The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-12-17

and deter entries by actual settlers. The
cash receipts We're less by $69, 032 223 than
during tie preceding year. The entire
surveyed area of the public domain is ESQ.,
2o5,O95 acres, of which 25,o75, 53i acres
were surveyed during the past year, leay-
ing 554, TAT 6I2 acres still unsurveyed. The
report OF the commissioner present MANY
interesting suggestions in regard TO the
disposition of the public domain and the
modification of existing laws. the appar-
cnt Importance OF which should insure The
careful consideration of Congress.
THE PENSION BUREAU.
The number of pensioners still continues
TO decrease, the highest number having
/, been reached during the year ending June
50, 1872. During last year 415,007 names
were added to the rolls, and 12,777 were
dropped, showing net decrease OF 1920.
But while the number of pensioners de-
creased, the annual amount due on the pen-
sion rolls has increased S4.473, ,313. This
Is caused by the greatly increased
average rate of pensions which by the
liberal legislation of Congress has increased
from $50 % 10 1872, to SOB 81 in 1876,
70 each invalid pensioner, an increase
on an average rate of one hundred
per cent. In the three years. During the
year ending June 30, 1875. there was paid
on account pensions including the expenses
OF disbursements $26, ,6S3. II6, being $780,
632 less than was paid the preceding year.
This reduction in amount of expenditures
was produced by u decrease in the amount
OF arrearageS due on allowed claims and on
pensions, the rate of which was increased
by the legislation of The preceding session
OF Congress. At the close of the last fiscal
year thero were on the pension rolls 234.
S2I persons, of whom 210, 1853 were army
pensioners, 105,475 being invaIiis and IA,
$50 widows and dependent relatives APO
We're navy pensioners OF whom 2,636 were
invaltds and LISA widows and dependent
81 f11o
war of 1912, 5,875 of whom were survivors
and ., l63 We're widows. 1t is estimated
that S29, $4,000 will be required for the
payment of the pensions for the next fiscal
year, an amount $685. 600 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 10000 square
miles, in the Territories of Colorado, Utah
and New Mexico, developing the agricul-
tural and mineral resources and furnishing
interesting scientific and typographical de-
tails of that region.
THE IDIAN POLICY.
The method for the treatment of the In
aians adopted at the beginning of my first
term has been steadily pursued, and with
satisfactory and encouragin results. It
has been productive of evident improve
lnent i'll the condition of that race, and viii
DO COutIuucu Will OilIS SUCH I1OUitlC&lbiOflS
as further experience may indicate to be
necessary.
THE CENTENNIAL.
The board heretofore appointed to take
charge of articles and matters pertaining
to the war. the treasury, the interior and
the postotfice departments, and the depart
ment of agriculture the Smithsonian Insti-
tuition and the commissioners of food, and
the fish commissioners to be contributed
alilder the legislation of last session to the
intefnatioIlaI exhibition to be held Mt Phil
-adelphia during the Centennial year 1876,
has been diligent in the discharge of the
duties which have deVOlyed upon it and
the proportions so tar, with the means at
command, give assurance that the Govern
ment'S contribution will be made one OF
the marked characteristics of the exhibit
tion. The board has observed considerable
economy in the matter of the erection of
buildings for the exhibition, the expense
of which il is estimated will not exceed say
$1,000. This amount has been withdrawn
under the law from the appropriations of
three OF the departments, which leaves six
.Ofthese departments without Sufflcientfunds
to render their respective practical exhibits
complete and satisfactory. The exhibition
being an international one and the Govern
ment being voluntary contributors. it is
my opinion that its construction should be
of character in quality and extent to suS-
tain the dignity and credit of SO distinguish
ed contributor. The advantages to the
country of creditable display in an inter
national point of view is of first Importance
while Indifferent or uncreditable participa-
zlt0n by the government would be hulniliat-
ing to the patriotic feelings of our people
themselves. | recommend the estimates
of the board for the necessary additional
appropriations, to the favorable considera-@
tipn OF Congress. The powers of Europe,
with few exceptions, and many of the
South American States, and even the more
distant eastern powers, have manifested
their friendly sentiments toward the Unit
sed States and the interest of the world in
our progress by joining with Us in the cele-
bratiOn of the Centennial of the nation, and
strongly urge that impetus be given to
this exhibition by such legislation and ap-
preparations as will insure its success. Its
value in bringing to our shores fnnumera-
bile works of art and skill, the commingling
of citizens of foreign counties and our own
the intermingling of ideas and manufact-
ures, viii far exceed any outlay we may
make prudently.
AGRICULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER
REPORTS:
I transmit herewith the report of the
Commissioner of Agriculture together
with the reports of the commissioners of
the Board of Audit and the Board of Health
OF the District OF Columbia, to all of which
call attention. The Bureau of Agi iculture
has accomplished much in the tlissemina-
Ilon ol useful knowledge to the agricultural
interest and in Introducing new and useful
productions adapted to our soil and climate,
ana Is worthy OF the continued encourage
ment OF the government.
the report of the Commissioner Of Ed
ucation, which accompanies the report of
the Secretary of the Interior, shows graft
Tying progress in educational matters.
THE MORMON QUESTION.
In nearly every annual message have
had the honor Of transmitting to Congress,
have called attention to the anomalous If
not to say scandalous condition of affairs
existing IN the Territory of Utah, and
have asked for definite legislation to COR
rect il. That poligamy should exist iii
free, enlightened and Christian country.
without the power to punish so fagrant a
crime against decency and morality, seems
preposterous. True, there iE no law to sus-
tain this unnatural vice, but what is need
ed, Is a law to punish It as a crime, and at
the same time to fix the status ofthe inYlo-
cent children, the offspring of this system,
and Of the possibly innoesnt plural wives;
but as an Institution, poligalny should be
fos4sna,of7 fsssr17 cha Ia MI