The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-12-06
Education.

The report Of the Commissioner of the Bureau
az a. Iuucauon shows very gratifying progress
mitted 10 the care OF thi important office. The
report especially encouraging with respect 10 the
eAtehsion OF the advantages OF the common school
system IN sections of the country where the general
enjoyment OF the privilege of free schools Is yet
attained
10 education more than to any other agency we
10 look as the resource for the Advancement of
uhe people In the requisite knowledge and apprecia
uon OF their rights and responsibilities citizens
ana desire TO repeat the suggestion contained in
my former message in behalf of the enactment of
appropriate measures by Congress for the purpose
ol experimenting. with national aid, the local sys-
TENS 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, manuscripts and illustrative art has
grown TO such proportions, in connection with the
copyright system of the country. as 10 de-
mand the prompt and careful attention of
congress TO save IL from injury in its pres
ent crowded and insufficient quarters As
THIS library Is national an its character and must
from the nature of the case. increase even more
rapidly In the future than in the past, IL cannot be
doubted that the people will sanction any wise ex
ness.
The appeal of the Regents of the Smithsonian In
sutution for the means to organize exhibit and
make available for the public benefit the articles
now stored away belonging TO the National Museum
4 heartily recommend to your favorable considera
ton.
District OF Columbia.
The attention of Congress is again invited to the
condition of the riNer-front OF the city of Wash
ington. 1t is a matter OF vital importance 20 the
health OF the residents OF the national capital both
temporary and permanent. that the lowands in
front OF the city. now subject 10 tidal overflow,
should be reclaimed. In their present con-
diton these flats obstruct the drainage of
the city, and are 4 dangerous source of
malarial poison. The reclamation will inn
prove the navigation of the river, by restricting
and, consequently, deepening its channel: and is
also OF Importance when considered in connection
with the extension of the public ground and the
enlargement of the park. west and south or the
Washington monument. The report OF the Board
OF Survey, heretofore ordered by act of Congress.
on the improvement of the harbor of Washington
and Georgetown, is respectfully commended 10 con-
sideration.
The report of the Commissioners of the District
Of Columbia presents detailed statement of the
affairs OF the District
The relative expenditures by the United States and
the District Tor local purposes are contrasted,
showing that the expenditures by the
people of the District greatly exceed those
OF the General Government. The eX
hibit is made in connection with estimates for the
requisite repair of the defective paVemcnts and
sewers of the city. which is a work of immediate
necessity. and, in the same connection. "A plan is
presented for the permanent funding of the out
standing securities of the District.
The benevolent refomatory and penal institu
tons of the District 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 Cond
ton to become models OF usefulness and beneti-
cence will be regarded by the country liberaity
wisely bestowed.
Tho 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
ltants of the various States and Territories of the
United States may be extended 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 looking to their removal. The
recommendations and suggestions contained in the
report will. trust receive the careful considera
ton of Congress.
Sufficient time has, perhaps. not elapsed since
the reorganization of the Government of the Dis
trict under the recent legislation of Congress. for
the expression of a confident opinion 70 its
cesstu operation; but the practical results already
attained satisfactory that the friends of the
new government may well urge upon Congress the
wisdom of its continuance without essential modi
hcaton, until by actual experience its advantages
and defects may be more fully ascertained.-
II. b. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION. December .. 1873.