The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-12-13

control of the disbursement of all moneys
for charitable purposes from the District Treas
ury. desire also to ask your especial atten-
tiOn to the need of addiog to the efficiency Of the
public schools OF the District by supplemental
aid from the National Treasury. This Is just,
since so large q number OF those attending the
schools are children of employees of the govern.
ment. I earnestly commend to your care the
interests OF the people ofthe District who are so
intimately associated with the government es-
adjustments, and to whose enterprise the good
order and attractivencss Ofthe capital are large
~ due, and ask your attention to the request of
the comm issioners Tor legislation in behalf OF
the interests intrustcd to their care. The ap-
prOpriations asked for the care of the rcserva-
tions belonging to the governments within the
city by the Commissioners of Public Buildings
and Grounds are also commended to your favor
able consideration.
WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
Tho report OF the joint commission created by
the act approved August I'd, 1876, an act prOvid-
ing forthe completion Of the Washington monu-
ment. Is also herewith transmitted with accom-
panying documents. The Board of Engineers.
officers detailed to examine the monument. in
compliance with the second section Of this act
have reported that the foundation is insufficient
No authority exists for making the expenditure
commend that the commission bc authorized to
cxpend such portion of the sum appropriated
by the act rs may be necessary for the purpose.
The present unfinished condition of the monu-
ment. begun SO long ago, is a disgrace to the
nation. IL cannot be doubted that the patriotic
sense OF the country will warmly respond to
such prompt provision as may be made for its
completion at an early day, and urge upon
Congress the propriety and necessity OF imme-
diate Legislation for this purpose.
POPULAR EDUCATION.
The wisdom of the legislation upon the part
Of Congress in aid of the states for the education
Of the whole people OF those branches of study
which are taught in the common schools Of the
country is no longer a question. The intelli-
gent Judgment OF the country goes still further
regarding it as also both constitutional and OK.
pedient for the general government to extend 70
technical and higher education snch aid as is
deemed essential to the general welfare, and
to our due prominence among the enlightened
and cultivated nations OF the world. The ulti-
mate settlement of all questions Of the future
whether OF administration finance, or oil true
nationality Of sentiment. depends upon the vir-
tue and intelligence of the people. 1t is vain 10
hope for the success OF free government without
the means of insuring the intelligence OF those
who are the source OF power. No less than one
DCSCutu VI ihC cutIc NotibS Oh our
country are yet unable to read and write. 1t is
encouraging to observe in connection with the
growth of fraternai feeling in those states in
which sla very formerly existed evidences of in-
creasing interest in universal education and 1
shall be glad to give my approval to any ap-
propriate measures which may be enacted by
Congress for the purpose Of supplementing. e.
with national aid. the local systems of education
In these states and all the states, And having
already invited your attention to the needs Of
the District OF Columbia with respect to the
public school ystem here add that believe it
desirable not much to the local wants of the
District. but to the great and lasting benefit Of
the entire country. that this system should be
crowned with u university in all respects in
keeping with the national capital, and thereby
realize the cherished hopes Of Washington on
this subject. also earnestly commend the re.
quest Ofthe Regents OF the Smithsonian Institute
that an adequate appropriation be made Tor the
establishments and conduct of national muse
um under their supervision. The necessity OF
providing for the preservation and growth of
the library of Congress is also of national i'm
portance. AS the depository of all copyright
publications and records this library has out
grown the provisions for its accommodations and
the erection on such site rs Congress may ap-
prove of fire proof library bull ling preserve
the treasures and enlarge the usefulness of this
valuable collection 10 recommended.
NATIONAL MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS,
recommend slso such legislation as will rem
der available and efficient for the purpose of
instruction. SO far as consistent with the public
service. the cabinets or museums OF invention
ofsurgery, of education and of agriculture and
other collections, the property of the national
government.
The capital Of the nation should be something
more than u mere political center. We should
avail ourselves of all the opportunities which
Providence has placed at our command to ad-
vance the general intelligence OF the people and
increase the conditions most favorable to the
success and perpctuity Of our institutions.
ISigncd] Il. Z. HAYES.