The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-12-03
TIE BUREAU or EDUCATION.

LIE hOhEsAu VI bbIIhilOS.
The report of the Commissioner Of the Bu-
reau Of Education shows very gratifying pro-
gress throughout the country, In all the in.
terests committed to the care OF this important
office. The report ia specially encouraging
with respect 10 the extension OF the advantages
OF the common school system, in 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 arc 10 look, as the resource for the ad-
vancement Of the people, in the requisite
knowledge and appreciation Of their rights
and responsibilities rs citizens, and ! desire TO
repeat the suggestion contained in my former
message in behalf Of the enactment Of appro-
priate 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 Ia oyergrowing the capacity Of
the rooms now occupied al the Capitol, should
be provided without further delay. This in
valuable collection Of books, manuscripts and
illustrative art, has grown To such proportions
in connection with the copyright system Of
the country, as to demand the prompt and
careful attention Of Congress to save Il from
injury in It's present crowded and insufficient
quarters. As this library Is national In its
case, increase even more rapidly in the future
than in the past, II cannot be doubted that the
people will sanction any wise expenditure TO
preserve II and to enlarge its usefulness.
The appeal Of the Regents Of the Smithson-
ian Institution for the means to organize, ex-
hibit, and make available for the public bene.
Ct, the articles now stored away belonging to
the National Museum, l heartily recommend
to your favorable consideration.
The attention Of Congress Is again invited
TO the condition Of the river front Of the
city Of Washington. It 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
fats obstruct the drainage Of the city, and are
n dangerous source Of malarial poison. The
reclamation will improve tho navigation Of
the river, by restricting and consequently
deepening its channel; and Is also Of import
aRce, when considered In connection with the
extension Of the public ground and The enlarge
ment Of the park, west and south ofthe Wash.
ihgton Monument. The report Of the Board
ofsuvyey, heretofore ordered by act Of Com
gees, on the Improvement Of The harbor Of
Washington and Georgetown, Ia respectfully
commended TO consideration.
The report Of the Commissioners Of the Dis
trlct Of Columbia presents detailed statement
ofthe attairs OF the District,
The relative expenditures by the United
States and the District for local purposes Is
contraSied, showing that the expenditures by
tho people Of the District greatly eI-
coed those Of the General Government.
The exhibit Is made in connection with esti-
mates for the requisite repair Of the defective
payemenu and sewers Of the city, which u q
work ofimmediale necessity, and, In the same
connection, a plan Is presented for The perlna.
nent funding ofthe outstanding securities Of
the District,
The benevolent, reiormatory and penal in-
situations Of the District are all entitled to the
favorable attention Of Congress. The Reform
School needs additional buildings and teach.
ers. Appropriations which will place all
these Institutions in q condition u become