Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-12-12

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such law be passed without unavoida-
bic delay.
THE WASTE PLACES.
| | would also call the attention Of con-
gress to statement made by the sec
rotary Of the interior concerning the
disposition that might be made of the
desert lands, not irrigable, west of the
Tooth meridian. These lands are
practically unstable, under the
existing laws, and the sug-
gestion is worthy of consideration
that a system of lease should make
them source of profit to the United
States, while at the same time legaliz-
ing the business of cattle raising, which
Is at present carried on upon them.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF
AGRICULTURE
contains the gratifying announcement
of the extraordinary success which has
rewarded the agricultural industry Of
the country for the past year, with the
| fair prices which obtain. To the pro-
ducts of the soil, especially for the sur
plus which our people have to export
we may confidently turn. This is the
most important Of all our resources for
the re, ival of the depressed industries
Of the country. The report shows our
agricultural progress during the year,
and contains a statement of the work
done by this department for the adj
vancement of agricultural industry,
upon which the prosperity of our peo-
pie SO largely depends. Matters of in
formation are included of great interest
to all who seek, by the experience Of
others, to improve their methods of
cultivation. As the efforts of the de-
partment increase, the production of
important articles Of consumption will,
it is hoped, improve the demand for la
Dor aud advance the business of the
country, and eventually result in saving
some of the many millions that are
now annually paid to the foreign ma
tons for sugar and other staple pro-
ducts, which habitual use has made
necessary in our every day life.
THE CENTENNIAL.
The board, on behalf of the United
States executive departments, of the
international exposition Of 1876, mas
concluded its labors. The final report
Of the board was transmitted to con-
gress, at the last session. AS these pa
pers are understood to contain interest
ing and valuable infor nation, and will
constitute the only report emanating
from the government on the subject of
the exhibition, [ will invite attention to
the matter and recommend that the re-
port be published for general informa-
ton.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Congress is empowered by the con-
stitutlon with the authority Of exclu-
sive legislation over the District of Co.
lumbia, in which the seat of govern
ment of the nation IS located The in
terests of the district having no direct
representation in congress, are entitled
to especial consideration and care at
the hands of the general government
Thesscapitol of the United States belongs
to the nation and it is natural that the
American people who take an interest
III the seat of their national govern
ment desire it to be a1f ornament to the
country Much has been done to rem
der it healthful, convenient, and attrac-
tive, but much remains to be done
which its permanent inhabitants are
not able and ought not to be expect
ed to do. To impose upon them a tax
for public Improvements which are, in
great measure, planned and executed
for the commerce Of the government
and Of the many thousands of visitors
from all parts of. the country who tenn
porarily reside in the capital of the
nation, is an evident injustice. Special
attention is asked by the commissioners
herewith transmitted, to the importance
Of a permanent adjustment by congress
Of the financial relations between the
United States and the District involving
the regular annual contribution by the
United States of its just proportions of
the expenses of the district government;
Of the outlay for all needed public i'm
provements and such measures of re-
lief from the burden of taxation now
resting upon the people Of the district as
in the wisdom of congress may be
deemed just. The report Of the COM
missioners show that the affairs Of the
district are in condition, as satisfac-
tory as could be expected in view of the
AICtSfJ OCOC ACooiliS uHOii IL t1liO A"o 'OAy
limited means for the necessary expenses.
The debt of the District is as follows:
funded debt, $9,379,691.95; 3.55 bonds
guaranteed by the United States. $13,-
743, 25O. Total bonded debt, 500, 1922
941.96; to which should be added GER
tain outstanding claims as explained in
the report Of the commissioners,
81, 1872, 2O4.52, making the total debt Of
the District, $23, $40, lac. 48. The COM
missioners also ask attention to the inn
portance of the improvement of the
Potomac river, and the reclamation of
the marshes bordering the city Of Wash
ington, and their views upon this sub
iect are concurred in by the members
of the board Of health, whose report is
also herewith transmitted. Both the
commercial and sanitary interests of the
District, will be greatly promoted, I
doubt not, by this improvement.
Your attention is invited to the sug-
gestion Of the commissioners, and of the
board of health, for the organization
of a board of charities,
I II