Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-12-04
NO. so.

knowledge, yields such increased production in
comparison with uuskilled labor, and no branch
OF the public service 10 which the encouragement
OF loeral appropriations can be more appropri-
ateIy extended. The omission 10 render such
aid is not wise economy; but. on the contrary,
undouDtediy results in losses of immense sums
annually that might be saved through well-direct-
ed efforts OF the government 10 promote this
vital interest.
The results already accomplished with the very
limited means heretofore placed at the command
OF the department of agriculture is an earnest of
what may be expected with increased appTopria-
tions for the several purposes indicated in the re-
port OF tho commissioner, with a view to placing
the department upon footing which will enable
1t 10 prosecute more effectively the objects for
winch II Is established.
Appropriations are needed for more complete
laoralory for the establishment OF u veterinary
division, and division of forestry, and for in
crease of force.
The requirements for these and other purposes
indicated IN the report of the commissioner un.
der the head of the immediate necessities OF the
department, will not involve any expenditure of
money that the country cannot with proprety
now undertake in the interests of agriculture.
EDUCATION.
1t is gratifying to learn from the bureau of edu-
Cation the extent to which educational privileges
throughout the United States have been advanced
during the year. No mere fundamental re
sponslbility rests upon congress than that OF
deVlslng appropriate measures of financial
ald 10 education supplemental to local action in
the states and territories and in the District of
Columbia. The wise foreIhought of the founders
o. our government has nos only furnished the
basis for the support of the common school sys-
TENS Of the newer states, but laid the foundations
ior The maintenance of their universities and col
leges OF agriculture and mechanic arts. Meas
ures in accordance with this traditional policy for
the further benefit of all these interests, and the
extension of the same advantages TO every por-
tlon OF the country it is hoped, will receive ynu
favorable consideration.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
To preserve and perpetuate the national litera-
tnte should be among the foremost cares of the
national legislature. The library gathered at tbs
capitol still remains unprovded with any suitable
accommodations for its rapidly increasing stores.
The magnitude and Importance of the collection,
increased as it is by the deposits made under the
law CT copyright, by domestic and foreign ey-
changes, and by the scientific library OF the
Smithsonian Institution, call for building accom-
modations which shall be at once adequate and
fire-proof The location of such public build
stiles 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
il earnestly recommended as measure which
should unite all sufrages, and which should no
longer be delayed.
WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
The joint commission created by the act of con-
gresS OF August 2 1876, for the purpose of super
ington national monument of which commission
the president is a member has given careful at
ening of the foundation has SO far progressed as
TO ensure the entire success Of this part of the
troduced below the original foundation. widening
the base. increasing til stability of the structure
and rendering it possible to carry the shaft to
completion. 1t is earnestly recommended that
tinued prosecution of the work as may be neces-
saTy for the completion of this national monu-
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
In former messages. impressed with the i'm
portance of the subject, have taken occasion to
commend to congress the adoption of a generous
policy towards the District of Columbia. The
Of isa0 of ha nicf,
herewith transmitted, contains suggestions and
recommendations, to all of which | earnestly in
yite 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 marahes of the Potomac
aud its eastern branch, within the limits of the
city, and for the repair OF the streets of the capt.
eeaY hEeSot1Eed daa wh weodfm boeks and now
source of imminent danger to the health of it's
citizens. The means at the disposal of the COM
mlssioners are wholly inadequate for the accom-
pllshment Of these important works, and should
be supplemented by timely appropriations from
the federal treasury.
TAe nlling of the fats in front of the city Will
add 10 the adjacent LANDS and parks now owned
by the United States, a large and valuable do
main, sufficient, it is thought, to reimburse its
entire cost and will also, as en- incidental result
secure the permanent improvement OF the river
for the purpose of navigation.
The constitution having invested congress wit
supreme and exclusive Jurisdiction over the
District of Columbia its ctizensimust of necessity
look to congress alone for all needful legislation
affecting their INTEREST," aud as the territory OF this
district is the common property OF the people OF The
United States, who equally with its residest
citizens, are interested in the prosperity OF their
capital, 1 cannot doubt that you will be amply
sustained by the general voice of the country IN
any measures you may adopt for this purpose.
L also invite the fsvOrable consideration OF con.
gress to the wants of the public schools Of this
district, as exhibited in the report of the commits
sloners. While the number Of pupils is rapidly
increasing, 10 adequate provision exists for
corresponding increase OF school accommo datiou
ha mi &C wit hn
TO meet this urgent need. A number of tho build.
ings now used for school purposes are rented,
and are. in important particulars, ansuited for
the purpose. The cause OF popular education in
the District of Columbia is surely entitled to the
same consideration ct the hands of the national
government as in the several states aud terri
tories, TO which munifcent grants Of the public
lands have been made for the endowment of
rchools aud universities.
RUTHERFORD D. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December /, 1879