The Russellville Democrat., 1875-11-11

centum of their par value, and ir sales for warrants or certificates the bonds to be estimated at par and to this extent they recon mead the finance bill be amend ed.
 THE CLAIM OF L. L. JOHNSON AMI D. II. REYNOLDS,
 which was referred to the board o finance by joint resolution. ap proved March 6, 1875, has beer fully considered by the board and it is found they are entitled to the sum of $34, 4,1S4, 20, with six per cent. interest from March l 1872; and it is recommended this be allowed them as a set-of against any liability accrued te the state upon any of the mort. gages executed for stock in the Real Estate bank, In which these claimants or their assigns. or the contractors under them, hold the equity of redemption. The pa pers and documents relative tC the claim, as we'll as the report oi the board, are submitted herewith LANDED INTERESTS OF THE STATE. Under the act of congress o1 September 2S, 1850, known as the swamp land act, a large amount of lands was selected which was afterward disposed of by the Unit ed States. Upon proper proof that any lands thus selected came within the provisions of the grant under that act, the general government will refund to the state, in case of cash entry, the amount of purchase money, and an equivalent in lands fol tracts located with military boun- ty warrants or scrip. It is very important to the state that this proof be furnished, and settle ment of all such cases be had as soon as possible; and l recon. mend the passage of law au- thrrizing the commissioner of state lands to employ an agent, with full powers to accomplish these ends.
 In order to expedite as we'll as simplify the control and manage ment of the land department, ] think it advisable to permit the commissioner to make deeds him. self to the parties entitled there to, for any seminary, saline, swamp or internal improvement lands.
 Last winter l sent you a mes sage upon the subject of creatir g a bureau of agriculture, mining and manufacturing. The impor- tance of this step cannot we'll be 0 Jerestimated, and l ask a con sideration at your hands of the suggestions then made, as subse- quent reflection has served to strengthen the conviction 1 then expressed to you.
 During the last session a con- munication from Messrs. like & Johnson, attorneys, of Washing ton City, relative to matters of importance to the state, growing out of and connected with her landed interests, was referred to the committee of the senate on auditors and treasurer's books. The committee waited upon me for any information l might have touching these subjects, and for such suggestions as might see proper to make. 1 addressed a communication to the committee containing all the facts I possess ed, and recommended the employ ment of those gentlemen to at tend to and prosecute all the claims and rights of the state of the character named and referred to. I now earnestly renew that recommendation.
 BLIND INSTITUTE.
 l submit to you the report of the trustees for the management of the Institute for the education of the Blind, and request it's con sideration, in connection with an- other report therein referred to, maintain itself, but it is gratifying to know that it has not suspend ed, but it has continued to work with good results amid great diff culties and trials, which are fully set forth in tire report presented. The trustees ask for an appropri- ation, and accompany the request with a statement which l think entities them to it, and 1 hope it will be your pleasure to grant the same.
 PENITENTIARY.
 A recent investigation into the management of the penitentiary discloses the fact that change is needed in that instruction. l transmit to you full report of that investigation, and ask care ful consideration thereof.
 The buildings and the grounds are too small for the number of convicts confined there, and this number is now being increased almost daily; besides, the build ings are out of repair and lily adapted for the uses they are de- voted to. During the last sum- mer the commissioners attempted to remedy, Tn part, these defects but receiving no bids to do the T. A \. T