Year: 1878

and insufficient quarters As this library is ma
tiOnal in its character, and must from the nature
of the case increase even more rapidly in the fu
ture than IN the past, it cannot be doubted that
the people Will sanction, any wise expenditure u
preserve it and TO eularge its usefulness.


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE


The appeal of the regents Of the Smithsonian
Institution for means TO organize, exhibit and
now stored away, belonging TO the national mu-
scum, heartily recommend to your favorable
consideration.


LOCAL AFFAIRS.


The attention of congress is again invited to
the condition of the river front of the city OF
Washington. 1t is matter of vital importance
to the health OF residents of the national capital
both temporary and permanent, that the low
lands in front of The city, now subject
TO tidal overflow, should be reclaimed.
Ia their present condition these flats obStruct the
drainage of the city and are q dangerous source
of malarial poison. The reclamation will i'm
prove the navigation If the river by restricting
and consequently deepening its channel, and is
also OF Importance when considered in connec-
tion with the extension of the public ground and
the enlargement of the park west and south of
the washington monument. The report OF the
board OF survey heretofore ordered by q COM
mittee of congress on the improvement of the
harbor of Washington and Georgetown, is re-
Spectiully commended to consideration. The re-
port OF the commissioners of the District of Co
Iumbla presented detailed statement OF affairs
OF the District. The relative expenditures by the
United States and the District for local purposes
Is COulTdsIeQs showing JlaJ expenditures Dy InS
people of the district greatly exceed those of the
general government. The exhibit Is made in con-
ne -tion with estimates for the requisite repair of
the defective pavements and sewers OF the city, whia
IS a work of immediate necessity and i'll the same
connection plan is presented for the permanent
funding of fhe outstanding securities of the district.


BENEVOLENT IN NsTITUTIoNs.


The benevolent reformatory and penal institutions
OF the district are all entitled to the fayorabe at
tentIon of congress. The reform school needs ad-
dtional buildings and teachers and appropriations
which will place all of these institutions in a cond-
ton to become models Of usefu ness and benecence
will be regarded by the country as literally and
wisely bestowed. The commissioners with evident
justice request attention to the discrimination
made by congress against ths district
IN the donation of land for the
support of the public schools and ask that the
same llbefalty that has been shown to the inbabi-
United States may be extended to the district of
Columbia. The commissioners also invite
attention to the damage inflicted on pub
pFesept and laca,obp privaife Interests by the
switching tracks OF the several railroads entering
the city, and ask for legislation looking TO their
removal. The recommendations and Suggestions
contained in the report will, l trust, receive the
careful consideration of congress Sufficient
time has perhaps elapsed since the reorganiza-
ton OF the government of the district
under the recent legislation OF congress
opinion as TO Its successful operation, but the
practical results already attained are go gatisiac~
tory that the friends Of the new government hay
well urge uron congress the wisdom OF
It's contlnuanc without essential modification. till
by actual experience its advantages and GcfScts
may De more fully aScertaincd.


EXECUTIVE MANSION Dec. >, 1873.