The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1879-12-01

hre.pro0i. The location Of such public
building, which should provide for the
pressing necessities Of the present, and for
the vast increase Of the Nations books In
the future, is q matter which addresses
itself 10 the discretion Of Congress. Il Is
earnestly recommended as O measure
which would unite oil suifrages, and which
should no longer be delayed.
The Joint Commission created by the
act Of Congress Of August 9, 1875, for the
purpose Of supervising and directing the
completion Of the Washington National
Monument, OF which Commission the
President Is member, has given careful
attention TO this subject, and already the
strengthening Of the foundation has so far
progressed as 10 insure the entire success
Of this part OF the work. A massive layer
OF masonry has been introduced below the
original foundation, widening the base,
increasing the stability OF the structure,
and rendering It possible to carry the shaft
to completion. II Is earnestly recon.
monded that such further appropriations
be made for the continued prosecution oil
the work as may be necessary for the com.
pletion OF this National Monument at an
early day.
DISTRICT or COLUMBIA.
In former messages, impressed with the
Importance oil the subject, | have taken
occasion 10 commend to Congress the
adoption oil generous policy towards
the District OF Columbia. The report oil
the Commissioners OF the District, here.
with transmitted, contains suggestions
and recommendations, 10 oil Of which
earnestly invite your careful attention.
ask your early and favorable conSidera-
ton OF the views which they express %
TO the urgent need Of legislation for the
reclamation Of the marshes Of the Poto'
mac and its Eastern Branch, within the
limits Of the city, and for the repair oil
the streets Of the Capital, heretofore laid
with wooden blocks, and now by decay
rendered almost impossible, and source
OF imminent danger TO the health Of IL
citizens. The means at the disposal OF the
Commissioners are wholly inadequate fol
the accomplishment OF these important
works, and should be supplemented by
timely appropriations from the Federal
treasury.
The filling OF the flats In front Of the
city will add to the adjacent lands and
parks now owned by the United States, {
large and valuable domain, sufficient, It Is
thought, TO reimburse its entire cost, Rnt
will also, as an incidental result, secure
the permanent improvement Of the rivel
for the purpose Of navigation.
The Constitution having invested Con
gress with supreme and exclusive jurisdic
ton over the District Of Columbia, its cit
liens must Of necessity look to Congress,
alone for all needtul legislation affecting
their interests; and as theterritory OF thii
District Is the common property OF thu
people OF the United States, who, equally
with its resident citizens, are interested Ii
the prosperity Of their Capital, l canno
doubt that you will be amply sustained b,
the general voice OF the country in any
measure you may adopt for this purpose
l also invite the favorable consideration
OF Congress to the wants OF the public
schools Of this District, Us exhibited in Thu
report OF the Commissioners. While thu
number OF pupils is rapidly increasing, NJ
adequate provision exists for CORES
ponding increase Of school aCcommoda
ton, and the Commissioners are withou
the means to meet this urgent need. A
number OF the buildings now used TO
school purposes are rented, and are, il
important particulars, unsuited for tht
purpose. The cause OF popular education
in the District OF Columbia is surely en-
titled to the same consideration at thu
hands OF the National Government as Il
the several States and Territories, to which
munifcent grants OF the public lands hayl
been made for the endowment Of school
and universities.
RuTHERFoRD B. HAYES.
ErecuLiN Mansion, December /, 1879.