The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1878-12-14
NUMBER 9.

knowledge and appreciation of their rights
and responsibilities as citizens, and | desire
to repeat the suggestion contained in my for.
mer message in behalf of the enactment
appropriate measures by Congress for the
purpose Of experimenting with National
aid, the local systems of education in the
several States.
Adequate accom- m odations for the great
library, which is overgrowing the capacity
| OF the rooms now occupied at the Capitol,
should be provided without delay. This
invaluable collection OF books, manuscripts
and illustrative art has grown to such rro-
portions, in connection with the copyright
system of the country, as to demand the
prompt and careful attention Of Congress to
save 1t from injury in its present crowded
and insufficient quarters. As this library is
national in its character, and must, from
the nature of the case, increase even more
rapidly In tbs future than in the past, II
can not be doubted that the people will
sanction any wise expenditure to preserve 1t
and to enlarge its usefulness
The appeal OF the Regents of the Smith
sonfan Institution for the means TO organize,
exhibit aud make available for the public
benefit the articles now stored away belong
ing to the National Museum, ] heartily
recommend to your favorable consideration.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MATTERS.
The attention of Congress is again
invited to the condition of the
river.front of the city Of Washington II
is a matter of vital importance to the health
of the residents of the National Capital,
both temporary and permanent, that the
low lands In front of the city, now subject
to tidal overflow, should be reclaimed. In
their present condition these flats obstruct
the drainage of the city, and are q danger
GUS source of malarial poison. The re-.
clamation will improve the navigation OF
the river, by restricting aud consequently
deepening its channel; and is also of inn
portance, when considered In connection
with the extension OF the public grounds
and the enlargement Of the park, west and
south of the Washington Monument. The
report of the board of survey, heretofore
ordered by act of Congress, on the improve
ment OF the harbor of Washington and
Georgetown, is respectfully commended to
consideration.
District OF Columbia presents detailed
statement OF the officers of the District.
The relative expenditures by the United
States and the District for local purposes
Is contrasted, showing that the expenditures
by the people OF the District greatly ex-
coed those Of the General Government.
The exhibit Is made in connection with
estimates for the requisite repair OF the de-
fective pavements and sewers Of the city,
which Is work of immediate necessity,
and, in the same connection, plan is pre-
sented for the permanent funding of the
outstanding securities OF the District.
The benevolent, reformatory, and penal
institutions of the District are all entitled
to the favorable attention of Congress. The
Reform School needs additional building
and teachers. Appropriations which will
place all these Institutions in condition TO
become models of usefulness and benef-
cence, will be regarded by the country as
liberality wisely bestowed.
The Commissioners, with evident Justice,
req attention to the discrimination made
by Congress against this District in the
donation Of land for the support of the pub
lie schools, and ask that The same liberty
the various States and Territories OF the
United States, may be extended to the Dis
trict of Columbia.
The Commissioners also invite attention
to the damage inflicted upon public and
private interests by the present location of
the depots and switching tracks Of the
several railroads entering the city, and ask
The recommendations and suggestions con.
tanned in the report will, / trust, receive
the careful consideration OF Congress.
Sufficient time has, perhaps, not elapsed
since the reorganization Of the government
Of the District, under the recent legislation
Of Congress, for the expression OF con-
hdent opinion as to it's successful operations,
but the practical results already attained
IRE 30 satisfactory that the friends Of the
yress the wisdom of its continuance, with
put essential modification, until by actual
* perience its advantages and defects may
be.more fully ascertained.
r. b. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 2, 1878.