The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-12-07

twelve million dollars, and nearly double
the value for the same period in 1879, an
unexampled increase OF export trade.
Your early attention is solicited 10 this i'm.
portant matter.
The Commissioner OF Education reports
a continued increase OF public Interest In
educational affairs, and that the public
schools generally throughout the country
are well sustained. Industrial training Is
attracting deserved attention, and colleges
in agriculture and the mechanic arts, In.
Guiding the government schools recently
established for the instruction OF Indian
youth, are gaining steadily in public esti-
nation. The Commissioner asks special
attention to the dsprodRtions committed
on the lands reserved for the future sup.
port OF public instruction, and to the very
great need OF help from the Nation for
schools in the Territories and 10 the South.
ern States. The recommendation hereto.
fore made, is repeated and urged, that an
educational fund be set apart from the net
proceeds OF the sales oil the public lands
annually, the income OF which, and the
remainder OF tho net annual proceeds, to
be distributed on some satitaCtory plan
to the States and Territories and the Dis.
trict OF Columbia.
LOCAL INTERESTS OF WASHINGTON AND THE
DISTRICT.
The success Of the public schools OF the
District OF Columbia, and the progress
made under the intelligent direction Of the
Board OF Education and the Superinlend.
ent, in supplying the educational re-
quirements Of the District, with thor
oughly trained and efficient teachers, is
very gratifying. The acts OF Congress,
from time to time, donating public lands
10 the several States and Territories in aid
OF educational interests, have proved TO
be wise measures OF public policy, result.
ing In great and lasting benefit. II would
seem to be matter Of simple justice To
extend the benefits Of this legislation, the
wisdom OF which has been 30 fully vindi-
Gated by experience, to the District OF
Columbia.
| again commend the general interests
OF the District OF Columbia TO the favor
able consideration OF Congress. The
affairs OF the District, as shown by the re-
port OF the Commissioners, are in very
satisfactory condition.
In my annual messages heretofore, and
in my special message OF December 10,
1870 have urged upon the attention OF
Congress the necessity OF reClaiming the
marshes OF the Potomac adj ICent 10 the
Capital, and am constrained oy its i'm
portanCe TO advert again 10 the subject.
These flats embrace an area OF several
hundred acres. They are an impeachment
to the drainage OF the city, and seriously
impair its health. 1t is believed that,
with this substantial improvement oil lib
river front, the Capital would be, In all
respects, one oil the most attractive cities
in the world. Aside from its permanent
population, this city Is. necessarily the
place OF residence Of persons from every
section OF the country, engsged In the
public service Many others reside here
temporarily, for the transaction OF bust
ness with the government.
1t should not be forgotten that the land
acquired will probably be worth the cost
of retaining it, and that the navigation
Of the river will be greatly improved. |
therefore again invite the attention OF Con-
gress tothe importance Of prompt provis.
ion for this much.needed and too long de-
layed improvement.
The water supply OF the city is made
quate. In addition to tho ordinary use
throughout the city, the consumption by
the Government Is necessarily very great
in the navy.yard, arsenal, and the various
Departments, and large quantity is re-
qulred for the proper preservation oil the
numerous parks and the cleansing OF sew.
ers. recommend that this subject re-
ceive the early attention OF Congress. and
that, In making provision for an increased
supply, such means be adopted as will
have in view the future growth Of the city.
Temporary expedients for such purpose
cannot but be wasteiul OF money, and
therefore unwise. A more ample reser-
voir, with corresponding facilities for
keeping it filled, should, in my judgment,
be- constructed. commend again to the
attention OF Congress the subject OF the
removal, from their present. location, Otthe
depots OF the several railroads entering
tho city; and l renew the recommends.
tons my former messages in behalf OF
the erection OF building for the Congress.
sional Library; the completion OF the
Washington Monument; and OF liberalap-
preparations in support Of the benevolent,
refornstory, and penal institutions oil the
District.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
Executive HadsiOn, December Q, 1880.