Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-12-05

commended as a measure which should unite
all slffrages and which should 10 longer be
delayed.
THE wAsnINGIoS MONUMENT.
The Joint commission created ly tine act
Of Congress Of August >. 1876, for the pur-
pose of supervising and directing the com
plction of the Washin=ton National Monu-
mcnt, Of which commission the President is
member, has given careful attention to this
subject, and already the Strengthening OF the
foundation has So lar progressed as t. ensure
the entire success Of this part OF the work.
y massive layer Of masonry has been intro
duced below the original foundation, widen
ing the base, incrcasin. the stability of the
structure, and rendering it possible to carry
the shaft TO completion. Ii is earnestly re-
commended that such further appropriations
be made for the continued prosecution Of the
work as may be necessary for the completion
of this National monumunt at an early day.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
In former messages, impressed with the
importance of the subject, have taken oc-
casion 10 commend to Congress the adOp-
tion Of a generous policy towards the Dis
trict of Columbia. The report Of he Com
missioncrs Of the District, herewith trans
mittcd, contains suggestions and recon-
mendati0ns, to all of which | earnestly in
vite your careful attention. | asi, your ear
ly and favorable consideration Of the views
which they cypress as to the urgent need of
legislation for the reclamation of the marshes
of the Potomac and its eastern branch,
within the limits Of the city, and for the re
pair of the streets of the capital, heretofore
laid with wooden blocks. and EOw hy decay
rendered almost impassihlr, and Il source of
imminent danger to the health oi its citizens.
The means 1T the disposal of the Commits
sioners are wholly Inadequate for the ac-
complishment of these important works, and
should he supplemented by timely appro-
priati1ns from the Federal Treasury. The
filling of tie flats in front Of the city will
add to the adjacent lands and parks now
owned by the United States largc and
valuable domain, sufficient, it is thought,
TO reimburse its entire cost, and will also, as
an incidental result. secure the permanent
improvement Ot Tie river for tie purposes OF
navigation.
The Constitution having invested Congress
with supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over
the District Oi Columbia, its citizens must Of
necessity look H. Congress alone for all need
full legislation affecting their interests andas
the territory of this District is the common
property OF the people OF the United States,
who, equally with It's resident citizens, are
interested in the prosperity of their capital,
| cannot doubt that yOuwill he amply sus-
tained by the general voice of the country in
any measures You may sdupt for this purpose.
| also invite the favorable consideration of
Congress % the wants of the public schools
OF this District, Is exhibited in the report OF
the Commissioners While the number of
pupils is rapidly incrr a5ine 10 adequate pro-
vision exists for corresponding increase OF
school accommodation, and the Commission
ers are without the means 10 meet this urgent
need. A number OF the buildings row used
for school purposes aIe rented, and are, in
important particulars, uusIiited for the pur-
pose. The Cause Of popular education IN the
District Of Columbia IS surely entitled 10 the
same consideration at the hands OF the Ma
tiOnal Government Us in the several States
and Territories, TO which muHifiCent giants of
the pubic lands have been made for the e.I-
dowment OF schools and universities.
hUIHEgFoED b. HAYES
Executive Mansion, December /, 1875.