River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1872-12-13

1872. 36.55l applications prior 10 June 30th,
1877. or these there we're allowed during the
last fiscal year 0,l26 claims; 4,S45 were re-
jected during the year, leaving IL $50 claims
pending. The number Of pensions of all
classes granted dnring the last fiscal year was
33,S3S: During that period there dropped
from tho rolls, for various causes, 9l4 names,
leaving grand total of 232,229 pensions on
the rolls on the 30th 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 tho LIST of May, 1878. II is estimated
that 50, 04S, 900 will be required for the pension
service during the next fiscal year.
TUE CENSUS.
The ninth census is almost completed. Its
completion is a subject of congratuation, in
asmueh as the use to be made Of the statis-
tics contained depends very greatly on .he
promptitude of publication. The Secretary o.
the Interior recommends that census be
taken in 1875. which recommendation should
receive the ready atteRtion of Congress. The
interval at present established by the federal
census is so long that the information
obtained at the decimal periods, as to the ma
terial condition, wants and resources OF the
nation, is OF little practical value after the ex-
piration OF the first half OF that period. Ii
would probably obviate the constitutional pro-
vision regarding the decimal census, il a CEN
sus taken in 1875 should be Invested of all po-
litical character, and no appointments Of
Congressional representation be made under il
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
tury.
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 due i'll great measure to the
efforts of the bureau Of education. That Office
is continually receiving evidences which
abundantly prove its efficiency from the var
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, no. pending before Cen
gress, providing foT the appropriation OF part
of the proceeds OF the sales OF public lands
for educational purposes, to aid the states in
the general education of their rising genera
tons. is measure of such great importance
to our real progress, and is so unanimously
approved by the leading friends Of education,
that 1 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 vet 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 hostiities, it
ha- seemed to be the policy of the legislature
of Utah TO eyade all responsibility to the gov
eminent OF the United States, aud even to
hold position in hostility to it.
l recommend a careful revision OF the pres
ent laws of the territory by Congress, and the
enactment of such law as the ole proposed
in Congress at its last session, Tor instance, or
something similar to il, as will secure peace,
the equality of all citizens before the law, and
the ultimate extinguishment Of palygamy.
Since this establishment OF a territorial gov
eminent for the District of Columbia, the i'm
provement Of the condition of the city of
Washington and surroundings, and the in
creased prosperity of the citizens, is observ-
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 territoritorial au-
thorities.
AGRICULTURE.
The report of the Commissioner of Agri-
culture gives a very full and interesting ac-
count of the several divisions of the Depart
ment-the horticultural, agricultural, ststis-
teal chronological and chemical, and the
benefits conferred by each upon the agricul-
tural interests of the country. The whole re-
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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 one-tenth OF 1t DO reserved in
timber when it 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
lnltatofY Steps necessary Tor carrying ont the
provisions of the act and for executing
the pro visions also of the act CT June lst, 1872,
creating q Centennial Board OF Finance. A
preliminary report of progress has been re-
ceived from the President OF the Commission
and is herewith transmitted. II will be the
duty Of the Commission AZ your coming session
TO transmit a report OF the progress made and
TO lay before You the details relating to the
exhibition OF arts, products and manufactures
which by fhp form Of tho act IN he held
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 a
further good purpose in bringing together on
our soil the people Of all the commercial ma
tons OF the earth in a manner calculated 10
sacurp international good feeling