The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-12-04

ofsstthe dust. erisipg tssfromss sunpaysdr
streets, and almost impassible in the
winter from tho mud u Is now, one OF
andscan boast of being the best paved.
the plans, grades, location OF sewers,
npon before thelwork was commenced
pleted. I question whether 80 much
has ever been accomplished before in
any American city for the same expendi-
lures. The Government having large
reservations in the city, and the nation
at large having an interest in their capi-
tai, I recommend o liberal policy to-
wards the District OF Columbia, and
that the Government should beur its
just share Of the expense of these im-
provements. Every citizen visiting the
capital feels pride in it's growing
beauty. and that he, too, is part owner
in the Investments made here. I would
suggest to Congress tie propriety of
promoting the establish ment in this
District Of an institution OF learning or
university of the highest clnss 10y tue
donation Of lands. There is no place
better suited for such an institution
than the national capital; there i. 10
other place in which every citizen is sn
directly Interested.
would recommend for your favorable
consideration the passage OF an enabling
Act for the admittance of Colorado As u
State in the Union. 1t possesses all the
elements of prosperous State, apri,
Crl nYol q Y1d So1 II h.l, l.
a population now to justify snch admis-
sion. In connection with this. would
also recommend the encouragement Of
from the Eastern slope of tho Rocky
rule, l am opposed to further don alton
of public lands for Internal improve
ments owned and controlled by private
corporations, but, in this instance, l
would make an exception. Between
the Missouri River and the Rocky
Mountains there is an arid belt of pub
lie land. from 300 to 500 miles in width,
perfectly valueIess for the occupation of
man for want of sufficient rain to secure
the growth OF any products. An irri-
eating canal would make productive u
belt as wide rs the supply OF water
could be made to spread over across
this entire country, aud would secure a
Gordon Of settlements connecting the
present population of the mountain aud
mining regions with thut of the older
States. all the land reclaimed would
be clear gain. If alternate sections are
retained by the Government, 1 you'd
suggest that the retained sections be
thrown open to entry under the home
stead laws, or sold to actual settlers for
q very low price.
CIVIL SERVICE REFoRM-Iu three
Successive messages to Congress. have
called attention to the subject of civil
service reform. Action has been taken
so far as to authorize the appointment
OF board to devise rules governing
methods Of making appointments and
promotions, but there never has been
any action making these rules or any
rules binding or even entitled to OBJ
servance where persons desire the ap
pointment of friend or the removal OF
an official who may be disagreeable to
them. 10 have any rules effective, they
must have The acquiescence of Congress,
as we'll as Of the Executive. l con-
mend, therefore, the subject to your
attention. and suggest that q special
committee Of Congress might confer
with the Civi! Service Board during the
present session, for the purpose Of de-
7ising such rules as Gun be maintained,
and which will secure the services of
honest and capable officials. und which
will also protect them in degree of in
dependence while in Office. Proper
rules will protect Congress rs we'll a, the
Executive from much needless persecu-
tion, and will prove Of great value to the
public at large.
The Treasury DErAETMENr-T ro-
ceipts OF the Government from all
sources for tho last fiscal year we're
1888. TBS, ,204, and expenditures on all
accounts $3.50. .345, ,2i5-thus showing an
excess of receipts over expenditures Of
Si3. .332 $50. Bat it is not probable
that this favorable exhibit will be shown
Tor the present fiscal year. Indeed, it is
very doubtful whether, except with great
economy on the part of Congress in
making appropriations, and the same
economy III administering the various
departments Of the Government, the
revenues will not fall short Of meeting
actual expenses, including iDtcrcs: en-
the public debt.
GREENWOOD, S. c., Dec. 3, 1878.