The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-12-07

To education more than To any other agcn-
Cy we are to look, n the resource tor thu. ad.
vancement of the people in the requisite
knowledge and appreciation Of their rights
and responsibilities As citizens, and desire
10 repeat the suggestion contained in my for.
mer message in behalf of the enactment of
appropriate measures by Congress for the
purpose OF experimenting, with national
aid, the local systems of education in the
several States.
Adequate accommodations for the great
library, which is overgrowing the capacity
Of the rooms now occupied at the Capitol,
should be provided without further delay.
This invaluable collection of books, manu-
scripts and illustrative art has grown to such
proportions, in connection with the copy.
right system of the country, Ms to demand
the prompt and careful attention of Congress
TO save II 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 rapid
iy in the future than in the past, it cannot be
doubted that the people will sanction any
wise expenditure to preserve it and to enlarge
its usefulness.
The appeal of the Regents of the Smith.
Sonan Institution for the means to organize,
exhibit and make available for the public
DtuCul lilt Ilo" SloTtt AWAY HtlbHH-
longing to the National Museum | heart
~ recommend 10 your favorable consdera-
ton.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The attention of Congress is again invited to
the condition of the river front of the city of
Washington 1t is 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 dangerous
source of maarial poison The reclamation
will improve the navigation of the river by re-
strcting and consequently deepening its chan
mel; and Is also of Importance, when consider
ed in connection with the extension of the
public ground and the enlargement of the
park, west and south of the Washing on Monu
ment. The report of the board Of survey.
heretofore orderei by act of Congress on the
improvement of the harbor Of Washington and
Georgetown, is respectfully commended to con-
sideration.
The report Of the Commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia presents n detailed statement
Of the affairs Of the District.
The relative expenditure by the United
States and the District for local purposes is
the people IF the Distric, greatly exceed those
of the General Government. The exhibit is
made in connection with estimates for the re-
quisite repair of the defective pavcments and
sewers of the city, which is II work of imme-
date necessity, and. i'll the same connection, n
plan Is presented for the permanent funding
of the outstanding securities Of the District
The benevolent. retormatory, 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 which will place all of these
institutions in "A condition to become models OF
usefulness and henefccncc will be regarded by
the country as libcrality wisely bestowed.
The commissioners, with evident justice, re-
quest attention to the discrimination made by
congress against the District in the Donation
Of land Tor the support Of the public schools
ana ask mat the same lherality that has been
shown 20 the inhabitants of the various states
and territories ofthe United States may be eX-
tended to the District OF Columbia.
The commissioners also invite attention 10 /.
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 for Legislation look |
ing to their removal The recommendations
and suggestions contained in the'report will, | |
trust receive the careful consideration of |
congress.
Sufficient time has, perpaps, not elapsed
since the reorganization Of the government of |
the District, under the recent legislation of .
congress, for the expression Of "A confident Opt
mon as to its successful operation; but the .
practical results already attained are so salts
factory that the friends of the new government
may well urge upon congress the wisdom of
its continuance, without essential modification,
until, by actual experience, its advantages and !
defects may be more fully ascertained.
K. h. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Dec. !, 1878.