The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-10

uor, it is my opinion that the contribution should
nc Oh a character IN quality and extent 10 sustain
The diguity and credit of distinguished a con-
trlbutor. The advantages to the country OF q cred
liable display ia an international point of view are
al thD nrst Importance while an indifferent or dis
:feal able participation by the Government would
be iniliating to the patriotic feelings of peo
Nts ~. 1s,ves. / commend the estimates Of the
board for the necessary additional appropriations Ia
the favorable consideration of Congress.
The powers of Europe, almost without exception,
many OF the South American States, and even the
more distant Eastern powers have manifested their
friendly sentiment toward the United States, and
the interest Of the world in progress by taking
steps to join with US in celebrating the Centennial
OF the nation, and 1 strongly recommend that q
more national Importance be given to this exhib
ton by such legislation and by such appropriation
as Will insure its success. Its value in bringing u
our shores innumerable useful works OF art and
skill, the commingl.ng OF the citizens of foreign
countries and our own, and the interchange OF
ideas ard manufactures will far exceed any pecuni
airy outlay we may make.
1 transmit herewith the report of the Commits
sioner OF Agriculture together with the reports Of
theCQmmlssioners of the Board of Audit and the
Board OF Health Of the District of Columbia, to all
OF which invite your attention.
Inc Bureau OF Agriculture has accomplished
much Ia disseminating useful knowledge to the
agrculturist, and also in Introducing and use
ful productions adapted 10 our soil and climate,
the Government.
The report OF the Commissioner OF Education,
which accompanies the report OF tho Secretary Of
the Interior, shows gratifying progress IN educa-
tional matters. IN nearly every annual message
that have had the honor OF transmitting to Con-
gress. / have called attention TO The anomalous,
not to say scandalous, condition OF Tho AFFAIRS cx-
listing in the territory CT Utah, and have asxei Tor
oennite legislation 10 correct II. That poiygainy
should exist IN free, enlightened aud Christian
country, without the power 10 punish so fragrant a
crime against decency and morality seems pre-
posterous. True, there IL no law TO sustain this
unnatural vice, but what is needed is a law to
punish II at crime, and at the same time to fix the
status OF the innocent children-the offspring OF
this system, and of the possibly innocent plural
wives but, az an institution, polygamy should be
banished from the land. While this is being done,
l invite the attention OF Congress to another,
though perhaps no less evil, the importation Of
Chinese women, but few of whom brought to
our shores 70 pursue honorable or useful occupa-
tons.
Observations while visiting the Territories Of
Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, during the last
tImn. convlnc ed me that existing laws regulating
the disposition Of public lands, timber, etc., and
probably the mining laws themselves, are very de-
fectve, and tboud be carefully amended, and at
an early day. In Territories where the cultivation
of the so1 only he followed by irrigation, where
the lands can only be used as pasturage, and this
only Vhero stock can reach water to quench
thirst, cannot he governed by the same laws HI to
entries of landr. every acre of which is an inde-
pendent state 10y itself. Lands must be held in
larger qaI titles TO justify the expense of conduct
ing water upon 1t 70 make 1t fruitful, or to
justify utilizing 1t as rasturage. The tim
Der in most Of the Territories is principally
are held foI entry in small quantities only, and
mineral lands. The timber is the property OF the
United states FOR the disposal of which there is
no adequate law. The settler must become a con-
sumner OF L1ls timber, whether he lives upon the
pl~ills or engages il working the mines. Hence
every man becomes tTespasser himself, or, know
inglv, patron Of trespassers. My opportunities
for observing were not sufficient TO Justify me in
recommending specific legislation on these sub
jecis; bun do recommend that JOINT committee
OF tho two houses of Congress, sufficiently large to
be divided 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
amendments to the laws as may seem necessary
to secure the best interests OF the Government and
the people d those Territories, who doing so
much for Their development. am sure the citizens
occupy ing tho Territories described do not wish TO
be trcspasscrs nor will they be, if legal ways
provided for them to become owners OF those actual
necessities a their position.
As this VIII be the last annual message which
shall have toe honor Of transmitting to Congress be
fory my successor is chosen, l will repeat
pituate tho questions which deem of vital import
ance which to be legisated upon and settled at
this session |. That the States shall
he required 10 afford the opportunity of a
good c9M%On ,. school education alton. to to
no tcnets shall ever be taught Ill any school sup
ported in whole or in part by the State, nation, or
by the proceeds Of any tax levied upon any conmu-
nifty; make education compulsory, so far as to de-
priye all persons who cannot road and write from
becoming voters alter the year 1890. DISTINGUISHING
none, however, on the ground of illteracy who may
be voters at the time this amendment takes effect
3. Declare the Church and State forever separate
and distinct, but each free within their proper
sph res, and that all church property shall bear
its own proportion of taxation. 4. Drive out
licensed immortality, such as polygamy and the
importation Of women for illegitmate purposes.
To recur again TO the centennial year, it would
seem though. now, as we are about to begin the
second century of our national existence would be
q most fitting time for these reforms. 3. Enact
such laws will insure speedy return to a sound
currency. such will command the respect of the
world.
Believing that these views will commend them
selves TO the great majority of the rght-thinking
and patriotic citizens OF the United States, sub
NIT the rest to Congress.
(Signed), q. 8 GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Dec. Z, 1875.