Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-09

wyoming. Utah and Colorado during the past
autumn, convinced me that existing laws regu-
etc, and possibly the mining laws themselves
are very detective, and should be carefully
amended and at an early day. In territory
where cultivation OF the soil can only be fol-
lowed by irrigation, and where irrigation is not
practicable, the land can only be used as pas
Ems oiy be ea
by the laws as to entries as lands every acre
OF which is an independent estate by itself
fy the expense Of conducting water upon it to
make 1t fruitful or to Justify utilizing it as
pasturage. The timber In most OF the Terrific
ries is principally confined to the mountain re-
gions, which are held for entry in small quanti-
ties only and as min rel lands. The timber is
1ne q is no
settler must become consumer OF this timber,
whether he lives upon the plains or engages IN
working the mines, hence every man becomes
either trespasser himself, or knowingly, a pa
iron of trespassers.
My opportunities for observation were not
sufficient to Justify me in recommending spe-
cifc legislation on these subjects, but l do re-
commend that q Joint committee OF the two
houses Of Congress, sufficiently large to be q.
| yided into subcommittee be.organized to visit
all the mining States and Territories during the
coming summer, and that the committee shall
report to Congress at the next session, such laws
| or amendments to laws as 1t may deem necessa-
| ry to secure the best interests OF the govern
ment and the people Of these avn %ne ARE
| the citizens occupying the territory described
do not wish to be trespaSserS nor will they be ii
| lega, ways are provided for them to become
owners OF the actual necessities OF their posi-
i ton.
| coNcLUs ON.
| As this will be the last annual message which
| / shall have the honor OF transmitting to Con-
| gress before my successor is chosen, will re-
| peat or recapitulate the questions which deem
OF vital importance. which may be iegislated
| upon and settled at this session:
q First. That the States shall be required to al
ford the opportunity Of q good common school
education to every child within their limits.
Second. No sectarian tenets shall ever be
taught in any school supported in whole or in
part by the State nation, or by the proceeds OF
any tax levied upon any community Make ed
ucation compulsory as far as to deprive all per-
| sons who cannot read and write from becoming
| voters after the year 1880. DISTINGUISHING none
| however, on grounds OF tlliteracy who may be
voters at the time this amendment takes effect
/ Third. Declare church and State forever sepa.
rate and distinct, but each free within their pro-
per spheres and that all church property shall
| bear its own proportion Of taxation.
Fourth. Drive out licensed immortality, such
| as poIygamy and the importation OF women fol
| illegitimate purposes. To recur again to The
| centennial year il would seem as though, now
I as we are about to begin the second century Of
our national existence, would be a most fitting
| time for these reforms.
| Fifth. Enact such laws as will insure speedy
| return to sound currency, such will com
mand the respect OF the world.
4 Believing that these views will commend
themselves to the great majority OF the right
l thinking and patriotic citizens of the United
States, submit the rest to Congress-
| U. s. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, December I, 1876.