Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1872-12-04
DISTRICT oF COLUMBIA.

Since the establishment of a territorial
government for the District of Columbia, the
Improvement of the city of Washington and
the surroundings and the increased prOsperi-
ty the citizens is observable to the most cas-
ual visitor. The nation being a big owner
of property in the city, should bear with the
citizens of the District, a just share of the
expense of these improvements. L recon-
mend, therefore, an appropriation to REIN
burse the citizens for the work done 10y them
along and in front of public grounds during
order that the improvement and embellish-
ment of the public buildings and grounds
may keep peace with the improvements made
by the territorial authorities.
AGRICULTURE.
The report of the Commissioner of Agri-
culture gives a very full and Interesting
account of the several divisions OF that de-
partment the horticultural, agricultural and
statistical chronological and chemical, aud
the benefits conferred by each upon the az
ricultural interests of the county Toe whole
report is complete history. in detail OF
the rkings OF the department In all Its
branches, showing the manner IN which the
farmer, IL ercbants and miner Is informed
and the extent to which he is aided in his
pursuits. The Commissioner makes one
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Congress to protect and induce the planting
OF lores -, aud also suggests that no part Ot
the public lands should be disposed OF with
cut the cond ition that one-tenth OF It be
7, served IN timber where 1t exists, and where
it does not exist inducements should be offer
ed by planting 1t.
CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
In accordance with the terms OF the act OF
Congress. 4 approved March 3, 1871, provid-
ing for the celebration of the 1OJth aunlver-
slry Of American Independence, cJmmIs-
sion mas been organ zed consisting OF the
two members from each OF tie TWO branches
/ from each of the States and Territories.
/ This comm sson has held two sessions and
has made satisfactory progress IN the organ
ltion and the intIatory steps necessary for
( C FRYING out the provisions of the act, and
/ for executing also the provisions o. the act
/ Of June /, 1871, creating Centennial
/ Board Of Finance. A preliminary report oil
/ the progress mas been received from the pres
/ ldent ot the commission, and Is herewith
1 transmitted IL will be the duty OF tin
I commission at your coming session 70 trans
/ init a full report Of the progress made, ami
/ To Law before you the details relating to the
exhib ton OF American and foreign arts
products AMI manufactures when toy the
/ terms offered Is 70 be held under the pIces
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the city of Philadelphia in the yetr 1876
/ This celebration viii be boxed forward to by
/ American citizens with great interest as
marking a c injury OF greater progress and
I prosperity than l. recorded in the history OF
.lny other nation, and proving further good
/ purpose 10 bringing together on our SOIL Veo-
pie OF all tue commercial nations Of the
earth IN a manner calculated TO secure inter
national good feeling.
CIVIL SERVICE REF)RA
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 If making appointments - DIN e.
/ IIeret fore FEDERAL Off ;es have been regarded
too much a. the reward Of political service.
Under the authority Of Congress. rules hav
been established 70 regulate the tenure Of
/ Office and the mode Of appointments.
1t can not be expected that any system OF
rules can be entirely effective and prove a
perfect remedy for the existing evil, until
/ they have been thoroughly tested by actual
practice and amended according 10 the re
quiremcnts # the service.
During nv term # Office it shall be my
best endeavOr to 80 apply the rules as L
secure the greatest possible reform IN the
civil service Of the Government. but n
/ will require the direct action Of CJngress
10 render the enforcement If the system
binding upon nv successors, and hope tha
the experience # the past year, together
with appropriate legislation by Congress
nav reach satisfactory solution Of TIM
question, and secIre to the public service
fDr all time a practical method f obtaining
faithful ami efficient officers and emf lpyes.
(Siguei) l. : GRAM.
Executive Manson, December ;, 1872.