Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1873-12-04


invited. The original suggestion in that be-
nan mas met with the general approval Of the
country, and even ttit ne not deemed advsa-
Ole at present 10 provide for a regular quinten'
mai census, census taken in 1878, the report
Of which could be completed and published be-
tore the anniversary Of our independently would
be especially interesting and valuable as shows
ing the progress Of the country during the trsl
century o. our national existence. IL is be-
lieycd however, that regular census every
FIVE wears would be OF substantial benefit "a
the country, inasm ch as our growth hitherto
has been so rapid that the result Of the deem
nis census are necessarily unreliable as a basis
for estimates for later years Of decennial PEE
Rod.
DISTRICT ~ COLUMBIA
Under the very efficient management OF the
Governor and Board Of Public Works Of this
district the city Of Washington is rapidly as
Stunning The appearance Of a capitol OF which
the nation may well be proud, From being a
most uusightly place three years ago, disagree
able 70 pass through in summer in consequence
OF the dust arising from unpayed streets and
almost impossible in winter from mud, tbs now
one OF the most slightly cities in the country,
aud can boast o. being the best paved. The
work has been done systematically, the plans,
grades, location OF sewers, water and 80 ser
maues being determined upon before the work
vas commenced, thus securing permanency
when competed. question whether so much
has ever been accomplished before in any
American city for the same expenditures. The
Government having large reservation in the
city, aud the nation at large having an inter-
est la their capitol | recommend a liberal
policy toward the District of Columbia and
that the Government should bear its just share
vf the expense Of these Improvements. Every
citizen visiting the Capital feels pride in its
beauty and that he too il part owner in the in.
vcstments made here. ! would suggest %
Congress the propriety OF promoting The e..
adjustment ia this District Of an institution Of
learning, or university o. the highest class, by
the donation Of lands There is no place bet.
ter suited for such an institution than the ma
touh capital; there is no other Race in which
every citizen is 50 directly interested.
CIVIL SERVICE Reform
L. three successive messages 10 Congress
have called attention TO the subject Of Civil
Service Reform. Action has been taken 20
iar az 70 authorize the appointment of a board
q devise rules governing methods Of making
appointments aud promotions; but there never
bas been any action on these rules, or auy
rules pending, or even entitled 10 observance,
where pei sons desire the appointment Of
friend or removal of an Official who may be
dsagreeable. To have any rules affect il,
they must have acquiescence OF Congress as
we'll as Of the Executive. recommend,
therefore. the subject TO your attention, and
suggest tha, a special committee of Congress
might confer with the civil board during the
present session for the purpose OF dews.ng
such rules as will be maintained and which
will secure the service OF honest and capable
officials, ane which will also protect them in
degree Of independence while in office.
Proper rules will protect Congress as we'll as
Executive from much needless precaution,
and will prove Of great value TO the public at
large.
would recommend tor your favorable con-
slderatiOn the passage of an act for the adj
mnlance OF Colorado as a state in the Union.
II possesses all The elements Of a prosperous
state, both in agricultural and mineral resour-
ces and be leve has a position TO Justify
suoh a admission, 10 that connection |
would also recommend the encouragement Of
q canal tor the pIrpOse Of irrigation from the
Eastern slope Of the Rocky Mountains 10 the
Missouri River. As a rule | am opposed 10
The donation Of public lands for internal i'm.
prOyemenis owned and controlled by private
eorUorations, but IN this instance / would
make an exception. Between the Missouri
River and the Rocky Mountains there is an
area belt Of public .and from three hundred
Yalueless Tor occupation OF war, for want of
sufficient rain 10 secure growth OF any pro-
ducts. Al irrigaling canal would make pro-
duclle belt as wide Bs the supply Of water
could be made 10 spread over across the en-
gre country, would secure garden Of settle
lnent connecting the present population Of the
mountains and mining regions with that OF
the Older states All land reclaimed would
be clear gain il alternative sections were re-
claimed BY the government. | would suggest
that the retained sections be thrown upon the
entry under the homestead law or sold 10 act
ual settlers for very low prices.
GENERAL AMNESTY
renew my previous recommendation TO
Congress for general amnesty. The number
engaged 10 The late rebellion, laboring under
disadvantages, IS very small, but enough 10
keep up consistent irritation. No possible
danger can ensue to the Government by re-
storing them 70 eligibility, 70 hold Office.
suggest for your consideration the enactment
OF a law 10 the better secure civil rights,
which freedom should secure, but has not
clectuaily secured 10 the eniranchised slave.
(Signed) IT, 5. GRANT
ExEoUTtyE MANSION, December, 1873.