Sacramento daily record-union., 1880-12-07
export trade. Your early attention issolieited to
EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS.


this important matter
EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS.
The Commissioner of Education reports contin-
ued increase of public interest in educational affairs
and that public tchools generally throughout the
country are well sustained. Industrial training is
attracting deserved attention, and colleges for in
struction i'll the Theoretical and practical in agr
culture and the mechanic arts, including the Gov
ernment schools recently established for the in-
struction of the Indian youth, gaining steadily
in public estimation. The Commissioner asks
special attention to the depredations committed
lands reserved for the future support OF public
instruction, and to the very great need OF help from
the nation for schools in the Territories and in the
Southern States. The recommendation heretofore
made is repeated and urged, that an educa-
tional fund be set apart from the net
proceeds OF the sales of public lands an
nually, the income of which and the remainder
of the net annual proceeds bedistributed some
satisfactory plan to States ard Territories and the
District of Columbia 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 Superintendent in supplying
the educational requirements Of the District with
wetrained and efficient teachers, is very gratifying
Acts of Congress from time to time donating public
lands to the several States and Territories in aid of
educational interests, have proved to be wise meas
of public policy resulting in great and lasting
benefit. 1t would to be matter of simple
justice to extend the benefits of this legislative
wisdom, which has been so fully vindcated by ey
perience, to the District of Columbia.
THE DISTRICT oF COIIJNBIA
again commend the general interests of the Dis
trict OF Columbia to the favorable consideration Of
Congress The affairs OF the District, as shown by
the report of the Commissioners, are in very sat
isfactory condition. In my annual messages here
tofore, and in my special message of December Is,
1879, have urged upon the attention of Congress
the necessity of reclaiming the marshes of the
Potomac adjacent to the capital, and l am
constrained by its Importance to advert again
to the subject. These flats embrace an area of sew
eral hundred acres. They an impediment to the
drainage of the city, and seriously impair its health
1t is believed that with this substantial improve
ment Of its river front the capital would be in all
respects OF the most attractive cities in the
world. Asidefromts permanent population, this city
is necessarily the place of residence of persons from
every section of the country engaged in the public
service. Many others reside here temporarily for
the etransaction Of business with the Government
1t should not be forgotten that the land reclaimed
will probably be worth the cost OF reclauiDg it.
and the navigation OF the river be greatly i'm
proved therefore again invite the attention of
Congress to the importance of a provision
for this much needed and too long de-
ayed improvement. The water supply CT the city
is inadequate In addition to its ordinary use
throughout the city, tine consumption by the Gov
ernment is necessarily very great in the navy yard,
arsenal and various other departments, and large
quantity is required for the proper preservation of
the numerous parks and cleansing of sewers
recommend that this subject receive the
early attention of Congress, and that in
making provision for an increased sup
ply, such means be adopted as will have
in view the future growth of the city. Temporary
expenses for such purposes cannot but be wasteful
of money, ard Therefore unwise, as more ample
reservoir with corresponding facilities for keeping it
filed, should in my judgment, be constructed. 1
commend again to the attention of Congress
the subject of the removal from their pres
ent location Of the depots OF the several railroads
entering the city, and renew the recommendation
of my former messages in behalf of the erection of
building for Congressional Library, the compile.
tion Of the Washington manument and of liberal
appropriations in support OF the benevolent, re-
formatory and penal institutions of the District
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
EXECUTIVE MANSION. December 6, Is o.