American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1878-12-07

the year 1878, is estimated at three thousand
millions of dollars. The exports OF agr1cultu-
from the report of the Bureau of sta
tistics, were five hundred and twenty four
millions of doIHrs. The great extent ot our
country, with its diversity of soil and climate,
enables us 10 produc" within our own bor-
ders, and by our own LABOR, not only the nee
consumed in civilized countries YET, not
withstanding our advantages of soil, climate,
and intercommunicatiOn, it appears, from
the statistical statements in the report OF the
Commissioner of Agriculture, that we import
annually from foreign lands many millions
OF dollars worth of agricultural products
which could be raised in our own country.
Numerous questions arise in the practice of
advanced agriculture which can only be
swcfed by experiments, often costly and
sometimes fruieiess when are Peyoha me
proper charge OF the whole nation for the
benefit of the nation It is good policy. es-
tainty in other business pursuits. with "A vast
area of uncultfvated, and hence unproductive
IrIent, to encourage, by every proper and
legitimate means, the occupation and tillage
Agriculture to stimulate old and IN
troduce new agricultural industries,
to- improve toy sne qnfai Snr a nToducta
to determine the value of old or establish
She importance OF new methods OF culture,
consideration and assistance by such ap-
preparations Of money and enlargement of
facilities may seem to be demanded by the
present favorable conditions for the growth
and rapid development Of this important in
terest.
The abuse of animals in transit is widely
attracting public attention. A national con
vention of societies specially interested IN
the subject has recently met at Baltimore
and the fact developed, both in regard TO
cruelties to animals and the effect OF s suen
to demand the careful consideration OF Con-
gress, and the enactment OF more efi1clent
laws for the prevention of these abuses.
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
The re-torf of the Commissioner of the Ru-
reau of Education shows very gratifying pro-
gress throughout the country, in all the m
terests committed to the care of this impor-
tant office. The report Is especially encour-
aging with respect to the extension of the
sections of the country where the general
enjoyment of the privilege of free schools is
not yet attained.
To education more than to any other agen-
cy we are to look, as the resource for the ad-
vancement OF the people, the requisite
and responsibilities citizens, and
desire to repeat the suggestion contained in
my former message in behalf of the enact
ment of appropriate measures by Congress
Tor the purpose of experimenting, with ma
..onsi aid, the local systems OF educatlon In
Adeouaft accommodations for the great
library, which Is overgrowing the capacity OF
should be provided without further delay.
This Invaluable collection OF books, manu-
scripts, and illustrative art, mas grown 70
such proportions, in connection with the
system of the country, as 20 ue-
Congress to save it from injury in its present
crowded and insufficient quarters. As tnlS
library is national in its character, and muss,
from the nature of the case, increase even
more rapidly in the future than in the past,
it can rot be doubted that the people will
sanction any wise expenditure to preserve
and to enlarge its usefulness
The appeal of the Regents of the Smith,
sonian Institution for the means so organize,
exhibit and make available tor the public
benefit the articles now stored away belong
fnr to the National Museum / heartily rec
tn favorable consideration.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The attention of Congress is again
invited to the CONDITION OF the
matter of vital Importance to the health of
fhe residents of the National Capital,
bot ana be subject uhas tt to
tidal overaoss, should be reclaimed In their
present conditi6tsr these Hats obstr 1 tne
source of malarial poison. The reclamation
viii ;j lPe 9ssgatin o. d ss t
On a:n,iel; and is also of tmport rance, when
considered in connection with the extension
of the public ground and the enlargel pehL oI
the park, west and south of the Washington
Monument. The report OF the board OF s'u-
vey, heretofore ordered ~ set OF ConGreSIs'
tngton and Georgetown, is respectfully COM
taended to consideration.
Tire report of the Commissioner OF tiss DIS
rrict OF Colombia presents a detailed state
ment of the affairs of the District. 49,,
The relative expenditures by the United
States and the District for local purposes IS
contrasted showing that she expenditures
by the people of the District greatly exceed
those of the General Government The eN-
hibit Is made in connection with estimates
for the requisite repair of the defective pave
Inents and sewers of the city, Nlilcb
is 81 york of immediate necessity,
and, in tie same connection, plan IL
presented for the permanent funding OF the
securities OF the District.
The benevolent, reformation and penal IN
stitutions of the District are all entitled to
the favorable attention of Congress. The
reform school needs additional buildings
and teachers. Appropriations winch WIFE
to become models Of usefulness and beneh-
cence will be regarded by the country rs I'D
erality wisely bestowed.
The Commissioners, with evident justice,
request attention to the discrimination made
BY Congress against the District in the dona-
ton OF frnd for the support of the pnphc
schools and fsk that the same llberalIty tnab
has been shown to the 1nhabltants OF t nS
States may be extended to the District OF
The Commissioners also invite attention to
the damage inflicted upon public "nd PIT
waite Interests by the present location OF the
depots and switching tracks OF the SeFers1
railroads entering the city, and ask tor lee1s~
lation locking to their removal. me ,ad N
and suggestions contained ~, IN
the report Will. ! trust, receive the e'reiui
of Congress. ,,
Sufficient time has, perhaps, not elitpsen
since the reorganization OF the government
of the District, under the recent leglSiatlon
of Congress, forthe expression OF conhaent
Opinion as to its successful Operatloh' pub
the practical results already attained are SO
satisfactory that the friends of the new GOV
eminent may well urge upon Congress .hS
wisdom of its continuance, without essehli.i
until, by actual experience, Is
advantages and defects may be more luhy
ascer'aiheo RIB. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December2 ISIS