Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1873-12-04

work has been done systematically, the
plans Of grades, location Of sewers, wafer
the work was commenced, thus securing per-
manency when completed. l question
whether SO much has ever been accomplished
pe nuiture. The Government having large res.
ervations In the city, and the nation at large
having an interest In the Capital, 1 recon-.
Columbia, and the Government should bear
It's just share of tire expenses or these inn
itai feels a pride in Its growing beauty. and
that he too. Is part owner In the invesi meuts
made here. would suggest to Congress the
this District Of an Institution OF learning, OF
University OF the highest class, by the dona
ton OF lands. There Is no place better suited
capital. There Is no other place in which
every citizen Is SO directly interested
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
In three successive messages to Congress,
have called attention to the subject Of civil
service reform. Action has been taken 80
far rs to authorize the appointment Of q
board to devise rules governing the , me n0as
but there has never been any action on
these rules, or rules pending, or even en-
the appointment , Of a friend, or the removal
of an official who may be disagreeable. TO
have any change effected they must have the
eontive. ommend. therefore. the subject
to your attention. and suggest that special
COMMITTEES OF Congress might confer Win
for for the purpose OF dsvisins such rules Is
the services u honest and capable officials,
Of in Me while in Once Proper rules
will protect Congress, a. well rs the Execu-
tive, from much needless precaution, and
viii prove Of great value to the public at
large.
aoInnADo
would recommend for your favorable con.
sideration the passage OF an act for Tie ID
mittance Of Colorsc a. . State In the Union.
It possesses all the elements Of prosperous
State, agricultural and mineral, and. be-
iieve, has population to justify admiration:
In that connection, would also recommend
the construction Of canal for the purpose
Of irrigating from the eastern slope OF the
Rocky Mountains to the Missouri river. AS q
rule I am opposed to the donation OF the
pnbis LANDS l0r inse IN
tions, but in this instance | would make an
exception. Between the Missouri river and
Of OF puSic iana from SO 10 90 miles in width.
perfectly valueless for the occupation Of man,
for want of sufncient rain TO secure the
would a. het IS wds =
supply OF water could be made to spread over
across the entire countfv. end would secure
emit population Of the mountain and min ing
regions with that Of the older states. AL the
land reclaimed would be clear again. II al
ternate sections were reclaimed by the Gov.
eminent, would suggest that the retained
sections be thrown open to entry under the
Homestead law, and sold to ncsual settlers
1t very low prices.
AMNESTY.
I renew my previous recommendation 10
Congress for q general amnesty. The num-
Der engaged In the late rebellion who are Ia
boring under Disadvantages IL very ANAL, but
No possible danger can ensue to the Govern.
ment by restoring them TO eligibility TO hold
once.
THE FREEDMEN.
Isuggest for your consideration the enact
ment Of a law to better secure The civil rights
which freedom should secure, but has not
snsctually secured, to the enfrauchised slave.
(Signed) q. 8. GRANT.
Executive Mansion. December !. 1873.