The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-12-02

Sided with aEy suitable Sceoimn0a ons IoI5
It's rapid ly-increasing stores. The magnt-3,
tude and importance OF the collection, In.
creased ;as it IS by the deposits made under
the law of copy right, by domestic and Tor
| eign exchanges, aud by the scientific library!
OF the Smithsonian Institution, cell Tor;
baildlng accommodations which shall be ut
once adequate and Hre.prool. 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 matter
which addresses itself to the discretion OF
Congress. 1t is earnestly recommended rs
measure which shonla unite all sufrages,
and which should no longer be delayed.
The Joint commission created by the act
OF Congress OF August 9, 1876, for the pur-
pose of supervising and directing the COM
| pletion Of the Washington National monll-
ment, 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
TO insure the entire success OF this part OF
the work. A massive layer OF masonry has
been introduced below the original founda-
ton, widening the base, increasing the sta
biIity OF the structure, and rendering it
possible to carry the shaft to completion.
1t Ia earnestly recommended that such fur
Their appropriations be made for the con-
tinued prosecution OF the work as may be
necessary for the completion OF this ma.
tionn monument at an early day.
In former messages, impressed with the
importance Of the subject, have taken oc-
casion to commend to Congress the adop-
trict OF Columbia. The report of the Com.
missioners Of the District, herewith trans
nitted, contains suggestions and recon-
mendations, to all Of which / earnestly in
wife your careful attention. ask your
early and favorable consideration Of the
views which they express 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 repair OF 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 its citizens. The means at the dis
posal of the Commissioners are wholly in
adequate for the accomplishment Of these
important works, and should be supple
Federal treasury.
| The filing 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, and will also, As an
jncidental result, secure the permanent i'm
provement OF the river for the purposes OF
navigation.
The Constitution having invested Con.
eress with supreme and exclusive iCrisdic.
ton over the District of Columbia, its clti-
zeus must Of necessity look to Congress
alone for all needful legislation affecting
their interests; and as the territory OF this
District is tho common property OF the
people of the United States, who, equally
with its resident citizens, are interested IN
the prosperity Of their capital, cannot
doubt that you will be amply sustained by
the general voice Of the country in any
measures you may adopt for this purpose.
! also invite the favorable consideration
of Congress to the wants or the pubic
schools of this District as exhibited in the
re port of the Commissioners. While the
number Of pupils is rapidly increasing, no
adequate provision exists for correspond
ing increase OF school accommodation, aud
the Commissioners are without the means
10 meet this urgent need. A number OF the
buildings now used for school purposes are
rented. and are, in important particulars.
!. unsuited for the purpose. The cause oil
popular education in the District OF Column
bia is surely entitled to the same considera'
ton at the hands OF the National Govern
ment as in the several States and Terrific
ries, to which munifcent grants Of the pub
lie lands have been made for the endow'
ment OF schools and universities.
RUTHERFORD 3. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December l, 1879.