The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1880-12-15

SoON
The Improvements at the mouth of the for
mer were assured, and it was open to the
worlds commerce. Our river system spreads
like a net work over the United States, and
producers and consumers are alike interested
in their transportation facilities; they were
the ties which bound US together. The
channel of the Columbia river was for one
hundred miles INSTRUCTED by bars. A.
depth Of twenty feet should be secured and
maintained to meet the requirements of the
vast section it drains. He recommended the
matter to the favorable consideration Of Con-
gress.
The collection Of books and pamphlets in
the army medical museum was now 108,0 600,
and %, 900 specimens, and was unique in its
completeness. They are of great value, and
their destruction would. be irreparable. They
are 10 a building exposed to destruction by
fire. He would recommend the construction
OF a new one at a cost not to exceed $3.50 900.
He commended the services Of Gen. Grant,
and recommended that Congress should give
him the rank of captain general, with suita-
bic compensation, and provision for retire
ment.
Coaling stations at the Isthmus, one at the
Chiriqui Lagoon in the Caribbean, and anoth-
er at the Bay of Golfto on the Pacific, were
| recommended.
THE POSTAL SERVICE.
The postal service exhibited high growth
and efficiency. Its extension showed the in
crease Of population with great exactness. In
1860 the postal receipts were $8,518, 067 in
1880 the receipts were 49,, 315, 597. During
the past year there was an increase Of 2,l34
postofhces, and the mail routes were extended
a. III miles, making an additional annual
transportation Of 10, 804, 1911 miles. The rev.
enues of the postal service for the ensuing
year are estimated at $38, 845, 174, and the
expenditures at $S42,475, 932, leaving a def
cheney to be appropriated out Of the treas
ury Of So, $50, 1853. The postal union had re-
ceived accessions from almost all the coun-
tries of the world, and the rest were soon ex-
pected to unite. He asked for additional leg
islation in this matter, and also for the re-es-
adjustment of American lines of steamers to
carry the mails to South American and trans
Pacific countries, and also the establishment
of postal savings banks.
THE COURTS.
He advocated additional provision for the
transaction of the business Of the Federal
Courts. Ths dockets were encountered with
cases which could not be heard. Another
Judge should be added to each circuit, and in
the second circuit two, and an intermedi-
ate appellate court should be added in each
circuit. Such court could be safely invested
with large jurisdiction, and its decisions
would satisfy suitors in many cases, while ap-
peals would still be allowed to the Supreme
Court. A moderate increase of the a%ppropri-
atoms for the expenses Of the Department OF
Justice would suffice.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
Indian affairs were in a more hopeful con-
dition. They have made gratifying progress
in agriculture, herding and other pursuits.
They are entering into freighting, building
houses and engaging in civilized pursuits. The
native police force has been successful IN
maintaining law and order, and has exercised
a wholesome moral influence upon them.
Means for the enlargement OF their educa-
tional facilities was inadequate. The nnm-
Der OF children offered is larger than can be
accommodated. They receive at these
schools an elementary education, and are in
structed in homework, agriculture and me-
chanical pursuits. The expenses have been
drawn from a permanent fund, which is SO
much reduced that specific appropriations are
necessary. Schools should be increased in
number. Hereviewed the Ute question, and
said that they had been given lands in sew
crafty. The conduct of the Indians gen.
rally had been orderly and p%eaceable, only
broken by the warfare Of Victoria. Most Of
the followers Of Sitting Bull had surrend-
cred, and the remainder d~isintegrating. he
recommended that Congress make an allott-
ment Of lands in s~everalty to the Indians with
titles in fee simple, and the disposition Of the
remainder of the reservations for settlement,
placing the Indians under the protection OF
the laws Of the country.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The President commented upon the large
increase il the sale Of public lands, and adj
yocated a codifcation OF our land laws. lie
referred TO the destruction of public timber,
and urged legislation that would prevent i.