Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-12-02

policy for the further benefit of all these in.
terests. and the extension of the same advan-
tages to every portion of the country. it is
hoped, will receive your favorable considera-
ton.
To preserve and perpetuatc the National
literature should be among the foremost cares
of the National legislature. The library
gathered at the Capitol still remains unpro-
vided 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 OF
copyright, by domestic and foreign exchang-
es, and ny the scientific library of the Smith
sonian Institution, call for building accom-
modations which shall be at once adequate
and fire-proof. The location of such public
building, which should provide for the press
ing necessities of the present, and for the
vast increase of the Nations books in the fu-
ture, is matter which addresses Itself to the
discretion of Congress. Ii is earnestly rec
commended rs measure which should unite
all suflrages, and which should no longer be
delayed.
The Joint Commission created by the act
of Congress of August =, 1876, for the pur-
pose of supervising and directing the compile
ton of the Washington National Monument,
of which Commission the President is mem
ber has given careful attention to this sub
jcct, and already the strengthening of the
foundation has so far progressed as to insure
the entire success of this part of the work.
4 massive layer of masonry has been intro
duced below the original foundation, widen
ing the base. increasing the stability of the
structure, and rendering it possible to carry
the shaft To completion. 1t is earnestly rec
commended that such further appropriations
be made for the continued prosecution of the
of this National Monument at an early day.
In former messages, impressed with the
Importance of the subject, have taken oc-
casion to commend to Congress the adoption
of a generous policy towards the District of
Columbia. The report of the Commissions
ers of the District, herewith transmitted,
contains suggestions and recommendations
to all of which earnestly invite your care
full attention. ask your early and favora-
Bile consideration of the views which they ex-
press as 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 of the streets of
the Capital, heretofore laid with wooden
blocks, and now by decay rendered almost
impossible, and a source of imminent danger
to the health of its citizens. The means at
the disposal of the Commissioners are wholly
important works. and should be supplement-
ed 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 val
liable domain, sufficient it is thought, to re-
imburse its entire cost, and will Also an an
incidental result, secure the permanent i'm
provement of the river for the purposes of
navigation.
The Constitution having invested Congress
with supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over
the District of Columbia its citizens must of
necessity look to Congress alone for all need
full legislation affecting their interests; and
as the territory of this District is the 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 sus-
tanned by the general voice of the country in
any measures you may adopt for this pur-
pose.
| also invite the favorable consideration of
Congress to the wants of the public schools
of this District, as exhibited in the report OF
the Commissioners. While the number OF
pupils is rapidly increasing, no adequate pro-
vision exists for corresponding increase of
school accommodation, and the Commits
sioners are without the means to 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 OF popular e,luca-
ton in the District of Columbia is surely en-
titled to the same consideration at the hands
of the National Government as in the several
States and Territories, to which munifcent
grants of the public lands have been made
for the endowment of schools and universities.
RUTHERFORD b. HAYES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, December |, 1879.