The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-12-05

tanned in my former message IN behalf Of the
enactment OF appropriate measures by Congress
for the purpose OF s~upplementing, with National
aid, the local systems Of education in the several
States.
Adequate accommodation for the great library,
r wOlS1 n % V OeeaPied a the CAPITOL, should be
provided without further delay. This Invaluable
collection Of books, manuscripts and Illus
tratiye arts has grown TO such proportions IN
connection with the copyright system OF the coua-
try, as 10 demand the prompt and careful attention
OF Congress. 10 save Il from injury In its present
crowded and inefficient quarters. As this library
Is National In its character, and must, from the ma
ture Of the case, increase even more rapidly In the
future than In the past. IL can not be doubted that
the people will sanction any wise expenditure TO
preserve IL and TO enlarge its usefulness.
The appeal Of the Regents OF the Smithsonian
Institution for the means TO organize, exhibit ana
make available for the public benefit the articles
now stored away belonging to the National muse
um, / heartily to your favorable con-
The attention Of Congress Is again invited 10 the
condition OF the riverfront OF the city OF Washing
Ion bsai,b ~ ~ is q matter rot,sd o. ~ VIA sho iH Sepionaf c SU t1e
both temporary and permanent, that tho low lands
In front OF the city, now subject TO a tidal overflow,
should be reclaimed. In their present condition.,
these fats obstruct the drainage OF the city, and
are q dangerous source OF malarial poison. The re-
elamation VIII improve the navigation OF the river,
by restricting and consequently deepening It's
channel; and Is also OF Importance, when consid-
cred in connection with the extension OF the
public ground and the enlargement OF the PARK,
WI hhA NhA " Az " - 80
report Of the Board OF Survey, heretofore ordered
by act OF Congress, on the improvement OF the
harbor Of Washington and Georgetown, is respect
fully commended TO consideration.
The report OF the Commissioners OF the District
of Columbia presents a detailed statement OF the
affairs 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 exceed those Of the General Gov
eminent. The exhibit is made I'm connection with
estimates for the requisite repair Of the defective
pavements and ewers OF the city, which Ia a work
Of immediate necessity, and in the same connection
n plan Is presented Tor the permanent funding OF
the outstanding securities OF the District.
The benevolent, reformatory, and penal institu-
tons OF the District are all entitled 10 the favora.
bic attention OF Congress. The Reform School
needs additional buildings and teachers. ApprO-
priations which will place all of these institutions
In a condition TO become models OF usefulness aud
beneficence, will be regarded by the country as
ltberality wisely bestowed.
The Commissioners with evident justice, request
attention TO the discrimination made by Congress
against the District in the donation of land for the
support Of the public schools, and ask that the
same liberality that has been shown to the inhab-
itants Of the various States and Territories OF the
United States may 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 depots and switch
ing-traoks OF the several railroads entering the
city, and ask for legislation looking. TO their re-
moval. The recommendations and suggestions
contained in the report will, l trust, receive the
careful consideration Of Congress.
Sufficient time has, perhaps, not elapsed since
the reorganization OF the government of the Dis
triet, under the recent legislation of Congress, for
the expression of a confident opinion as to Its sue
cessful operation; but the practical results already
attained are so satisfactory that the friends OF the
new government may well urge upon Congress the
wisdom OF its continuance, without essential modi-
~lcation, until, by actual experience, its advan-
tages and defects may be more fully asceTtained.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 2, 1873.