The Portland daily press., 1875-12-08

over oi acres less disposed of during this than
during last year. More than one-halt Of this de-
crease was In lands disposed Of under the homestead
and agriculture laws The causes of this decrease is
supposed to be found in the grasshopper scourge
and the drouths which prevailed so extensively in
some Of the frontier states and territories during
that time a. to discourage and deter entries by
tua settlers. The cash receipts were less by $780,
1923 than during the preceding year. The entire
surveyed area of the public domain is $50 o94
acres, OF which OFT 53l acres surveyed during
the past year. leaving zee acres still unsur-
veyed.
The report Of the commissioner presents many in
terssting suggestions in regard to the management
and disposition Of the public domain and modifca-
ton Of the existing laws the apparent importance of
which should ensure for them the careful cousdera-
Pensions.
The number Of pensioners still continues to de-
crease the highest number having been reached dur
ing tbs year ending January 1873 During the last
year i5s7 names added to the rolls and 1877
were dropped thcrefrom, showing net decrease of
1870. But while the number OF pensioners has de-
creased the annual amount due on the pension rolls
has increased 3313. This Is caused by the great
y increased average rate Of pensions which by the
liberal legislation Of Congress has increased from
1912 In 1872 10 $1o.39 in 1875 to each invalid person,
IN average increase of is per cent, In the three
years. During the year ending June 3d. 1875, there
was paid on account of PENSIONS including the ex-
pense OF disbursement, $29,6S31l6, being $9l0,632
less than was paid the preceding Eear. The reduc-
tion IN the amount OF expenditure was produced by
the decrease in amount in and due on allow
ed claimsand on pensions, the rate of which was
Increased by the legislation of the, preceding session
Of Congress- At the close Of the last fiscal wear there
were ON the pension rolls 234, 1921 persons Of whom
2i0363 were army pensioners, lo5,47s being inyalds
and iol ss5 widows and dependent relations; 1920
were navy pensioners, OF whom 1886 were iayalids
and i7s widows and dependent relations; 2i,o3S
were pensioners of the war Of 1912, 1885 of whom
were invsids and 5l63 were widows. 1t is estimated
that &c. 900 will be required for the payment Of
pensions for the next year. an amount $s65Oo less
than the estimate for the present year.
Geological Explorations.
The geological explorations have been prosecuted
with energy during the year, covering an area OF
about 900 square miles in the territories Of Colora
do, Utah and New Mexico, developing the ag-
rcnltural and mineral resources and furnishing in
tefestng scientific and Typographical details of that
region.
The Peace Pslicy.
The method for the treatment of the Indians,
ADOPTED ct the beginning Of my first term, has been
stesdiiy pursued and with satisfactory and encour-
aging sesuts. IL has been productive of evident i'm
provement IN the condition Of the race, and will be
continued with only such notifications as further
experience may indicate to be necessary.
She Centennial Exhibition.
The board heretofore appointed to take charge of
articles and materials pertaining to the war, navy
treasury the interior and the postoce departments