The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-12-12

by drawing to a common center the results,
everywhere, OF individual skill and observa-
ton, and spI eadtng them thence over the whole
natl d. Experience accordingly hath shown
that they are very cheap instruments of i'm
mense national benefit" The great preponder-
ance OF the agricultural over any other Interest
in The United Sta es entities it 10 all the con-
sderation claimed for it by Washington.
About one-half of the population of the United
States are engaged in agriculture. The value
of the agricultural products of the United
States for the year 1878 is estimated at three
thousand millions of liars. The expense of
agricultural products for the year lo77, as APP
pears from the report OF the bureau of statis-
tics, are S524.0 0,00O. The great extent of our
country, with its diversity of soil and climate,
enables us to produce within our borders and
by our own labor no, only the necessaries. but
most of the luxuries, that are consumed in
advantages of soil, climate and intercommun-
cation. 1t appears from the statistical state
ments in the report ofthe c ammissioner of Ag-
r1culture that we import annually from for
eign lands many millions of dollars worth OF
agricultural products which could be raised in
in the practice OF advanced agriculture which
can only be answered Oy experiments, often
costly and sometimes fruit ess, which are be-
yOnd the means OF private individuals, and are
a just and droper charge OF the whole nation.
For the benefit of the nation 1t is good policy,
especially, in times of depression and uncer-
talnty in other business pursuits, with a vast
area of uncultivated and hence unproductlve
territory, to wisely open homestead Settle
ments and TO encourage, in every proper ana
legitimate means, the occupation and tillage of
the soil. The efforts of the department OF ag-
riculture to stimulate, and introduce new agrl-
cultural industries; TO improve the quallty
and increase the quantity of our products; To
determine the value of old, or estaDllsh Inc
importance of new modes OF culture. are woriny
OF your careful and favorable consideration,
and assistance by such appropriations OF
money and enlargement of facilities as may
seem to be demanded by the present iavoraoie
condition for the growth and rapid develop
ment OF this important interest.
THE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS.
The abuse of animals in transit Is widely at
tracing public attention. A national conven-
ject has recently met at Baltimore, and the
facts developed both In regard to crueltles 10
animals, and the effect of such cruelties upon
the public health. now seem 10 demand tne
careful consideration of congress, ana the ed
actment of more efficient laws for the preven-
ton of these abuses,
POPULAR EDUCATION.
The report of the Commissioner OF the Bur
eau OF Education shows very gratifying pro-
gress of the country in all interest committed
to the care Of this important office the re-
port is especially encouraging with respect 10
the extension of advantages OF the common
school system in the sections OF the country
ieees is not vet attained. To education more
than to all o. her agencies are We To look as
source for advancement of the people In the
requisite knowledge and appreciation or their
rights and responsibilities as citizens, and l
desire to repeat the suggestion contained In
my former message IN behalf OF the enact
the purpose of experimenting with national
and local systems OF education In the several
states, and for adequate accommodation OF the
great library which is overgrowing the capa-
city of the rooms now occupied Rooms at
the capitol should be provided without fur.
ther delay. This invaluable collection OF
books, manuscripts and illustrative art has
grown to such proportions in connection with
the copyright system of the country AS to de.
mand The prompt and careful attention of
congress to save 1t from injury in It's present
crowded and insufficient quarters. AS this
it,t nt,. mi rSf
from the nature OF the case increase even
more rapidly In the future than in the past,
it cannot be doubted that the people will
sanction any wise expenditure 10 preserve ana
enlarge its usefulness.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE.
The appeal of the agents Of the smithsonian
Institute for means 10 organize, exhibit and
make available for public 6enent me articles
museum. l heartily recommend 1t to your
consideration.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The attention OF congress is again invited
To the condition of the river front of the city
OF Washington. II is matter of vital impor-
lance TO the health OF the residents of the
national capitol, both temporary and pefma
nent that the low lands in front OF the city,
now subject to tidal overflow, should be re-
G.ts the Of the city ana
are a dangerous source OF malarial poison.
The reclamation will improve the navigation
OF The river by restricting and consequently
deepening its channel, and is also OF impor-
lance when considered in come elton with
the extension OF the public ground and the
enlargement of the park west and sou Of
the Wa hington monument. The report OF
the board of survey heretofore ordered by act
OF congress on improvement of the harbor of
Washington and Georgetown, is respectfully
commended to consideration. The report of
the commiss toner's OF the District of bia
presents IA detailed statement of the affairs of
the district relative to expenditures by the
United states and the district for local pur-
poses, as contIasted, showing that the eXpen-
ditures by the people of the district greatly
exceed those of the general government. The
for requisite repairs OF detective pavements
md sewers of the city, which is work OF i'm
mediate necessity. And IN the same connec-
ton a plan is presented for permanent fund
ing of the outstanding securities of the district.
The ben svolent, reform and penal institutions
OF the district are all entitled to the favorable
needs additional buildings and teachers. APP
preparations which Will place all these insti-
buttons in a condition 10 become model. OF
usefullnes and be nehcience will be regarded
a. nberaliiy wisely bestowed The commits
siouers, with evident justice. request attention
To the discrimination made by congress against
the district in the donation OF land for the
support OF the pub ic schools | ask that the
same liberality that has been shown to the
Inhabitants of the various States lad terri
tories of the United States be extended to the
District of Columbia.
The commissioners also invite attention to
the damage inflicted upon public and private
interests by the present location of the de-
pots and switching tracks OF the several rail-
roads entering the city, and ask for legislation
looking to their removal. The recommends
lions and suggestions contained in the report
trust will 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 OK pression of u confident opinion Ms to
It's successful occupation. The practical results
already attained are satisfactory that the
rio 10 fbp nj