes will be proposed to the
consideration of Congress, namely, by the
| extension of the Kanawha and James riv-
err canal to the Ohio, and by the extension
of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal.
/ am not psepared to recommend Gov
| eminent aid to these or other enterprises
until it is clearly shown that they are not
only of national interest, but that when
completed they will be of value common
surate with their cost.
Referring to the Secretary of the Interi-
ors suggestion for national census in
1875. He says:
1t would probably obviate the con-
stitutional provision regarding the decen-
NAL census, if a census taken in 1875
should be Invested of all political character
and no re-appointment of Congressional
representation be made under it. Such n
census, coming as it would in the last year
of the first century of our national exis-
tence, would furnish a noble monument of
the progress of the United States during
that century.
EDUCATION.
The rapidly increasing interest in educa-
ton is a most encouraging feature in the
current history of the country, and it is no
doubt true that this is due in great meas
ure to the efforts of the Bureau of Educa-
ton. That office is continually receiving
evidences which abundantly prove its eff
ficiency from the various Institutions of
learning, and educators of all kinds
throughout the country.
The report of the Commissioner contains
vast amount of educational details of
great interest. The bill now pending be-
fore Congress, providing for the appropria-
ton of the nett proceeds of the sales of pub
lie lands for educational purposes, to aid
the States in the general education of their
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 recommend
it to the favorable attention of Congress.
TERRITORIES,
Affairs in the Territories are generally
The energy and business ca
pacity of the pioneers who are settling up
the vast domains not yet incorporated into
States are keeping pace in internal i'm
and civil government with the
older communities.
THE INDIANS.
The policy which was adopted at the be-
ginning of the administration with regard
to the management of Indians has been as
successful as its most ardent friends antic-
ipated within so short time. 1t has re-
duced the expense of their management,
decreased their forages upon the white set
Elements, tended to give the largest oppor-
tunity to the extension of the great rail-
ways through the public domain and push
ing of settlements into more remote dis
tricts of the country, ana at the same time
improve the condition of the Indians. The
policy will be maintained without any
change, excepting such as further expert
ence may show to be necessary to render it
mere efficient.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
An earnest desire has been felt to correct
abuses which have grown up in the civil
service of the country through the defec-
tive method of making appointments to
Office. The offices have been regarded too
much as the reward of political services.
Under the authority of Congress rules have
been established to regulate the terms of
office and the mode of appointments. 1t
can't be expected that any system of rules
can be entirely effective, and prove per-
feet remedy for the existing evils until
they have been thoroughly tested by actual
practice, and amended according to the re-
quirements of the service. During my
term of Office it shall be my best endeavor
to so apply the rules as to secure the great
est possible reform in the civil service of
the Government, but it will require the di-
rect action of Congress TO render the en-
forcement of the system binding upen my
successors, and hope that the experience
of the past year, together with the appro-
pirate legislation by Congress may reach a
satisfactory solution of this question, and
secure to the public service for all time
practical method of obtaining faithful and
efficient officers and employees.
u. $. GRANT,
Executive Mansion, December, 2, 1872.