The press. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1857-1880, December 10, 1857, Image 1
.y~:;:.:ra2;u^~ ~ e%~tv%-wti"+^'SSers:S~-p^. ,:.: 4 " .. • • , P R E t S - Pußth innnYl`Aiti;' 44- :..wriuurt rAllt I sA 7, - 'cairn ofirsanr jintiloAq-Abe garden. Valls to filibikAoll'aiit qtbo..olo at ritz Dou.tis eicitinwoit offkletiokilitioroo. IttottfuoiTtia; Douaxis Mt 0,410190, Itivathtbly.la Mune lot nit time moral , . . Ps 400.44 4,010etretbariii4414,„114431,36 40 Erto*Eol, , raaJcrx Odroakt!**- , WE, (per anima, In advalion,) .. $2 . 00 Three - , o'oo Wiro'Clopieo, " - • _ * 00, Ten tkiFfeli " ' tio Twepty,Ospialilt g g44. 4 ;:(40 oitii . aU;S 20 00' Tray Copies or ovori;. , (to od*rfuls 0* ogok yet 14, - cail - pi' Tpentpone'or'arer, .446'4011 stud an optre , , 44 ppprn.l4ll ,6 ttle4nP Of.th• - irr,P oll ****s. 4' 1 , 14 40W** 4' # 2 * 0 * *-1 0 ** 1 For Tits wasstarPplsa''-' , ' • • . . TftE -- 'WtOKI,Y , '- ,- .PRES; ,!,:::11 coite,vsirOD,BE:ST :', ' ViPILY NEWSPAPER IN THE COUNTRY 'ippREHLT TH - DUCTIOMENTB TO ! tIE WEEKLY PItSEE is published from the Oity,of Ingpiide every Saturday„ . - - 11 is .conducted upon Notional principles, - and will mptiold the rights of theltates.-L It will resist !math Meru tri,every shape Land will be deyoted,to censers itiVe;doCtrines; the - true foundation of public pros `peritywod `secial - ' ,. order.. Such - a • Weekly Journal has , long , da desired in the United States r and it is to gra fily-tbis Want tbicTIIN WEEKLY" rp.esl3 is published , THEVIIEKEYiPRIES is printed on excellent white pepeti gloat, tiew,gpeituid in' quarto Form, for binding.' contains e ewe of the day; CovrePPOndensS ttowthi 0)d , World - had the Now; I/Mimetic , Into'''. Areipt, , lteports of the 'various Markets ; Literary lie- Otte progress of Agri.' mature in alt its various depattutents, lto,, - i Mmns; ist , aiiably a ndonnee. " - THE WEEKLY PRESS will bo sent to mobseribers, by - 52 00 per annum. Twenty Copies, when sent to one ad- , - dress, -- - - - 20 00 ' Twent , fooplei, or over; to address of - L enatt pubseriber;e.oh, - -1 20 - c. 'For a Club' or Twenty-One or ever, we will send an eztra copy to the - getter-up - of the Club. - Past Nesters are - requested to lot , dietkie fek THE I west - 19 13 AXXIX - ,! 1 , esteentlk'aireatfavei if my, *Alicia Ina 110-: torsahrdenda; and alf=nttietc who desire `a first class Weekly Newspaper; pill ; exert themselves to give THE' trWiJeggitY ; YRR3S a large circulation in their respeetive goslghbarboods. „ ' . • • • • JOHN tIORNEY, • Editeraiid Proprlotor. of THE. WEEKLY PREBB, No. 417 owtiint•street, pvtaaopo.... - - • - IVVARBIYETON'S..INIMITABLB -- ,00YERINGS YOR THE URA% Znilantociall She points uecasearylo ' '' ORNTERIo t RYYZOT, • . • ' d &Ma delalla and alegancicia which impart FINISU; 001WOR . AND DURABILITY. Gentlethen ars invited to call and 'examine.- tait2¢-ain - • .- , 430 OURSTNUT Skeet, Bioko. ORIGINAL. EDIVION OF CHARLES KNIGHT'S PIOTORIAIJ BHSKSPEARE—IncIud. lug the Dog _ Pleys and "Kiography, and illustrated with - very numerous lengrailugs on Wood, In the high est style of art; forming 8 vols.; 1174011481 m. • The sulMalbera have been' enabled to secure three copies of thhentegnigient edition of Oluttwn re, which hue longboat exceedingly same. Immetto ipplico tion will be sweetie/my topraent.diesppointmerit in pro. o wring - PRICE & , Importers of,Englich Boats, - - Ko: 88 South Stith 81 ., above Chestnut, . • VAPVABLS . tais.4*,4 77 - BOQKS L'D _ irrlti.Nrirsiiir• snit; SOLD B O,Z iLLZ RS. SEETOHESVP THEIRIPSIMAIL: - By the/light Hon. , Richard Lator EWAM. P; Edited with a Memoir and Notes, by R: Shelton Meincenzle, D: 0. L. , Sixth Ea- Portrait faitebulle letter. In 2 sole • Price $2. , - Mt :BOOTIE 'ItaitROSIAN.S. BP' Professor Wilion, - 0-..Lookluirt, ;ames,Hogg, and Dr. Magian. Edited, -- Mamas andEotaii by Dr: R. Skelton Mackenzie. Third Maims -Ds hiteluntotii with Padua' and flw :grit; • - MAOINIVE /51INDILLANIPsif: ThilifeeellaneOui Writ. logs of the late Dr:'lloellid, ,. .-Xtlited, with • Memoir and Notes, brDs , R. Shelton Yukon:it. 'Comdata in 6 volumes, witliTortraa:-. - Priet, per vol., cloth, U, LIPS 05' TDB RT. HON:-JOHN It HIDPOT DURHAM - By hie Son, Wm. Henry °emu; with' , Notell an Ad ditions, by Dr. I. Shelton Mackenzie, aad'a Portrait on Steel and fat-simile. Third Edition - 12 mo cloth , Price IL 25: THE O'BRIENS AND THE OILAHERTIES; 'CNA. tional titer)", being - the first of Lady Elorgaa'a Novels and &imams. With in Introduction and Notes; by , Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie,' 2 vols., l2mci,, cloth. Price $2. - BARRINGTON'S SHE TONES. Personal Sketches of his Own Time. By 81rIonah Barrington, with-Illustra tions by Dsrloy . Fourth Edition: - With Memoir by Dr. blackens* 12me., cloth . Price $1,26. MOOREIPLIPP. Olt SHERIDAN.: Memoirs of the , Life of the:aight Hon. Riobard Brinsley Sheridan. By Thomas Moore; with : Portrait and fae-idmile. las& Edition. 2 vole:, - 12M0., cloth. Price $2. ' BITS , OP BLARNEY. oy. Dr. R. Shelton ;Mackenzie, -Third "Edition. ,12-ito., cloth; -Price THE HISTORY OP THE WAR IN THE PENTESIII - 4, By Major General Sir W. P. P. Napier, from the an. therbi lest revised edition, with- Maps and Plane, tire Portraits on Steel,. and-a complete index, 6 vole., 12rao, cloth. ' Price $7 60, APLERTiPENINSD : LAR WAR. ,Coecgdste in I mu, aro. pries 22 50. • - THE FOREST. By J: V:-Huntington anther ef Alice," tt Alban'". ALBAN 'con - e toq o^ a Young - Partite. — 137 -- r. - 17,-Huntiegtotr. 2 Vols. - , Price 22. JOHN . ..OADIPBELL-Br, SON; BIBLIOPO =TB, in the OUBTOM MOUSE Avenue, hive al ways for - sale rare and scarce Books. Oeutlemeit book worms are invited to call and Judge as to prices and vs slay. Law au& misoolisneous books purchased in small or large quantitioa. Books continually 'receiving from auction . -- se24-th to StaW tOatrhvo, ..114tuelrg, ar. - BAILEY & 00.,,011.ESTNI;IT STREET. 'Mannfaaturers of • LBITIBII ITTERLING BLUM WARN, . Ulster their Inspection, on the premises exclusively Winne and Strangers are invtted..to visit out menu . factory WATCHES. Oeneistatly on hand a splendid stock of Superior Watchenj of all the celebrated makers. DIAMONDS: _ tieelderes, Bracelets" Brooches; Ear•Ringe, Roger- Rine, and ell Other utile* in the Diamond line. Dranlop DEBIGNS will be mete free of • &age for thou! *Whirl work Mid° to order. RICH GOLD -JEWELRY. A bantlfal oisootounit 01%611 the, now tittles of rpm • isoidrjAmolf so Mossis, Stoisi sad 261*.pyi-43; Oiibaijoll, h,tarquiplie," - _ •- 1101/11LELD (lAMBS, A ABIFEBTS, • WAITERS, As. Bronse i;l:LOq.B, of newest styles, ant of superlor-ga►llty. sai•dtwtowly C& A. PEQUIONV4- .MANIMIAMMIXII3-Ol WATCH CARIB Aap , iYroutiai"o, WAT6IIIII, ' LII: SOtint"TilißD STREIT, BELOW pIIZITNIIT 0031471.111 , P5c0u10v. - Augusta PIQUIGNOI sel4-81noa 4 t „. IINE :WATCHES., , A full ,Sdpaly : of all the. celebrated _London and Geneva Watches constantly on hand. We sell the Gihuin&Prodsham Watch at Troentyfire POliall :CU : than . the agency_priee, as established at Boston. .. „ . , Boston Agency price - is 250, 275, SOO dollars. Bailey do On is price is 225, 250, 275 dollars, BAILEY it CO., .428. CLIESTIVUT Et, n628-stuth4w TAMES E.' OALD WM, • & 00., air N 0,432 CHESTNUT, BELOW 'BIETH STREET, Importers - or ",Watelite and' rine Jewelry; Manetietu. roes or Sterling and Standard Silver , Ned Seta Forks and Spoons, Sole agents for the sale of Charles ErodshauVe Wier-sense -Gold Medal tfish I,end* SSMlTlinekeepere r -all the allege* hind, priemi WO, SET d , - - fl a and Swiss Watches • e lowest petals. _ Riede rieldoisble Jewelry' . Sh . effield arid AmeriOatillti . Sod Wares.. • J" 8. JARDEN & BRO. , • - , 111311t1LOSIMZRII AID SYSDalaat or " , SILVER-PLATED: WARE, , grli Chestnut Street, OM Third, (np atatre,l • Phlledelpphl - - COOAtently on hand mot for sale to the Tunic, TEA -, SkTS, COMMUNION SERMON SETS, URNS ' GOBLETS, OUTS, WAITERS,' CAS , EATS, CASTORS, RMITES,.SPOONB, ROBES, *-LADLES, Am, Ste. Widlng and plating oa all kinds of metal. eeZly QILVER 'WARE:— • • - - , WILLIAM at son., - itfAiTPACTURERS OF ,41LY.1521 WARS, • (ESTABLIBIIED 1812,) • W. C - 0RN11110 , 17111 dND Casatty 1111113711. • - r A large assortinent of &WU. WARE,. of every de. seripton, constantly on hand, or made to order to 'Web say otters' desired. " - arr:tars gleddeld and Birmingham Imported • ' , se3o-dfswly paMiral. VOX AMOISTER OF WILLS— AV,, :wal:-xAiraocxa, Twsurrtt • 02-312341 - foubßettiiDepocratte unto; = REBUT—, , CALEB S. WRIGHT, Ofiblect,to,Deiglor:rallo r = 4". ' --VOR SHERIFF -ALDERMAN (4ORGE 2400111, 1/017814 WARD. thibklat to'Demoteuele" Ruled, ' no7-Bm* ORSHERIFFP— r litts a. OrBsON, *w9lry-81am WARD. ".‘ MINNA to Dotoneratioltuleo. •VOICSUkRIEFi.: )!LAW.A RD MOTT,' TWIIK4II WARD - - Ra - spiucn DitlooiAYlq AMTS. 0016-4 Mil Iroefito,oo, era f,,et? TuSIBABLE - CFPllakitt, 620 - WALNUT Jur sti:, eppote the one of the best businere locations in Phibmbilohia,- 'with heat t - light, 'end, ati teoderd eonvenientieCrbAtiottnithe EOM NO. 8, to G.V.A4, -881 , 4A8ent - no2B WOR S;A,LE.-The; fpurIsI6r3v : GRANITE Iginribilkk, on the north aideeftddEßTNllT 'Street, west of Fourth, intended foulhdßanutylviulla Bank, and now nearly flnlehed ( ...delaet, sold .. prior to JADUAY let, nle,Flubing,BP o mi 0 4 4 . 0 11 1 1 t. fOrto of tke building, null be , rented eeparatelz - or.togather, 41 -7 - .. , )T11011A13 CRAVENi: ' ...den-atuthtll , i, 411INORStreet. ROGAR3-, CARRIAG, ::061HOrY,1:,000 - ruidt,liu CIUDONVV.Eltiabore lentl4 - titnow open for 4be sabrOf "every dorrriptio* of Ourfrifroev toinbatoir styleidurabillty, and elegance of fini . the lisooStotory; the oorner'of SIXTH ood ASTER arias, to Olen tbo attention of eltizeni, radB6ntbo# and Western gentlemen is :offset:o4 ogled. -; • - e .—.llspecial Attention given to. carriages for vs - AIM+ rho% aim - noted With the Step:snort. ' En. , AtcliOngutptirtiO,'- - '' 4427.0% 000 VOL. I-NO. 112. C4e 3re os THURSDAY, DECEMBER IQ, 1857 THE POST OFFICE It ought to- be generally known that all let ters, to be, mailed out of this city, which are 'dropped into the receiving -boxes of the sub 'or - district post offices, recently established here, are conveyed to the chief office, without any charge, Whatever. The only requirement is that each letter shall have a stamp upon it— ,the rule of pre-payment being imperative, as regards all mailed letters. Persons who re. side in distant parts of the city may be spared a long journey, for the purpose of posting letter, by thus using' the district offices in their , respective neighborhooda. A correspondent draws our attention'to the fact:that: a great difference exists• between pbsting letters in the Government boxes, and ,in those of private individuals: .. "No inan,Whe uses either a private despatch corn parry, or,the Government sub.offices, knows when he may not be called upon to prove the receipt of the letter by the party to whom it is addressed. Now, when you use the Government mails, if you prove that you put a letter into the post office, ad. dressed to A,ll is presnmed by law that A gets it; bat if -you use a private company's despatch you Mint proye the sots al of the letter—a thing 'lmpossible to de in ninety-nine cases out of a bun. dred. In all cases, where notice and proof of 'notice are required i it is absolutely neoessary to uselhe Government post." • This is very true, and should be remem bered. But, as wo have had occasion pre 'viautily to observe,' while a public post office clmTges two bents for postage and delivery of a letter,lnd a private office charges only one, a great number of persons will naturally use the latter. Lot the Postmaster General be empowered, to reduce the rate on city or (t dropped" letters, and then the Government conveyance will distance all competition. Philadelphia, Now York, and Boston are the only eitiesin which, as yet, arrangements have been made for carrying out the letter-carrier system to its full extent. In the report of the Postmaster General, just laid before Congress, the two-cent point is touched upon, thus : "With the view to facilitate the receipt and de -1 livery of letters in Now York, Boston, and Phila delphia, the postmasters in those cities have been instructed to make improvements in their letter carrier system to the full extent authorized by law. 'ln New York I found that nearly everything had been done that could be accomplished under exist ing, laws, except the transmission of drop letters direst to their address without going into the main aloe, which is now done. On all letters through the Mail the carriers receive two cents each for de livery, and on drop letters ono cent. I had hoped to be able to reduce the delivery foe to the uniform -pricOof one cent; but this was found impractica ble In New York and Philadelphia, inasmuch as the law requires that the entire cost of delivery shall be defrayed out pf the carriers- receipts. In Boston, where all the distriets are comparatively densely populated, one cent a letter is made to pay. The postage on drop letters, inoluding the car rier's foe, is now two cents; and upon'the improved plan now adopted for their delivery direct from the main office, or the nearest station, as the case may be, it is fully believed that the pnblie conve nience will be fully subserved. In each of these cities there are to be from four to six deliveries a day, and the letters for mailing, &0., are to be col looted and disposed of as frequently as the occa sion may require. ',do not feel at liberty to ad vise the free delivery, of letters by carriers; but I would recommend a modification of tho present law, so as to - give the Postmaster General autho rity tohavo the delivery made at one cent a letter, whether the carriers' receipts are sufficient toweet expenses or not. If the improved system is found to pork satisfactorily in the throe cities above Mentioned, it is my purpose to extend it to all the other principal cities in the United States." . .. • .. The Postmaster• General evidently has got the right idea. The recommendation that the 1 delivery of letters shall be reduced one-half— from two cents to eneLlt whether the carriers' receipts are sufficient to meet expenses or not," admits the whole principle upon which the penny 'Mange was originally based in Eu rope. If the Post Office can be made to pay, n7lll. and: good; -but It is bad policy to gtrwr the starvation system in 11.48ffilic institution of so much import Ate 'M.r, - wunsultabrcnistago system- - willingly adopted, in England, in 1840, an nouneed that, for a considerable period, the expenditure of the establishment must greatly exceed its gross receipts: Much earlier than -was anticipated, the augmentation of letter writing cauted the department to be remune rative, and now the net income of the Post Office is an important item in the public reve nue of England. • • From-various causes, among which may prominently figure our vast extent of terri tory, and the expense of having post offices in A parts of it with the cost of transmitting the mails, the cheap postage system does not con tribute anything directly to the national rove : nue. But we are not without hopes of a dif ferent result before long. One obstacle, hitherto, his been the anomaly of convoying a letter thousands of miles for three cents, and then levying a tax of two cents additional for its local delivery by the letter-carrier. As in England, the postage stamp ought to free it in tote, putting it into the hands of the person to .whom it is addressed, without any further charge. The great extent to which communication by the Electric Telegraph is carried on, may be assumed as another reason why the number of letters sent through our Post Offices is dis proportionably less than the number sent from about an equal amount of population in Great Britain and Ireland. We are a fast people. We do not like to be -kept in suspense. Wo desire an immediate response to an inquiry, and are willing to pay extra for haying It, through the Telegraph. Lastly, when penny postage was commenced in England, the privilege of franking was wholly abolished. At this moment, even Queen VICTORIA'S correspondence is carried on en tirely with postage-stamps. About twelve hundred persons, constituting the members of the Government, of the Departments, 'and of both Houses of Parliament; were deprived at (cone fell swoop" of their privilege of •sending and receiving letters free of postage. In the Government departments there was no restriction as to the weight or number of official letters thus sent and received. At present, each department pays the full charge of the Post Office, and an important item in the Post Office revenue this makes. As for members of the Legislature, about 1,100 of whom bad the right, each of them daily to receive ten, and to despatch fifteen letters, each under one ounce in weight, the Penny Postage system annihilated their exclusive privilege, at once and for ever, and the Post Office revenue has very greatly received the benefit of the change. There aotually is not any one, public or private person, in England, from the Queen down, who is exempt from paying postage. These are points, to which our own Post Office authorities may turn their attention. In the mean time, we cheerfully recognise the practical good sense of the Report of the Postmaster General. Later from Yucatan—Capture of Sisal by the Revolutionists. nol7-1m From the N. O. Picayune, of Deo. 2.1 • The Mexican Schooner Eduardo, Capt. Laferla, at this port from Tobacco, via Vera Cruz reports having bean spoken on the 18th ult., latitudo 25 demos North, by the Oampeaohy armed schooner Corinna, with three works' later intolligenee from the Yucatan mat, and the progress of the political war in the Interior. The news is of great interest and importance. Sisal has been bombarded and eaptured by the armed vessel Bout out from OampenehY, and was now in the hands of the revolutionists. No par ticulars aro given, nor have we further intelligence of the distracted condition of things at the capital. Campeaehy yet held out, but was still, on the 18th, sore beseiged by the government troops, un der commando! Col, Cepeda. During the whole of that day until midnight, heavy cannonading was beard both froin the forts of the town cud the works of the besiegers. • Captain Laredo also reports having spoken, on the lab, Mexican tohooner Arroganle, froth this port, bound to Campeachy. AU well, Dr. Stone, the sculptor, has finished the. nude figure of hie statue of John Hancock, or dered by Congress, and is now draping it," having the actual habiliments of the illustrious Boston merehant to model from. Tho statue is about seven foot high, and represents the first Pre sident of Congress, when, after the Declaration had boon signed, he urged a udity of action, saying : "We must all hang together.' It was then that Franklin• 'added, sotto voce, "or be ~hung to. , genies." - The Legislature of Virginia met on Monday, whin Govenaor Wise sent in three messages, Which Mt twenty-three columns of the Richmond Etrouirsr, , • .c 1 rh.,ol‘ • - , vf• .. .., \\ ,‘ Nt i in,4:,.. / , • v": 416 - 43, (._ .t..., , .. . _ i a r . ;._., 1 _..... (7- , i 4 '— ' ' --.---,.,---- '' "* ' , - 16:•all : 1, i !. 7.4 "- ',- ', ~, .t 0 * p...'' -".. I • I :, t _ r . 11 ril -*a ..< .0.:=1,- -. ....$ - - -„,,,,,,,.....,....,. ....,,, .., ... zz.rt- ... + --,.. , - ''---"- ...4 - - .......,....„4„ ( ' --,- _ SECRETARY OP THE INTERIOR. DEPARTMENT OP TUE INTERIOR,/ December 3, 1857. Sin : In presenting an exhibit of the operations of thin department, attention in first invited to the important And diversified interests connected with the administration of the public domain, re specting which the accompanying report of, the Commissioner of the General Land Office furnishes interesting details, with a gratifying view of our extended land system. American legislation has shown its superior practical wisdom by its aim plioity and adaptation to the wants of our people and its code of land laws, in regard to the Im provement of which few suggestions can be made. The loadiug fact attracting our attention is the vast extent of the operations of the Land Bureau. The public domain covers a surface, exclusive of water, of one thousand four hundred and fifty million of acres. It stretches across the continent, and embraces every variety of climate and soil, abounding in 'agricultural, mi' oral, and timber 1 wealth. everywhere inviting to enterprise, and capable of yielding support to man. This great inheritance was acquired, first, by the voluntary cessions of several of the original thir teen States; then by the Louisiana purchase ob tained from Napoleon by the treaty of 1803. Thd next enlargement of our territory was effected by the treaty of 1819 with Spain, ceding the Florida% to the United States; then its further extension was effected by the treaty of 1848, at Guadalupe Hidalgo, with Mexico, coding Now Mexico and California. Subsequently, Texas accepted the proposition .of this Government establishing her boundaries, for the "relinquishment by the said State of:* territory claimed, by her exterior to said botinaries." Tho last accession to the public domain is that, in 1854, from Mexico, known as the "Gadsden purchase," covering a surface of 23,161,000 acres south of the Gila river. The Supreme Court has said, in reference to ac quired lands, that "the people change their sove reign, their right to property remains unaffected by this change." Consequently, when the United States succeeded to the ownership of that portion of our territory derived from treaties with foreign Powers, the first and paramountduty in the dispo sal of the publio lands was to separate private from public property. In obedience to this well-settled principle of public law, and under the special obligations of treaties, the United States have established boards of commissioners, conferred powers on registers and receivers, opened the courts of the United States for the adjudication of foreign titles, and lu mul titudes of cases confirmed ouch titles by special acts of legislation. Those classes of titles aro known under the ge neric description of "private land claims." and are of every species, from minute parcels in the form of lots in Spanish towns to rural claims, ranging in size from ono huedred arponts and less to a million and 4 half of acres. These titles are of British, French, Spanish, and Mexican origin, all depending for validity on the colonial laws of their different sovereignties. And there Is no branch of jurisprudence where greater research and extent of legal erudition have been displayed by our judicial tribunals than in the de termination of the intrioate gm:Wiens which have arisen, been discussed, and judicially determined in connection with this branch of the service.' These foreign claims are of every diversity of shape, and everywhere scattered over the public domain, interrupting the regularity of our surveys, with which they are necessarily interlocked, and exhibit in striking contrast the irregularities of the foreign surveys, when compared with the simpli city and beauty of our own rectangular system; showing the difference in the modes of distributing estates, ono of which concedes to the favorites of princes immense bodies of the choicest lands, whilst the other subdivides the public territory so as to deal with every oitizon in a apirlt of enlarged liberality. In the growth of our immense terri tory, in the way and by the means already men tioned, there remained and still remains llTlOX tipgulabeti the claims, rights, and possession of the aborigines. The General Government of the Union, at the dawn of our political existence, adopted the Principle asserted by the colonizing Goveinmente of Europe, As the effect that the absolute title was in the United Stated, subject only to the Indian right of occupancy, and with the unconditional privilege of exrnguishing that right. Under the operation of these principles, the pur ohase and extinguishment of. the Indian right has boon gradually progressing in the ratio in which lands in Indian occupancy were demanded by our people for settlement. Pari pasta have the lines of the public, surveys been carried, in preparing the way for homesteads, and the means by which to pass to our people unincumbered and indefeasi. blo titles, Tho surveying system is now organized into twelve different districts, and the lines of the pub lic surveys have already been extended over more than one-fourth of the whole surface of the publio domain. That surface, as heretofore stated, 18 1 450,000,000 acres. Of this, there have been surveyed and prepared for market, of net publm lands, that le, exclusive 0f4411p0l lande 8 .kc...... 401 • • • have never been onerca, anu ar wi s e , t , e tri o ; n ir seg el u o e w n t ei l rn y e , -u n sidp o w w dai l tr i id e o b sn l o e tto t . 0.. 80 ,0 00,000 acres subjeot to entry at private sale on the 80th Sep tember last. Of the publio domain there have been disposed of by private claims, grants, sales, &0., embracing Surveyed and unsurveyed land, 363,802,461 acres, which, deducted from the whole surface, as above stated, leaves undisposed of an area of 1 088,137,535 acres. During the fiscal year °Wing June 30, 1857, and the quarter ending September 30, 1857, public lands have boon surveyed and reported to the extent 22,880,481.00 acres. 21,160,037.27 " During the same period have been disposed of as follows : For cash 5,300,550.81 Located with military warrants 7,381,010 00, " Returned under swamp land grant Estimated quantity of railroad grants, of March, 1857 5,116,000.00 " The amount of money received on cub sales is. $4 225,008.18 . REPORT OP THE This shows a falling off in land receipts from those for the corresponding period of the preceding year of $5,322,145 99, with a falling off during the eamo period, in the !oration of lands with warrants, of more than 20 por cent. Whatever may have been the cause of this dimi nution, the fact demonstrates that, long before the prostration of all credit by the suspension of the banking institutions, the investment in wild lands had greatly decreased. In the taritory of the United States them aro I eighty-three organized land districts : each having register and receiver, for the sale and disposal of the public, lands. Yet wo have no land district fur either the Territory of New Mexico or Utah. „In New Mexico the public surveys have been executed to a very limited extent, owing to Indian hostili ties. In Utah the surveys had rapidly progressed, until the surveyor general abandoned his post owing to reported hostilities of the Mormon nu thorities at Salt Leko City. The extent of the surveys, since the beginning of the operations in Utah, exhibits a sphere of field work embraciitg 2,000,000 acres, A due regard for the public interests, as well as a proper respect for the prosperity and advance ment of New Mexico, wouldjustify, if not loudly call upon Congress to establish a land office and a board of commissioners for the adjudication of Spanish and Mexican claims in that Territory. It is important to its future prosperity promptly to separate private property from the public lands before the settlements become dense, and conse quent conflicts of claim and title arise. Sly the act of April 21, 1820, the old credit eye tom of sales of land was abolished, the cash sys tem instituted, and the minimum price fixed at $1.25 por acre. This is the great basis of our pro sent system of sales. The polioy of the lawis to favor the actual settler. It is a humane, wise, and just polley. When the hardy pioneer breaks off from the comforts and security of a long-set tled community, end encounters the hazatd and endures the hardships and deprivations of a new settlement in the forest, ho has rendered a positive service to the Government; and to deny hint the right of securing his Ileum and improvements, in preference to all others who would profit by his sacrifices, would be nerving injustice. When an actual settler goes upon lands which have been offered for sale, and builds himself a house, tho law allows him twelve months within which to pay for a pro-omption right of 160 acres. If he colors upon unoffered land, or lands which have never been surveyed, he is permitted to filo his declaration of intention to enter, and is not required to pay for his pre-emption till the day appointed by proclamation for public sale of the lands. Public policy may cause an indefinite post ponement of the sale of the land, and the cense guano is, that with this inchoate, imperfect right, ho continues to occupy without perfecting his title. This privilege to enter being IL personal right, its transfer or assignment is prohibited by law. By thus conceding a privilege, and fixing no time in which he is required t° perfect his title, an interest le (treated in opposition to a public sale by proclamation, when the good of the country may require it Tho suggestion, therefore, that settlers upon unoffered lands should bo required to make their proof and payment within a *ce lled period, Is approved Prommptions upon unsurveyed lands are now limited to particular States and Territories. A general law authorizing pro-emptions upon lands of this character, superseding or repealing special statutes on the subject, would conduce to the harmony of the system ; and such a law is re commended. In order to remove all doubt In the construction of.existlng law, pro•omption privileps should also be extended to alternate reserved railroad sections, . in cases whore settlements have been made after the final allotment. The enhanced value of such lands presents only a stronger reason why prefer once should be given to settlers over all others. The mode of disposing of the public lands under existing legislation is simple, uniform, and com plete. Lands aro introduced into market and opened to free competition at publio solo by the President's proclamation. which, at the same time, notifies settlers to come forward and secure their homes at the minimum price, without risk of com• petition nt public sale. Then such lands as re, main thus undisposed of, are open to free purchase at private male at the ordinary minimum of $1.25 per acre, or awn in market ten years and up wards, at reduced ',rim; always, however, with the preference right of purchase awarded to the actual settler. The public domain is the property of the United States, and the individual cidsons thereof have equal rights of purchase. Actual settlers, as al ready shown, are amply protected by law from in terference, and efficient safeguards aro thrown around their rights. As 'an evidence of this, it is estimated that in the sales of the last year three fourths of the sold and located lands were taken for actual settlement. Large districts of the pub lic lands are valuable, however, only for the timber found upon thorn ; they are, unsuitable for settlement; end to restrict their Orchese to ret- PHILADELPHIA, THIJA§P.A*, DECEMBER 10, 1857. tiers alone Would provent their sale • for ag /14- definite period, and hold out astanding temptatioli to trespass and plunder. An amendment of the law fixing the maxittluni compensation of the registers and receivers, usr,aa to restriot the payment fur any One quarter-Or. fraction of a quarter to a pro rota allowance, both for salary and commissions, is approved and•re• commended. , I Under the bounty-land law of 3d March, 1855; largo sums have boon received at seine of the leeil land offices, for the location of warrants ' , Cud - claims have been presented by several of the ofi4, cern for the whole amount of fees collected. rTife General Land Office bas decided, and the deolaioet has boon sanctioned by the department, that,lis' view of the limitation as to maximum, In the - sot of 20th April, 1818, and the, terms of the 24 Oa ad scollops of the act of 22d March, 1852, notion with the act of 1555, there Is no withal*, of law for the allowance of any excess over the' maximum compensation for commissions, as 1124. byisaid act of 1818. 'The act of 12th January, 1825, nuthorires mar, anent of purchase money to bamade from the Troyi sury In all oases' of sales of lands made by tbe 1 local land officers, where the Government Is uill;; bin, train want of title in itself, to Issue patehtirte. the purchasers. My predecessors have construed this sot tiding for repayments In all oases where from any cause the sale could not be confirmed; and thl.; uniform practice has been in Conformity with that view of the law. This practice is unquestionably founded stria justioo, and I have not deemed it best to dist** it, although inclined to the opinion that a,,etrick oonstruotion of the law would limits It operation to the class of cases speoilloally embraced GLOMS': Should any doubt be entertaindd of tin) propriety, of my actton hi this particular, such sunendatory, legislation is respectfully r o oommentled - es mollte called for in the premises, - - The interesting communication, which stecoM panics this roport, of the late secretary of the Territory of New Mexico respecting the mineral resources of that distant' Territory, suggests the of providing for a geological, survey thereof. It is not doubted that vast quantities of gold and sliver, copper, lead, and loru ores are to be found embedded In Its soil ; and their discovery andidovelopment could not fall to condor) to the public prosperity. The report of the Commissionor of Indian Affairs furnishes an interesting view of the peculiar pea ple, with whom this Government holds the most complicated relations. • The members of the Indian tribes within our limits, while they aro not citizens, cannot, with strict propriety, be termed foreigners. "Domestic dependent nations, their relations to the United States resemble those of a ward to his guardian. They look to our Government for protection, and appeal to it for relief to their wants." While we negotiate treaties with them, which are ratified with all the solemnity befitting a contract to whieh nations are parties, wo undertake to construe and execute their provisions, acknowledging no re. eponsibility but such as we may owe to truth, h , nor, and justice. tended the limi n ts of our civilization have been ex , the umber of these children of the formai with whom our people aro brought Into Immediate contact, is greatly increased, . treaties multiply ; rights are umpired ; mutual obligations are as sumed ; obedience is promised .on. the one part, protection is guarantied on tb,q other. The In dian Bureau Is grown to be w groat foreign office, conducting the correspondents° and adjusting the relations of more than sixty interior Governments; while it Is at the same time charged with the con trol, regulation, and protection of the rights of the individual members of those Governments. In the performance of these duties questions era lresented of the most difficult character, In the so ution of which it is almost impossible to arrive at a conclusion which shall reconcile the necessities of sound policy with the requirements of the law. The intercourse act of 1834 was adapted to a con dition of affairs which no longer exists, and it might be judiciously modified. The wide dissimi larity, too, of the provisions of theivarious treaties, recently negotiated with the several tribes, agree- I ing, however, in this that legislation by Congress' is made a pre-reenisi te to the full enjoyment by" the Indian of the rights they wore intended to se cure to him, furnishes a weighty reason for the re vision and codification of the laws now In force; and it is to be hoped that Congress will give its early attention to the subject, and prescribe, In ono comprehensive enaotmen`, a 'welbeensidered, compact, and uniform system of laws for the regu lation of Indian intercourse. The Indian tribes within our limits, numbering about three hundred and twonty-five thousand souls, may be divided into throe classes : The first roving, fierce, retaining all the tradition ary characteristics which marked the race before the advent of the white man—eke out by plunder the uncertain subsistence derived from too chase. To!thie elass,oomprising'nearly three-fourths of the whole number, belong most of the bands whose hunting grounds lie in the interior of the conti nent, and in the Territories of Oregon and Wash ington. Thar tribes are controllable only through their fears. They aro, ostensibly, our friends, be cause they dare not openly avow hostility; and th i s ~,,04,:intiv4u,ast4Iseyi iiitintiMA AA% %mg • . • talons, To the accomplishment of this pre in - nary step the effortit of the indist Bureau are now, directed ; and it is hoped that, with the aid of the arm on , w o h f ich th h e as Go e v is e e rr he e r n e t b , e t e h n o so sy p s pad tem g of . a live of good, may be successfully applied to these c m o i l l o i n ta iz ry ati tribes. 004;13.9 scree The tribes of California, Utah. Texas, New Mexico, and a portion of those in Oregon, consti , tufo the second class. Some three years mule the policy was adopted of concentrating these Indians on small reservations, where they might be prac tically taught the industrial arts, and labor /or their support under the immediate supervision of their agent These establishments are, in fact, manual labor schools on a large scale ; and I am gratified to be able to state that the happiest re sults have followed their introduction. The two groat difficulties to be encountered in effecting the civilization of the Indian, are his impatience of restraint and his aversion to labor, and these are not to be overcome by abstract teachings.' He must be taught practically, if at Itll, the immense superiority of a settled over a roving life, and the value and dignity of labor. This the colonization system appears to be accomplishing, and it is cer tainly the most effectual and economical plan yet devised for his reclamation. The Indiana along the west bank of the Mis souri, those of Kansas, and the four great tribes occupying the territory west of Arkansas, form a third class, differing in many particulars from either of the others. Generally true and reliable, they constitute a people for whom wo justly feel the deepest sympathy and the greatest solicitude. The degree of civilization to which these tribes have attained varies greatly in different localities. Some of them, steeped in Ignorance, thoroughly degraded, seem, in their contact with our people, to have loot the rude virtues that characterized them in a savage state, and acquired from civili zation only its vices. Others have rapidly ad vanced, socially, morally, and in the knowledge of the useful arts, until they have become fit to be recognised as citizens. Here and there is found ono whose talents, attainments, and integrity, con stitute him an ornament to his rime, and, while he challenges our admiration and respect, furnishes iractioal evidence of the capacity of the Indian 3,302,475.98 " for high civilization. When those tribes who once resided east of the Mississippi river worn induced to leave the graves of their fathers and emigrate to the West, the Congress of the United States gave them a solemn pledge that tho country where they now reside should be forever "secured and guarantied" to them. The westward march of emigration, how ever, has overtaken the Indian, and now begins to Press upon bite, and it is evident that a critical period in his history has been reached. To attempt his removal still further West is impracticable. The country is unsuited to his wants; it has no sufficient supply of wood or water, and a removal there would but bo the means of hastening on his bitter fate. Whore ho now is, ho must make a stand and etrugglo for exigence, 2r his doom is scaled. If ho cannot adopt the habits, and rise to the level of his white neighbor, he must pass away ; and the necessity of - devising some policy which titian meet the emergency presses itself upon the Government at this time with pm. liar force. So far as the Indians of the central and northern superintendencles are concerned, the question is especially embarrassing. Treaded have, within the last three years, been negotiated with most of these tribes, by which their lands, wills the exception of entail reservations, harm boon ceded to the United States. Other treatio have been made, by which individual reserver , tines have been secured, in the expectation this the Indian would Bottle down, each upon his owa farm, and gradually and Insensibly attain the le vet of his neighbors. Unhappily for the moots of this scheme, an unprecedented tido of em• gration pressed into Kansas and Nebraska. The fertility of the reservations, greatly enhanced in value by the rapid settlement of Gm country, tempted alike the cupidity of tie land speculator, and of a class of settlers by no means punctilious in their respect dr the , right of the Indian. The result has boon disastrous. Trespassed upon everywhere, lie timber spoiled, himself threatened with perseral violence, fooling unable to cope with the euperor race that surrounded and pressed upon him, the Indian proprietor has become disheartened. Many of them have abandoned their reserves, and still more desire to sell. These Indians now ask for patents, as 'they have a right to do, ror their selections. The treaties vest in Congress the power of providing for their issuance, " with mach guards and restriotions as may seem advka ble for their protection therein." 'lliere won bend doubt that our people will succeed in getting pas session of these homes of the Indians. It' Con gress shall fail to act, and thus open no door by which the Indians can divest themselves of their titles, it may be apprehended that unscrupulous men will, without law, obtain possession of their lands for a trilling consideration, and atandthe chances of an ultimate title. The interest of the reserved requires the passage of a law regulating the alienation of lila right to his land, and moor ing him the payment of a fair equivalent for the same. For their ntrubors, the income of most of these tribes, in the way of annuity, Is largo ; but expe rience has shown that the system heretofore pur sued, of paying them in money at elated periods, bus been productive of evil rather than good. It represses industry and self-reliance; it encourages idleness and extravagance, and draws around them a swarm of unprincipled traders. In many of the treaties which have lately boon negotiated with these tribes, this provision has been inserted: " Tito objector this hstrumont being to adrenals the interests of said Indians, it is agreed" that " Congress may hereafter make such provision by law Its experience shall prove to be necessary." If Congress, in the exorcise of this power, ehould clothe this department with some discretion in the payment of annuities, so that the same could ho used as a moans of their moral reform and sieve lion, Instead of the injurious system now prevail ing, of distributing money per capita, decided ad vantages may be reasonably anticipated. The plan which has suggested itself as the most to arrest the deeierellsatiou now Midi! thereasing, and, at tho same time, lay a solid flitimdation for their ultimate civilisation, may be .briefly °tanned thus : , c, l They should be gathered on smaller reservations, - ns denser settlements. They must be fa }rued with the idea of separate property, by • raging' them to erect houses as homes for , ‘ tbeleaselves and their families. For this purpose the • thations should be divided into farms of suite. and distributed among the individuals of , „I,:tribes, to hold in severalty, as their separate private estate, but without thepower of sell- Intirtgaging, leasing, or in any manner aliens the same, exeopt to membered the same tribe themselves. Settlements by white men within 'reserves should be prohibited, and the prohi ,f On rigidly enforerd ; and increased efforts ':'; , :•111 be made to suppress the sale of ardent' Oh to street which the cooperation of the In lutborities should be secured. Farms should I ".Y . 4etablishod In central positions, at which 0 Children of the tribe should be collected trequired to labor, and where they could be ;L .. .4 tbe rudiments of an education. A certain •s 1 or them should be apprenticed to useful eat and the surplus of the proceeds of their , r, whether on the farm or in the workship, Id be divided among their parents. Hero they Id be taught the great truths—that labor is .arable, and that want and suffering Inevitably w in the train of improvidence end Idleness. 'meats of husbandry, blankets, and clothing, I articles of furniture, books, and, indeed, Arythtng which promises to give cam ort to their should bo purchased and divided per Ihould tbeir income be more than sufficient to met the outlay required for those purposes, than ~.kajorenender might be paid in money. Now the 19qaal intifterinitneto distribution of their na lewd funds among the Indians fsgradually work •lnVeirrujn ; whereas a wise policy, such as any i litt tai Government should adopt, would necee sar • produce the happiest results. , The details of the system should, of course, be modified to suit tho varied conditions of the seve rad Italie* ; but the uniform application of its load .leglileas to the government of the tribes in the eenbral and northern zupotintentleneles is, I con oelstoondispensable. • Tbe condition of affairs in the southern superin tendency presents a gratifying spectacle. The four great tribes of Choctaws, Chickasaws, Cherokees and Creeks, with the kindred band of Seminoles: oarypying the territory west of Arkansas, have st tiny improved in morals, in education, in the oorehension of, and respect for, the rights of pollens and of property, and in a knowledge of the theory and principles of government. They have regrdarly organised governments, constructed upon Olt:node! of our own, State Constitutions,Govern am Legislatures, codes of laws,and judicial magis trilbies to expound them. There the path of duty la ain. Every encouragement should be hold out to em to persevere in well doing, until the period arll 4 ves when, ripe for citizenship, they shall be ILA/Witted to the full enjoyment of all its rights and pritileges. One grievance, however, to which thoy are sub jested, and of which they justly complain, deserves the, consideration of Congress. While the Con , stitution, laws, and treaties of thu United States are in force over this territory, there is no local tribunal empowered to take cognisance of the (1 . 600,1 which arise under them; which, therefore, are sent for trial to tho United States district eourrti in the State of Arkansas. This not only ceased great expense and inconvenience to the suitors, but, in criminal oases especially, inter feres with the impartial administration of justice. A Choctaw or Chickasaw, accused of an offence against the laws of the U. States, is hurried away froM his friends, to bo tried at a remote point, in a aommunity which has no sympathy with him. Unable to compel the attendance of his witnesses, and deprived of the aid and comfort extended to the white man similarly situated, ho defends himself under great disadvantages. There is a.manifest injustice in this,which should be remedied ut once; anal' would suggest the establishment, by Con gress, of a district court of the United States for this territory, to hold at least one term annually fin *Rah of the four tribes of Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, and Chickasaws. Among these tribes 'bore are educated, wall-read lawyers, and the bolding of a court in their country would create, in the minds of the people. respect for the laws, and give dignity to the administration of justice. The Indians of the Territories of Washington and Oregon are still restive and belligerent. This disposition on their part evidently springs from disbelief In the strength and ability of this Gov , eroment to punish them for trespasses committed upon our settlements. It is the duty of the Gov ernment to disabuse their minds. This can best be done by peaceful means. Lot an appropriation be made to defray the expenses of a delegation from each of the large tribes in those distant Ter ritories, to Washington and other eastern cities. Lot them know, by personal observation, our num bers,- see our improvements, and estimate our strength. They would readily conclude that fur ther hostility would be absurd ; and when they carried the story of our greatness and power to theleamople, a change would come over their Mi , ‘ . - tand we might then reasonably hope for the es • - ...ant by treaties, of good understanding - ~ - •i• • vpoaee between us. Such an appro 1. ' '.' ' ,'.'.V,..},qth LI! 47_11dgment, an act of + ited4lbelonging to certain Indian tribes, [ .1 lid Waver treaties under which this mount wile derived devolved upon the President the duty of causing it to be invested in some "safe and pro fitable stooks," to be held by the Secretary of the Interior in trust for the respective tribes. In pursuance of your directions, these Indian trust funds were invested in State stocks which were doomed safe and profitable. Tho amount of bonds purchased In $1,411 , 470.03, costing $1,291,077.49. The investment having boon made at a time of unusual financial embarrassment, we aro enabled to make a profit of $190,393 54 for the Indian tribes, and at the same time afford relief, to some extent, to the business community. The report of the Commissioner of Pensions pre sents a satisfactory view of the operations of that bateau during the last. year. The business of the office has been brought up to date, as nearly as it if practicable; and the large clerical force re quired to despatch the heavy labors devolved upon ii by the recent laws granting bounty land, has been seduced, so na to conform to the present exigencies of the dice. For some years past the practice has prevailed of paying to the children, and sometimes to the administrators, of deceased revolutionary soldiers and their deceased widows, the amount of pension to which such soldiers or widows would have been entitled, had they succeeded in making good :heir claims during their lifetime, but never to grandchildren, as such. At the last term of the Supreme Court it was decided, in a ease involving the distribution of certain pension moneys which bad been paid to au administrator for the exclusive benefit of the children of a deceased-widow of a revolutionary' soldier, that grandchildren, per nirpes, stood in the same relation to such clones as children ; and it was subsequently contended that the effect of that decision was not only to affirm the legal correctness of the practice allude,' to, but to enlarge it, so as to embrace a class of claimants not previously recognised by it. Seeing that a largo amount or money had already boon drawn from the treasury under tho practice of tho °Mee, and doubting whether tho court bad gone beyond the mere question of distribution in volved in the cause before it, and decided as to the law on which that practice was founded, I availed myself of the first ease that arose to elicit the views of tho Attorney General, both as to the effect of the decision of the court and the le gality of the previous ruling of the office. He thoroughly investigated the whole subject, and gave a most lucid and convincing opinion on the illYr of the case; in which he canto to the conclu sion, that soldiers or widows who might have been entitled to pensions in their lifetime, but died without. establishing . their right or receiving the same, left no ostato to their claims which could be inherited either bygrandchildren or ehildren ; that arrears of pension, which alone, by the statute, were inheritable, only existed in eases where a pension hail once boon received, and, at the death of the pensioner, a portion was lett unpaid; and that the Supreme Court, in the decision referred to, had not passed upon that question. In this opinion I concurred; and as there was no law for the payment of pensions in such eases, and as no money could be drawn from the treasury without a previous appropriation, any payment ordered by me would hove bean against law, and would have amounted to a naked act of legislation by an executive officer. I felt no hesitation, therefore, in ordering a discontinuance of the practice In question, and all the cases com ing within it will ho indefinitely suspended, unless Congress shall pass a law, giving to children and grandchildren the pensions their deceased ances tors would have received had the proper proof been mode out during their lifetime. A pension is a bounty given by Government for meritorious personal service, and the first law granting pensions for revolutionary services con fined the bounty to the indigent soldiers But 'whether this restriction be correct or not. it is self evident that the great inducement, in all pension laws, is to relieve and compensate, in his own proper person, the self-sacrificing soldier, who risked his life, wasted his energies, and neglected his private affiiirs in the service of his country. The law has extended its beneficence from the soldier to his widow, and there it has stopped. If Congress shall take ono stop further, and provide for children nod grandchildren on account of the services of their ancestors, the question arises, why take care of the children and grandchildren of those whose fortune It was to live till Congress had passed a pension not, and not of those, equally meritorious, who died in the service, or who dragged out a miserable existence uncured for and unrecog nised by the Government. The children, and grandchildren, and great grandchildren should be contented in the rich in heritance derived from a glorious ancestry, in the liberties they enjoy, and in the institutions which giro them protection. Congress hat not boon un mindful of our revolutionary heroes. It has dealt out to them with no sparing hand. Up to the 30th Juno, 1857, under the pension laws of 1815, 1828, and 1832, 813,011,060 had been paid to rove , lutionary soldiers; and under the acts of 1830, 1838, 1848, and 1853, $18,302.0110 had been paid to the widows of our revolutionary soldiers—making an aggregate, in money, of sixty•ono millions theta hundred and fourteen thousand six hundred and twenty dollars, besides largo donations of land and disbursements of money, under other laws, on account of revolutionary services. The discriminations pointed out by the Commis sioner of Pensions, as existing between the invalid and half-pay pensions for the army and the navy, would seem to demand revision and correction by Congress. Some reorganization of the systems upon which those pensions aro granted is desira ble, not only because of the inadequacy of the lower rates to relieve the wants of those intended to be benefited, but because of the manifest pro priety of making like provision for those of cor responding grades In the two arms of the service who may become disabled while in the faithful discharge of , duty. During the past year 41,483 warrants for bounty land have been issued, requiring, to satisfy them, five millions nine hundred and fifty-two thousand one hundred and sixty sores of the publle domain; and the number issued under all the bounty land acts of Congress from the revolutionary war to the present time is 517,250, requiring, to satisfy them, sixty millions seven hundred and four thousand nine hundred and forty-two acres of land The frauds practised upon the Pension 01 toe in attempts to procure, and in the actual procure ment of land warrants, are numerous; but owing to the short statutory limit of two years, the frauds are not discovered, and ny g u ty persons maps. I would, thereforo , recommend an extension of the limit new made by the law for the prosecution of offences of this kind. The Commissioner of Pensions has called my at tention, also, to the fact, that the forging of land warrants is rendered Venal by no existing law. The extent to which this evil practice exists Is not known, but the importance of some legislative ac• tion upon the subject is obvious, and I would re spectfully recommend that Congress provide some law which may serve as a protection to the Govern. meut. 1 The reporter the Commissioner of Publie Build ings furnishes a detailed and satisfactory state ment of the application of the appropriations placed under his more immediate direction. The west wing of the Patent Office building is nearly completed throughout, and presents an ele gant and tasteful appearance The north front of the building is In the process of erection Satis factory contracts have boon entered tote for the granite and marble work ; the sub-basement has been finished; and the contractors are pressing forward their operations with a commendable real. This portion of the building will be completed by the appropriations already made, and no estimate Is now deemed necessary for the improvement and enclosure of the grounds around it. An extraordinary flood, during the last winter, swept away several sultans of the bridge across the Potomac. The authorities of the city of Washington repaired the breach, and the bridge has been otherwise placed in such condition as to make its passage safe. This, however, is a tempo rary arrangement, but it is the only ono by which a convenient connection between the city of Wash ington and the shore of Virginia can be had at present. A permanent bridge across the Potomac is a necessity, and it is for Congress to determine its location and its (diameter. The District of Columbia has been set apart for the capital of the nation, and the relations of its people to the General Government are altogether anomalous. Without a representative In Congress, and with no voice In the election of their chief magistra to, so far as political rights are concerned, its inhabitants occupy the attitude of a dependent people. But they aro nevertheless American citi zens, and, as such, have rights and interests which are dear to them, to guard which facilities should be afforded them, as to every other portion of our fellow-citizens, of making known their wants, through their own representative, to the only body clothed with the authority to supply thous. There can be no just reason for the distinction whirls has heretofore prof/ailed—allowing a Terri tory, with a meagre population, a delegate upon the floor of Congress, to make known its r!quire monts and advocate its interests, and denying the same privilege to this District, with its seventy five thousand inhabitants. It would be an ant of justice to provide a seat on the floor of the House of Representatives fur a delegate to be chosen by the people of the District of Columbia. Such an arrangement would remove a just ground of com plaint, that they have no accredited organ by which their interests can be fairly and favorably brought to the consideration of Congress. In conferring these powersmon the corporation, Congress must have acted Oh the conviction that it was the duty of the pity, and not of the General Government, to open and repair streets and ave nues, as well as to make the other improvements indicated. It is evident that the city authorities, acting under the influence of a city constituency familiar with the localities, and well informed as to the true interests and requirements of the people, are less liable to be misled in such matters by the representations of private interests than those whose attention is chiefly taken up with subjects of more general concern, and who are not supposed to be specially interested in the material advance ment of the city. In the act to incorporate the city of Washing ton, passed May' 15, 1820, Congress invested the corporation with full power and authority to "lay and collect taxes;"" to erect and repair bridges ;" "to open and keep in repair streets, avenues, lanes, alleys, drains, and sewers, agree ably to the plan of the city ;" "to erect lamps, and to occupy and improve for Rublio purposes, by and with the consent or the President of the United States, any part of the public and open spaces and squares in said city, not interfering with pri vate rights." It seems to be eminently proper, therefore, that these improvements should be made, in pursuance of the - provisions of the charter, under the direc tion of the city authorities; and hence no estimates have been submitted therefor by this department. Beyond the appropriations made by Congress for these objects, neither the Commissioner of Public Buildings nor the Secretary of the Interior has been entrusted with this duty. The law relieves this department from the obligation, not unfre quently urged, of initiating plans and suggesting appropriations for the openin revenant, and lighting of 'streets - mr mailarytiverra,_ ou, pr sion ls 'made in the charter of incorporati ne on, by which the Commissioner of Pablie Buildin,ra directed to reimburse the corporation a jun - pot Portion of the expense incurred in opening and improving streets passing through and along. pub belonging to the Government; but this resource bas s r a e l t e ofo o r f e lots .iocwi de frayed. i out l squares. ed o u f:m a h E o is e e d a y x n pe e n s arising t s i e m h : s t from o b h m: for an appropriation out of the National Treasury n b thh e e e e n submitted on that account. The reservations owned by the United States within the city of Washington require to bo im proved by the General Government. Much atten tion has bean bestowed upon these during the last few years, and several of them have been substan tially enclosed and tastefully embellished. But while much has been accomplished, more remains to bo done; and liberal appropriations might, with propriety, be made for the continuation of these improvements whenever the condition of the trea sury will admit it. The grounds around the Capitol are particularly commended to the favorable consideration of Con gross, in the hope that early measures may be taken to relieve them of their present nucomely appearance. The time has come when some plan should be agreed upon for their extension; but bow far they should be extended is a question to be determined by congressional action. The auxiliary guard is a police force provided by the Government for the protection of property and the preservation of the peace within the city of Washington. Its members are paid from the publie treasury, through the Commissioner of Public Buildings, but derive their appointments from the Mayor of the city, to whom alone they are respon sible for the faithful discharge of their duties. It is respectfully recommended that the law on this subject he so far amended as to require these ap pointments, before they can take effect, to be re ported to and approves! by some officer of the Gov ernment, either the Commissioner of Public Build ings or the Marshal of the District of Columbia, and to give such officer the power of removal from office whenever, in his opinion, the public good may render it necessary. Tho reports of the superintendent and the board of visitors of the tiovernmont hospital fur the Ori son° accompany this report. The number of pa tients in the hospital, July 1, '.71, was ninety-three During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1837, fifty-two were admitted, and thirty-five discharged, leaving in the institution, at the last-mentioned date, one hundred and ton, four of whom are in dependent or payy patients. This number exceeds the rated capacity of that part of the building now completed ; but an appropriation has been made fur the construction of the centre building and three sections of the wings, according to the origi nal plan adopted, which aro in process of erection, and which will be pressed to completion with all proper despatch and economy. When those per tions of the building aro finished, it is believed its capacity will be sufficient to meet all present de mands for the accommodation of this unfortunate class of our people. Tho institution is conducted with skill and fideli- ty, and reflects credit upon all who are concerned in its management. At the lust session of Congress, an not was sassed incorporating the Columbia, Institution for the In struction of the Denf,,Dumh, and Blind. In the charter of incorporation it is made the duty of the Secretary of the Interior, whenever he is satisfied that " any deaf anti dumb or blind person of teachable age, properly belonging to this District, is in indigent circumstances, and cannot command tho means to secure nn (Attention," to authorize the said person to enter the said institution for in struction, and to pay for his or her maintenance and tuition therein, at the rate of $l5O per annum. In pursuance of this provision of law, fourteen pupils have boon placed in the institution. The report of the president of the institution, which ho is required to make annually, is here with communicated. It exhibits the institution in rather a crippled condition. It is in debt, and it needs more laud, Letter buildings, and a larger in come, to pay the teachers. It has fifteen pupils, fourteen of which are maintained by the Govern ment. The charity is a noble one; but as it in not a tlovernment institution, it is (or Congress to de termine whether further assistance shall be ex- tended to it. The report of the inspeetors of the penitentiary, with the accompanying reports of the warden,elork physician, matron, and chaplain, are herewith sub mitted. hey furnish a detailed account of the ad ministration of the affairs of the penitentiary for the past year. The views expressed by the in. speotore of the present working of the penitentia ry, and their recommendations for Its future im provement, aro approved and commended to your favorable consideration. The report of the engineer in charge of the con- struotion of the bridge across the Potomac at Little Falls exhibits the progress of that work, and the probability of its early completion. There have been unavoidable delays, which aro explained, but the work, when finished, will be creditable alike to the engineer and the Government. By a joint resolution of the last Congress the duty was devolved upon this department of distil. bating a portion of the journals and congressional documents to public libraries, Ac , previously dis tributed by the Department of State. As the rem- Innen prescribed no rule by which the distribution should ho made, it is proposed to send to each State copies in proportion to its federal representa• tion, and the distribution will be reads on that basis, unless Congress shall otherwise direct. It is respectfully suggested that a law be passed fur the future government of the department in refer ence to this subject. To this department belongs the supervision of the Recounts of marshals, district attorneys, and clerks of the circuit and district courts of the United States, and no other branch of the public service Is encompassed with greater difficulties in its administration. In some respects advantageous changes might be made, and additional legislation is recommended. By the ant of February 28,1799, fees for services rendered by district attorneys in the performance of their duties were specifically prescribed, and in certain diatrlots named an annual celery lras pra• TWO CENTS. 'sided, "as a full compensation. for all extra ser f ices." All district attorneys, except the one In Southern New York, now draw a salary, thehrrester part of them at the rate of, and none lose thin, two hundred dollars per annum. nut the repeated ap plications for compensation for extra services by theta officers is becoming a serious evil. Some of the district attorneys assume that they are under no official obligation to render any service for the Goveniment for which ho fee is preeeribed under exiat tug line, Inch as preparing a use for trial, procu clog and examining witneesee examintog title to property purchased for the use of the te! States; and they In shit, ea 3 matter of equity, If nut of strict legal right, I that they are entitled to compensation for all prate'. eland services other than those specifically enumerated in the fee act, notnithetaading they receives fixed com pensation for all extra services, and the act Itself de. dares, "no other compensation shall be taxed or allow ed', than the fees thereiu prescribed. I recommend an Increase of the salaries of the rupee tire district attorneys, graduated by some equitable rule, coupled/. Ith a provision devolving upon thou officers the duty of faithfully performing all such see vices, in the line of their profeation, as should be re quired of them in every cue iu which the interests of the Government are in any way Involved, and declaring that the receipt of such salary shall operate WI a full diecharge of all claim on the part of the recipient for compensation for all services not enumerated in such fee bill as may at the true be in force. Experience has demonstrated that a change may be made with propriety in the law providing for the ap pointment of clerks of the several United Statee courts. These officers are now appointed by the judges, to whom 'lone they are responsible foe their official conduct. The law requires them, semi-annually, to snake returns of their lees end emoluments. But in cue of failure or refusal, this department is powerless to enforce obe dience, or to remove the delinquents, It can, however, withhold any money that may he due them by the United Stites, until they shall render their accounts This is the whole extent of its power. I made the duty of this department to restrict the expenditures of these officera within proper limit., al - though defrayed out of the proceeds of their offices ; to allow no one clerk to retain of his fees and emolument* a siun exceeding three thousand are hundred dollars per annum, for his personal compensation; and to require him to pay into the Treasury of the United States, semi. &tumidly, any surplus of the Caine. A duty Is thus im posed upon the head of the department, while he is clothed with no adequate authority to enforces compli ance with his orders and requlremeine. Amu evidence of this, it le proper to state, that In order to p amour a re solution adopted by-the last Nouse of Reresentatives, circulars, calling for the requisite information, were ad dressed to all these *Steers on the Lt of September last, and althoughpropeicerumudati on is due to those who replied promptly, yet Morisco in the States, and nine teen in the Territories, have wholly failed to respond nurser., Some remedy for this state of things should he provided, and it is respectfully suggested, as the most effectual, to change the tenure of the office, so u to require ell the clerks of all the courts to be ap pointed in the ensue manner as marshals and district at torneys. Clerks of courts, in many eases, are appointed and act ae United Statee come:S*llolmm. This practice, it is believed, adds largely to the expenses of that branch of the public service, especially in the large (item, where it becomes necessary, to the absence of the clerk, to employ an additional number of deputize In his office. This evil requires correction at the hands of Congress. The clerk of the Supreme Court cannot, by the re ceived construction of the law, be required to make a return of the fees and emoluments of his office, nor Is hie compensation limited; yet the policy and spirit of the law Includes thin officer, as well as the clerks of the circuit and district courts. If the existing law be wise and ought to Do maintained, then no valid reasons ex ists why this officer should bo made an exception. The late Attorney General gave an opinion that a clerk was a ~ collectiog agent of the Goeenament, and should be held to account for all the fees of his office, received or receivable, deducting therefrom the maxi mum allowed by law." Now, although the clerk or other officer may earn a large surplus, still one-half of the maximum may not have been actually received. And, notwithstanding the fact that they are legally powerless in come eases to collect their earldom they are poeitively required to pay Into the treesury, with each semi-annual return, any surplus which tke um* exhibits. The officers claim, generally, that they have a sight to retain the compensation to which they are entitled, and that they are not In a position to rebus it until it Is actually collected, which leads to much difficulty To remedy this, it Is eroggestel that all clerks and marshals in the respective States and Territories, and In the ',District ,of Columbia, be explicitly authorised to demand the payment of their foes, or take security therefor, when they are not properly chargeable to the United States, In advance of the rendition of all offi cial services. Duriog the lut session of Congreu an appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars eras made for the erec tion of a court-house in the city of Boston. This was construed not to authorise this department to purchase a building, however suitable for the purpose. The masonic temple, conveniently situated is the business part of that etty, vas offered to the department for one hundred and tee thousand dollars. The proposition nu accepted, subject to the approval of Congress ; and an estimate has been submitted covering the expendi ture. The fourth section of the act of 28th February last, authorizing the people of Minnesota to form a Con stitution and State Government," made It the duty of the United States marshal for said Territory " to take a census, or enumeration, of the inhebltante within the limits of the proposed State, under such rules and regu latiorui as should be prescribed therefor by the Secretary of the Interior, with the view of ucertamlng the num ber of rspresentatires to which said State may be en titled in the Congress of the United States." The necessary instructions hare been lamed to enable the marshal to perform that duty, and an appropria tion will be asked, as soon as full returns of his opera tions have been received, to defray the expenses he has than been directed to Incur—no provision therefor hay ing yet been made. wiel7 - t n ahuditic rif f - WaY of — i. Paso, on i r.,..J i tanoggi s .„ u - pass, to of the G Ile v. - I.r i= jw9tsh Olt '- -441,44.n5tax. Provision hod been previously made for opening a road from fort Ridgely, Minnesota, to the South Pus, and operations had been commenced thereon, under Instructions from my predecessor. Work has been commenced on all these roads, and measures have been taken for its • igoroue prosecution. The obvious design of Congress in these appropriations, Weil to locate and open roads which should meet preeent emergencies and the demands of emigration, and not to introduce a system of improvements which would r• quire other and larger appropriations to be made, from year to year, for their completion. With this view, and to secure the speedy and ecouomiest construction of these great and extended thoroughfares, it was deemed f~` Coagreea , t6it dapsrt t expedient to appoint a superintendent. and organise a suitable corps of operatives on each road. Each super intendeut was instructed to pas+ over the entire length of the section of the route assigned him, locating it on the moat direct and advantageous ground, and opening and improving it in such a manner as to admit of the easy passage of a loaded wagon The Immediate direction of the movements of these several parties was placed by me in charge of a gentle man of experience; and so soon as inibrmation of the operations of the past season is received, I will canoe him to make a detailed report of their progress, for the purpose of laying it before Congress. The Fort Rldgely and South Pass road has already been opened as far west as the Missouri river, a distance of about two hundred and fifty miles, and the country through which it rune is reported to bee ncb and de sirable one for settlement. The appropriation for this work hag, however, been exhausted, although some four hundred and fifty miles remain to be templets'!. To finish this portion of the read, should it be the pleasure of Congress to carry out Its original design, an addi tional appropriation of thirty thousand dollars will be required and It should be made at an early day. The joint commission for running and marking the boundary between the United States and Mexico, under the treaty of December 30, 1853, concluded its labors and adjourned on Ottobor 1 ; and the comuthaluner on our part has turned over to this d•partment the mom Smith one or too exceptions, which are in the hands of the engraver,) journale, astronomical determination', and other public property In his poaeession. Of the report heretofore ordered by Congress to be printed, the first volume In completed, and sill be ready for distribution early in January. The second volume, or appendix, which contains the reports upon the zoology and botany of the region surveyed, is still in complete. The engraved plates to illustrate thin part of the cork are in the custody of this department, so far as they are completed. During the lest Congress, the Senate, by resolution, ordered the printing of five thousand extra copies of the report proper and accompanying maps, and two thou sand extra copies of the , seend volesne, or appendix, to be paid for um! of the fund appropriated for rounieg the boundary. The execution of this order will cost from thirty-the to forty thousand dollars. The resolution of the Senate, without the concurrence of the House of Itepreemitatives and the President, will not furnish to thin department a sufficient warrant to justify the pay ment of these expenses out of the fund designated. By the 14th section of the act approved March 3.1837, the Commissioner of Patents Is required annually, in the month of January, to mike a report to Congress, detailing the operations of his bureau. This law was enacted while the office was under the supervision of the Secretary of State ; and as it was not required of film to make an annual report, it was deemed more convenient, without doubt, for the Commissioner to report directly to Congress. The act approv ed Starch 3, 1849, transferred the supervisory and appellate Bp. yrs, in relation to the acts of the Commissimiet of Patents. previously exercised by the Secretary of State, to the Secretary of the Inter ior. All the other bureaus of the department wake annual reports to the Secretary, to be laid before the President, and by biro communicated to Cotegrees. But, in the case of the Commissioner of Patents, while the rules and egulations for the management of his office, his acts, and the conduct of all those tinder his imme diate eiipervisiou, are subject to the control of the Secre tary, and, through him, of the President, yet the an anal report required of him Is not, in any way, under existing law, open to the revision of either. There Is nothing in the peculiar nature of the subjects or duties pertaining to that bureau which makes this exception necessary; and as the reason for the law hae ceased to ex let, It might be changed o ith proptiety. From the Ist of Jannsry to the 30th of September, 1857, 4,095 applieationx for patents have been received, and 820 caveats tiled; 2,006 patents have been issued, and 2.2b7 application+ rejected. The receipts for the three quarters ending 30th Sep tember, 1057, were $101,415 97. _The expenditures acre $103,942,04 Excess of expenditures over receipte, $2,520 07. The policy indicated in the law establishing the Pa tent Office Is, that It should be a selfssustaining bureau. This policy is a sound one, and should be *Warred. The law now authorizes a return. upon the rejection of an application, of hie-thirds of the fee required to be deposited by the applicant on presenting his claim. Of the 1103,942.04 expended during the last three quarters, $27,919 94 was mode up of lees restored to applicants, after the labor of examining their tacos had been per formed. There seems to be neither justice nor expedi ency in thin requirement Its consequence has been to bring into the office 'large amount of business, frivolous In its character, and which seems, in fact, obtruded but es au experiment upon its credulity. If it i3ilesired that thin bureau should be, as heretofore, supported by its own carol ne,a, this feature of the financial adrulnietratlon of the office should be revised and reformed. By tho ninth section of the act approved July 4,1826, the applicant for a patent, If a subject of the King of (treat Britzio, was required to pay a fee of live hundred dollars At that time an American citizen applying for a patent in that kingdom wan required to pays fee of one hundred pounds. But recently the English Government has reduced the fee required of an American citizen from one hundred to twenty pounds. An the tee originally required Perna to have bee❑ determined on a principle of retaliation, it is proper end becoming in our Govern ment to respond to the liberal policy shown by Great Britain toward our citizen., by reducing the fee in such cases to one hundred dollars. The evicting law authorizes an appeal from the de cision of the Commissioner to oitker of the judges of the &cult court for the District of Columbia This law is an anomaly in our legislation. It confounds the execu tive and judicial departments, which the genie. of our institutions requlres should be kept separate and disc tiricit from each Apr. Its violation of principle is not mute serions di lty than its practical operation. The appellant not only selects the judge who shall try the case, but also pays the fee of twenty-fire dollars al lea ed him. The amount of compensation thus received a ill depend upon the number of eves brought before him; that number will inevitably be Influenced by his course of decision. Thejudge Is thus placed in a posi tion of embarrassment, If not of huunliation, alike to be deplored by himself and the country. This law should be repealed, and some other system aubstAuted which will put this office in a position of independence in Its executive action, and at the came time secure all the rights of inventors The most feasible plan pt suggested to effect this it, in my judg . Inept ; to authorise the creation of a permanent Board NOVLC TO CON/LICOPOMPTIM6 Oarreeposesete Ito ( I Tie Pima , ' lan Sere kw is Wed tee banatriag rates : Ivory eaeoneelastlee met be eeselypea k eell by the mums of the mites. Is Mar to than arreithwit at the tYPeenoby, bat one Me at a sheet ,e suit be nista apes. We WWI beg ly obliged to heathens, to Posaayl ula end othor &alma tae toottitottliotte glebes Ulf Na tant MITI of the day to their portleelor losoittlea, the freeertmo et tau attreoesolin ecrootty, the toreseo• et population, sod soy totormatkis that vat le latarsitin to the pural reader of /levies, to consist of them members, selected beknofr7ursedwritheuentaewixandneuitaarith.r:fmnle".ty choelle.fieLTafrattlaudwhemi'd.tnin.lieltall". Ins upon all appeals from the lodgment of the any stmcilners, except In ewers et appeal where any of these may have presume!) hunted and expeemeut an opinion; in which ease another examiner may he salt 'tautest to art in his stead ; and rhea their Jody:met and action will be subject to the supervialow mid mi... of the Comadmioner. This alteratton GI existieg law must noise:eerily befease the efficiency of the office, and at the same tints secure uniformity had eartelety be Its rules of action. And while the inventor will be eared ham rexactows delays, sad henry costs tiliffdreo end counsel, he meet feel satieffed that, hi the provi sion made for the thorough cumin' alias of his applica tion by the examiner In the Ant instance, then Ivy the board of examiner, In chief, and, lastly. by the Com. mistioner, be has secured to him the amplest opportu nity for the establishment of his rights. The =Cray and suttees of the inventire genine of th• country, the limited circumstances of this worthy rhea of our fellow-cibiena, who are badly prepared to brook daisy or expense In the prosecution of their claims, the rapid enlargement and glowing Importance of this branch of business, and the fact that this office asks nothing from the initiate] treasury, tut only seeks each an organisation of its intents] machinery as will place Ohs, branch of the public service upon tke most efficient footing, justify an earnest invoctiben of the at tention of Congresa to the wants of this offiee. The agricultural dinsion of this office is growing in popularity with the country and increasing in useful nee. It maybe well ;motioned whether any other expenditure of,the public mosey has ever proved so largely remunerative and so beneficent in its toff onsets. The crop of Chine= and Mclean sugar-cane alone, far the pewee: year, will more than compensate for the money heromfbre expended is this behelf. lieseurc o bare been taken for the establishment of a more satisfactory eystem for the distribution of [rids; the iutroduction of the tea plant; the collection of the aced and cutting of the native grape sines with the view of testing their value for the manufaeltue of wine; the investigation of the nature and habits of the insects that Infect the cotton plant, with the view of ascertaining obether some idea can be devised for the protection of the cotton planter; and let the chewiest 'wkly.= of =trim. plan ta and solle. The eases required by the act of Ilarch J, 1537, to be constructed in the hall of the Smithsonian Institution for the reception of the eollectioes of the exploring ex peditiene Mt ether objects of enrimity and interest, now in the main hall of the Patent Ofil. building, have beta contracted for, and millicient progress has been touts to warrant the belief that the removal tan be made before the explratioo of the current fiscal year. The object of the transfer of these collections to the Smithson/Jut In stitution evidently was to relieve the Patent Office from the respousibility and trouble of their custody; the force, therefore, heretofore employed to take Imre of them. will then be no longer needed by this =gee, and no estimate has been entinitted for that purpose. lun, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 2. TIIOIIPSON, ffecretary of the Interior. To the PLISIDIENT OP Tut ITSITID SINUS. REPORT OF .THE SECRETARY OF TEE NAVY. The annual report of the Secretary of the Navy gives a full detail of the condition of that depart ment. The destination of the naval foree during the year is described, aim the operations of the vessels charged with assisting in laying the sub marine cable. Congress, at its last session, authorised the en listment of eight thousand Are hundred men for the navy, instead of seven thousand ire hundred. the former limit. This inerease enabled the de partment to employ more weasels at sea; but the number of marines has not been inereaasd au that guards can be provided for them. The marine barracks at Barton, Philadelphia. and Norfolk are represented to be contracted and entirely unit for use ; and the commandant of the corps recommends that provision be made to pur chase ground and erect imitable buildings at theca places.. The Secretory says : "When I entered upon my dirties in this Department, I found alisval Court of Inquiry already organised under thei act of January 16, 1817. Deeming It important that the investigation directed by that act should b. brought to an early conclusion, I immediately organised tiro additional courts. These three worts have prosecuted their labors with great assiduity. The mutt in many eases has been pre sented toyou. As to all those eases in which the oeurts have recommended restoration to the active list, or to the service, or a transfer from furlough to leave pay, you have approved the action of the courts ; and when you shall have presented corres ponding nominations to the Senate, you will have done as to them all which this act has Committed to your discretion. As to those cares in which the Courts have re commended no change, the action of the President, whether it be that of approval or disapproval, will not wary the result, but leave the parties its stain quo, as if there had been no inquiry. The Presi dent, having no power to Change the state of any person already in the navy, except by dismis sal, or by promotion, with the advice and consent of the Senate, or to restore anj person to it ex cept by a new appointment, with the advice and consent of the same body, it is obi - ions that tit tle could be done to remove or palliate the pre sumed evil which it was the object of that act to remedy, except by the prompt execution of the act itself. Unwilling to be drawn into any allegation against those officers who bad been affected by the actiorof the Retiring Board, I examined The act vongrek , ,lo see if any with defy tad been ad u .n me. I found that it admitted no lati- ed the physleal, waisted. • • emu, •, an • ••• fitness of the officer for the naval revoke to bo to veatigated by scout of inquiry. Accordingly, the precept to the court in every ease directed that preeise Inquiry. Inetruetione were given to the judge advocates In every Instance whore theparty desired to take the initiative, and to present all the evidence which they intended to introduce before the party should be called upon to respond, and then to give him ample opportunity. They were directed to consent to depo_vitione when necessary or convenient. They were instracted, when reasonable objection skrastd be made to any court, to give way to it, and to interpose no obstacle to the transfer of the case to another court to which there should be no objection. These instructions were given to insure a fair, impartial, and faithful execution of the intentions of Congress. The estimates for the support of the navy and marine corps, and for all other objects under the control of the Navy Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1359, are— For the support of the navy and Wmarine corps F 9,949,515 01 For special objects 4,865,733 22 Making $14,610,293 23 The aggregate estimates for the fiscal year end ing June, 15S, were $13,503,212 27, being $Bl3-, 085 lass than the present estimates. This differ ence is principally caused by estimating $250,000 for the armament for the fire new sloops, $350,000 more than last year for building the sloops, and by estimating for provi , lons and pay for one thousand additional men, authorized by the act of March 3, 11.85 T. The expenditures for the year ending June 30, 1867, for all purposes under the control of the de partment, were $12,632,696.81. Of which,sl,3l3,- 698.14 being for special objects, the legitimate ex penses of the navy and marine corps for that period wore $8,288,998.61. A review of the present eondilion of the navy, and of the establishments connected with it, bas afforded me great gratification. I see in them, taken in connection with our commercial marine and our immense resources, the means of promptly putting afloat a naval force equal to any exigency likely to arise in the history of the country. It is not the penny of our Government to main tain a great navy in time of peace. It is against its retued policy to burden the resources of the people by an orerpown naval establishment. It is universally adinitted to be inexpedient to endea vor to compete with other great commercial powers in the magnitude of their naval preparations. But it is the true policy of our Government to take care that its navy,within its limited extent,ebould be unsurpassed In its efficiency and its complete ness, and that our preparatory arrangements should be such that no event shall take us alto gether by surprise. The bears having monopolized much atten tion lately, sayi a Bangor (Mo.) paper of the sth, the wolves claim notice. On Wednesday night last, as Mr. Mitchell was driving a mail mud wagon on the back Calais route from Beddington to the next slopping place, twenty miles from this city, being without passengers, his team was beset by a pack of wolves. They were about a dozen in number and came en fierce and noisy. Mitchell, however, drove up smart, which be had no difficul ty in doing, as the horses were quite as much frightened as himself. As they pressed hard upon him and glared their eyeballs and gnashed their teeth about him, he let go the contents of a rifle which laid out one of the hungry crew and for the time checked their pursuit. This was providen tially near the stopping place, upon arriving at which, the driver is said to have been petty well overcome with excitement and fright. Wolvea and bears are very plenty on the back route and very audacious. An express passed through St. Louis en Tuesday for Washington, with despatches from Col. Johnston. The ReptgUiran received letters from the army to November 3d. The Mormons had run off six hundred head of cattle in sight of Colonel Alexander's camp. n e 341 ana's Fork, Green River. At the date of the letter it was =pawed that Colonel Johnston had concentrated hie forces with Alexander, and that in a fornight from that time Colonel Cook's command would be with them. They expeoted to winter on Henry's Fork. Green River. '1 Jere was agood deal of suffering from want of provisions and clothing, and the horses were giving out from want of forage. At Brodford,`3fass., a whole family were re cently committed to jail for being addicted to the gro..sest habits of intemperance. It consisted of mother, three eons, and s sister of the mother. The eldest eon died on Sunday in prison of delirium tremens, and the youngest, but sixteen years of age, is in a critical state from the same cause The father died a few months ago in the same man ner. The youngest son is charged with setting fire to the barn of a neighbor, who had been in the habit of contributing to the wants of this wretched family. The New Haven Palladium says it is well that Tunkerman is to be tried in Connecticut, and not in New York, otherwise he would unquestion ably be found "morally insane" and cleared. Within the last three years, five mail and post office robbers have been convicted in Connecticut. Ono of them recently died at Weatherdeld, and the other four are still serving out terms of from two to twenty-,even years. A large bed of coal has lately been disco vered in Ridge Prairie, St. Clair eounty, near the line of the Ohio and AlizAssippi Railroad. The Yell averages about seven and a half feet in thickness. The Charleston papers announce that the steamer Walaka, of Savannah, was totally wreck ed on St. Nicholas Bar, TM inst. The crew, pas. Merl ; and a part of der OrgOi were taped.