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^vii Jullam and u half |ier hiiinlie.1, n,n whilst 11 . u| ply delivt-rci at Kurt Leavenworth, of tin- fattest and '1(,I ((Iiulity of coin-fed beef, cost only six dolhiiJ twentytin- cents j>t i hundred, netl mi the Mutij'x-t of the national defences, the report sug,.hU partial susjiensiou of the |?>licy of constructing , ?.ill v.olli- ill View 'I tin- pl"h.ihle substitution til . \t ut, if earth wmh 1 mite lies In view of the prodigious development in the marine of Hit tied I'liwein "f I'.uii'l" ni'l ol tin- im i, a.-M-.i i.ingi ul iv ii I- 'ii? ne vi' - enable tli.-m to overt the utmost strength of their laud armies an well an floating forces, Ibt report (PUggesto some provision against descents upon , ,,a,U "f hostile ai lines co updating with steam fleet|? j,ioJh>i tiini as "in sea ports increase in wealth, they sill increase the incentive wiiieh would incline ouf murjlj,,,, rivals t" resort, in case of win. to a revival u|siii , ir nli'ireS of tin .system wlileh tliey pnisileil ut S-v.i?tn jkiI, Kinburn, Odessa, Swcborg, and Honiarsiiud, with H h ilestni' tive effect. The evtraoidiiiary merits of the uiilituiy road from I'lTt Smith by I'oit Dcliuncc to Culilornia, near the lath jundlel, a |>art of which was opened last year, and the - ?i?W av ntiirat ion Hint const met ion bv I .unit rest m uu" wm i ?r ? -v I Hcale, are dwelt upou ; and so also are those of a road iliatjlaw been opened through Utah, by what ia called the I valley of the Tlmjranftgos, which diminishes the dUtanee io California two hundred and fifty miles less than that of the Salt Lake City route. Explorations of the country stretching west from the lilack Hills o#Nebraska to the Columbia river arc strongly recommended. It is believed that a most important line of intercommunication between the Mississippi valley and the river Oregon will yet be opened, and probably, nt no distant day, either through the country spoken of or a little farther north, upon a line extending from Lake Superior along upon the waters of the upper Missouri to those of the Oregon. At all events, we need much information about this country, which nothing but a careful exploration can give. There arc strong grounds to believe that between the navigable waters of the Missouri and those of the river Oregon a portage of not more than four hundred miles intervenes. If this should turn out to be true, and the ground should prove suitable for the construction of u road, this route will he eventually one of the most important yet discovered between the Allan lie and Pacific for military purposes. 'Ibc purchase of a thousand camels for array transportation is urged. Ill the space of three days ft well-np pointed command could act out and traverse a sjaace at one hundred and fifty miles without difficulty or much fatigue, and fall upon any Indian tribe perfectly unawares. Tliey would be able to carry all necessary supplies for the campaign, and traverse the arid plains without any inconvenience from want of water. The superiority of the camel over the horse would soon become so manifest for all movements upon the plains and deserts, that hostile Indians in those regions would soon come to understand the hopelessness of escape by flight, and the (ollv of marauding where chastisement was certain. The camel lives and thrives upon what would not'sustain the hardiest mule, and consequently the item of forage, one now of enormous cost, would be almost saved, if the supply of camels was sufficient to answer the demands and requirements of our frontier service. The establishment of a cavalry depot and school for the instruction and drill of drugoons at the government buildings, at Hurrodsburg, Kentucky, is recommended with much force of argument. The school of artillery at Old l'oint Comfort is succeeding in a high degree. The creation of another inspector general is requested. The recommendations of the lust annual report on the subject of the staff arc repeated. The combination of the two corps of engineers and topographical engineers into one is advised ; and it is urged that all stall officers should he required to serve periodically in the field. Three additional brigadier generals are asked for, as a measure of efficiency and economy. It is recommended that a speedy decision pro or con should be made by Conpress upon the claims of volunteers pending before it for services against the Indians. The report concludes with a few observations on tho expenditures of the army. A distinction is drawn between sums of money appropriated for fortifications, buildings, and aqueducts, to be expended under the direction of the War Department, and the expenditures proper of the army. The Secretary 1ms attempted as far as possible to meet the just wishes of the President in reducing the expenditures of the army, and the estimates of the next fiscal year are less than the appropriations of the last by tho sum of $9,160,-IKS 32. They are less than the estimates j of the last session of Congress by the sum of $2,735,- ' 408 55. They amount in the aggregate to $18,010,- j 000 2ft, and a strong hope is entertained that the expen- ' Oitures may be still further reduced in tho course of another year. Notwithstanding the Indian wars in Washington, New i Mexico, and Texas, all of which were unforeseen uud unexpected, still, unless there shall be further and larger demands for expenditures in suppressing other Indian hostilities, additional to those already Incurred in Washingt"? Territory, New Mexico, and Texas, there will be no necessity for asking appropriations in the shape of a deficiency bill. nu wui uju i JlhJ .SI'X'KKTAHY OF THK NAVY. Tlic first subject of consideration in this document is tbe employment of the naval force for the purpose of urrwtiug unlawful expeditions against Nicaragua. The la'U in relation to this matter were comniunlcat< J to Congress at its last session by the special message of the j President. of January 17, 1858. Next the rcjKirt refers to | lire vessels sent into the neighborhood of Cuba, to resist the exercise of the right of search by British cruisers, lhone vessels were all deemed effective for the object for *hich they were sent, because in the execution of their mission no one of them would have hesitated to resist a ship of the largest class. They were instructed to protect all vessels of the United States against the exercise the right of search on the high seas, in lime of peace, W the armed vessels of any other power. These instruction* have been often repeated, and are now regarded as "?nding instructions to tlie navy of the United States sherevcr employed. They put the deck of an American V'swlon the same footing with American soil, the inva'inn of which under foreign authority is to be as strenuously resisted in the one case as in the other. They retard such invasion as in the highest degree offensive to the 1'uited States, incompatible with their sovereignty und with the freedom of the seas, and to lie met and ro'Kted hy the whole power of the country. This ipiestion ?f right, upon which we had gone through one war and half a century of negotiations, was brought to final is?ue liy placing all other nations in a posture where 'hey must either light for it or abandon it. The result I W proved the wisdom of the measure. Congress having authorize*! the President to use force k> obtain repress from tlio government of Paraguay, it *?* deemed expedient to send a powerful fleet into that "dghborhood, to lie employed, if neccaaary, for tlmt purP0*' Accordingly the sipiailron on the east coast of "birth America has lieen increased so that it will consist of frigates, two sloops of-war, three brigs, twelve armed j tf?mrr*, and two armed store-ship*. They bare l?ecn "nirred to redesvons near Buenos Ayres, and to In: in fwiinero (" any notion that may l>e roquired. Of this '"Mc, one sloop, three brigs, and twtlvo steamer* can lay whole river coast of Paraguay undol effective block"'h . nsuend the river to the capital of that country, 1 ""I overcome any resistance that may lie offered. The "hi'ttof the department has I won to leave no doubt of "" Micvoss of an expedition set on foot to protect tho | ' prsitis and property of American citizens in a remote 1 1 "'"try, to vindicate the honor of tlie American flag in 1 1 1 Pirtictilar instance of wanton outrage offered to it, and j t " ""'irate a determined purpose on the part of this gnvntment to cause It to bo respect**! wherever its protec- ] "" may |M> rightfully involved. The Secretary rivi.m- t """Is the purchase of the six propellers and three side- i \ wheel steamers which hare been chartered for service on 001 this expedition. '1'h During tlie [>a*t year the department h^ut sent out a ml surveying party, under the command of Lieut. J. M. Brooke, to survey and lay down with accuracy the oh- na structions to navigation In the usual routes between Kan tu Francisco and China. tot The steam-frigate Niagara, under the command of th ('apt. Hudson, was in March last placed at the service of at the Atlantic Telegraph Company to co-oi>erato with those in furnished by the British government in another effort to Cc lay the Atlantic cable. Having performed this service, m she returned to New York, where she arrived on the lntii wl of August, and whs put out of commission. It whs th deemed a fitting sequel to her participation in that enter- ar prise of science that the Niagara should next be engaged ofi in un enterprise of distinguished philanthropy. The en brig "Echo," an Africau slaver, having lieeu captured on lii the coast of Cuba and brought into Charleston with her wi cargo of dOG slaves, the Niugara was ordered to restore in these Africans to their native country ; she left New York lor unit purpose, proceeded to Charleston, took them ou la board, uud ou the day following net nail for Liberia cu The Secretary makes honorable mention of the kind- an uess of Sir Heustun Stewart, the admiral of the port of gi Kingston, Jamaica, and other Hritish officers, when the steam-frigate Kiitujuchanna wan compelleil to put into that ar port on account of the yellow fever m ikiug its appearance th ou l>oard. sc. '1'he live steam sloops of-war authorized by the act of sa March J, 1S57, will noon lie completed. '1'he one built th at New York by Mr. Westcrvelt, under coutract with the an government, will bo ready for trial at sea during the rii present month. That built at tho Fuiladuiphiu navy- OS yard lnw been launched, and will lie ready for trial in March. Those built at the Charleston and Uosport navy- [{ yurds will bo ready for launching during the present month, and for sea by July. The other, built at l'euMieola, will be lauuehod in the spring. The seven steam screw sloops-of-war and one side-wheel war-steamer, au- sn thorized by act of Juue 12, lSJH, are in a state of great 11; forwardness. Five of them willH^launched during the tc present month uud be ready for ijMMiy May uexl, and tbe ui other two screw steamers will lK'~Iaunched early in the h>l spring and Ire ready for trial by June. The side-wheel d< steamer is building at the navy-yard in California, will c< be launched in the ensuing spring, and be ready for sea h! in August. In the construction of the steamships au- b; tlionised by the acts of Congress referred to, it lias been ei the aim of tlie department to combine speed and power ti with strength in the highest practicable degree for vessels p of their class. The importance of high *|>eed has not uj been too highly appreciated ; and in the Dahlgrcn gun li l,?? 1..,,,,. u? r UUn uvv.. VUUVUID VI IU llir UB0 Oil lllOf'C ? steam propellers. It is believed that there in no gun in li any service which surpasses it for strength, rnnge, accu- u< racy, and power. c; The report goes on to state that nil our past expert- f(encc has evinced the necessity of an increase of the nnvy. T It is impossible with our present naval force to give udo- <1 quate protection to the persons and property of American si citizens pursuing their various avocations by land and ti sea in all parts of the world. What we inoro especially ol need in time of peace is a large number of vessels capa- e: bio of entering the rivers and harbors of nil foreign coun- d tries as well hh our own. Such is the condition of Mexico p and of the Central and South American States that it is ii indispensably jipccssary that we should be able to ap- tl proacb them frequently, and at every accessible point, ei There is no other mode of extending effectual protection fc to American interests in that or any other quarter of the ol globe where the existing governments lack stability, or a< for other causes, cannot be relied on for the performance II of international duties. The frequent presence of a ship- In of-war, though not of the largest class, exerts a pow- oi crful restraining influence, and will generally save tc our citizens from tho infliction of gross injustice. f(1 There is also a necessity for an augmentation of our tl naval force, in view of the unprecedented rapidity ni with which our commerce has increased. We nre ui already one of the greatest commercial powers of cc the world. Frequenting all seas and visiting ull ni countries, it is vnin to suppose that it can bo protected by a few ships of the larger classes. Tho only mode of ri doing it in an effective anil economical manner is to give ,n the navy greater efficiency by multiplying the number of w smaller vessels ol light draught and powerful armament, it capable ot' following commerce into whatever waters it may frequent, and of which four or live can be built and si maintained in commission for the cost of a single frigate st or ship-of-the-line. Twenty effective vessels of the smul- bi lor class can bo built and kept at sea for what it would tl cost to build and keep nt sin four or five vessels of the T larger class ; and they would usually be as powerful in ei time of peace for all protective or preventive purposes as it any others, while they would lie useful and formidable in 01 war. Still uuother reason for an increase of the naval force presents itself in the immense extent of sea-coast on Ol our Atlantic and Pacific shores, which should lie guarded It with jealous care by these floating fortifications. The 0.' United States should be present and have a nredoinina- I ting influence all over the American continent, and, in l; order to maintain it. should have the mean* of causing ra their power to be felt at any point, wherever and when- a<. ever it might be necessary. re The Secretary goes on to say that if we were under dif- a ferent circumstances as regards the'fiiiances of the coun- p: try, lie should not hesitate to recommend an increase of in the navy on the general ground that it is roi|uired for 111 defence, and will be necessary to maintain our rights and se the honor and character of the country. J-'or tho pros- in cut, however, he reluctantly contents himself with ur- of giug the construction of at least ten more war steamers, ?1 such us were authorised by the act of Congress of the Inst, it session. lii The Naval Academy at Annupoiis, under the supcrin- w tendeucc of Captain Ucorge S. Iiluke, continues to give fo marked evidence of its great usefulness. One hundred and eighty-nine acting midshipmen are now attached to vc this institution. The report recommends, in order that US the naval professors of mathematics may lie transferred pr to the Naval Observatory, where they arc much needed, U that authority lie granted by Congress to do for the navy ty as has been done at West I'oint for tho nrmy, organize a ac corps of professors of tho academy composed of civilians, 41 with such compensation as will command tho highest It abilities for this most important service. tli The sloop-of-war Preble, under Commander Craven, ca has made a cruise during the past summer as a practice- tli ship, with a view to the instruction of the acting mid- re shipmcn at sea in navigation and seainansliip. Ninetyseven pnpiis wore on board, who exhibited commendable to zeal and proficiency, and profited by the opportunity thus he presented them of improving themselves in the practical | ha duties of their profession. Attention is called to the in very inadequate provision that bus been made for the accommodation of midshipman at the Naval Academy, and m. also to the necessity of increasing the effective strength po of the medical corps of the navy. An addition of twenty pn surgeons and ns many assistant surgeons will suffice to fal meet the immediate wants of the service. The .Secretary gr likewise recommends the appointment of fifteen or twenty co additional pursers, and that the number of privates in w< the marine corps be increased to 2,000. th The board of officers heretofore appointed to prepare a lai code of signals for the use of the nary have reported a I"' code, which on the 13th of duly last was adopted by the "" department; it embraces day, ni^rlit, and fog signals, ami hu has boon printed and partly distributed to vessels in com- IS mission. A code of regulations for the government of , an the navy lias been prepared, in obcdicnoe to the act of str Congress of March 3, 1H.57, and is now reputed, to bo laid before Congress. In doing so, the Secretary enters eri liis dissent to giving this code the authority of law, as it. mi would detract from the authority of the Commander-in- th Jhief of the army and navy ; and the regulations should mi tie varied, modified, or suspended from tiino to time, ac- ir< ordlng to the exigencies of the service. m< The expedition sent to New Oranda by the War and th M.avy Departments to survey a route for a ship canal from th he Atlnntl' to the l'aclflo, through the Atrato and Trn | indo rivera, returned in wvfety in May laxt, having ae- | toi mplishcd the enterprise in which tliey were embarked m re|x?rt of the officers in charge has not yet been subttted. The re[iort proceeds to detail the fioiuts at wliich the ,val force* are now stationed, and alludes to the capre of several slavers ; also, to the ste(>s taken to prot the honor of the American flag at St. Domingo, in e case of the American schooner "Charles Hill," aud the island of Navassa, where our citizen* were euguged procuring guano. The sloop-of-war Plymouth, under unmuuder Duhlgren, and the Pulton, under Lieut Aly, visited Tampico, to investigate certain grievances !iich our citizens have suffered from the authorities ere, aud obtained the redress demanded. Other cases e mentioned us illustrative of the lnuuuer in which the fleers and vessels attached to the several squadron* are iipisiyed in protecting American interests within the nits of their respective stations. At no period when s were not actually engaged in war has the navy been ore actively employed than during the jxrst year. 'lite Secretory expresses his high appreciation of the bors of Commander Maury bestowed upon his wind and irrenT-vbarts and sailing directions for mauy years |?i?t, id ol the benefits conferred by biur upon commerce by ving f,he results of those laliors to the world. I For the lineal vear ending .luno ,')0, 1860. the estimates e $13,500,370 80, including $074,000 for completing | 0 eight light-draught steamers authorized at the last , salon of Congress, and not including the usual oompen- | tiou of $035,850 for steamship mail service, which will _ en be discontinued. Of the above estimates, the Dount for the navy proper is $9,470,879 , for the ma- , ae corps $703,391 65, and for all other objects $3,310,- | 17 2X , , I El'ORT OP THE SECRETARY OP TIIE i INTERIOR. < This document commences l>y calling attention to the ibject of the public lauds. Our system of disposing of | iem is just Hiid equal, and at tho same time conducive ( 1 their rapid settlement and relaxation from a wild und ] ^productive state. It is a system peculiar to the United | ntes, and based upon the principle that, as the public | Jtnain is the property of tlie people of all the States dlectively, any individual desiring to appropriate to imself any particular portion of it is allowed to do so v paying into the common treasury a moderate consid ation. Large grants have been made by Congress from uie to time to the several States of portions of the ublic lands lying within their respective limits, to be pplied to public uses ; und these grunts have been justied on the principle that the enhanced value and more jady side of the remaining portions is a full remiincru011 to the government for these donations. Grants have ever been made to individuals, with but few exceptions, rcept us a remuneration for meritorious services or ir the public benefit. In Florida, and in the crritorics of Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, Dilation grants have been offered to persons who 10uId emigrate and settle within specified periods of inc, as a means of public defence, and for the purpose f increasing the military strengtli of distant settlements (posed to the hostile attacks and predatory visits of laion tribes ; but this has proved fallacious as a matter of ublie policy, on account of complications in determinig the titles to lands thus granted. In many cases, sctcrs have preferred to pay for their lauds under the prenotion laws and secure their titles at once, than hi wait ir years and obtain their titles without the payment ' f any consideration, on complying with the condition of 'tual settlement and cultivation. Acts were passed in 342 and 1844, granting two hundred thousand acres of ,nd for the armed occupation of Florida ; and only about le-twelfth of that amount has ever l>cen secured iinally t claimants, while more than two-thirds has been wholly rfeited. The Secretary therefore expresses the opinion mt a system of donations of this character, while it is at called for by the bona fuh settlors, is unwise, unjust, ucquul, and fraught with mischief. It lias embarrassed immunities and retarded rather ttian accelcrutcd settleents. Under the syBtem of public sales and pre-emption glits settlements have been made on a secure and pertinent basis. The tido of emigration lias rolled westard from the Atlantic coast, driving the Indian lieforc , and leaving in its rear prosperous Stutcs, until it has ached the heart of the continent ; while from tho lores of the Pacific the enterprising pioneer is on his eady march eastward, exploring unknown territory and inging to light the rich mine and tho prolific Soil which ic industrious settler will soon occupy and improve, he system yielding these results lias been the work of ilighteued legislation extending through half a century ; is peculiarly adapted to the wants and characteristics of ir people, and needs no material change. The report of the Commissioner of the General hind (lice shows that during the fiscal year ending Juno 3D, PiH, there have been disposed of to individuals t?,G07, >8 ID acres of the public lands, of which 3,804,908 res wore sold for cash, yielding $2,116,"tin ; and 6,802,>3 acres were located with military bounty-land warnts. Of the quantity sold for cash, only 817,529.35 res were sold at and above $1 25 per acre, while the maindcr was sold at graduated prices. There has been greater diminution of cash roccipts from the sales of iblic lauds than was anticipated. This has been owing part to tho failure of tho crops in some places, and io prevalence of sickness or floods in others ; while the areitv of money was everywhere prevalent and paraiy ig. Kor these reasons there has been a postjioncuicut ' sales in many cases ; but as a liberal indulgence has ready been afforded to the settlers upon unofl'ercd lauds, is contemplated to bring into o|>on market several mil. ms of acres during the ensuing year. Much of the lands liieh have been sold and located (luring the year were r actual settlement or cultivation. On the 30th of September, 1858, the quantity of sur veil lands rciidv to bo 1 iron it lit In h\ t>,?,I,o1 1:1 11,009 acres ; unci there were then subject to mile nt ivatc entry nt nil the land offices over 80,000,000 acres, nder the various acts of Congress 510,708 military botiii-land warrants have been issued, requiring 55,731,890 res of the public domain to satisfy them. Of these, 0,032 have been located on 41,238,030 acres of land, is expected that during the next year the receipts from c sales of public lands, and the quantities sold and lotcd, will Ire greatly increased, so that the income from is source, if no change be marie in the system, will neb at least live millions of dollars. The amounts of swamp and overflowed lands grautcd the several States, as rcjrortcd to the 30th of Septenir ant, are nearly forty-one million acres. Patents >ve been issued under the acts of 1849 and 1850 for ore than thirty-six million acres. During the 34th Congress several acts were passer 1 | airing grants of lands to ditferent fStntcs for railroad pur- j scs, and the department withdrew from market those iblic lands which it wns supposed would Ire likely to 11 within fifteen miles of the proprrsed roads. The ants to the Htates have been transferrer! to railroad mpanics, who have been notified that a reasonable time mid Ire allowed to Itreate their routes definitely, and in j e event of their failuro to do sir the suspension of the ids would lie removed. The length of the roads thus ! ovirled for is about 4,tr50 miles, and the quantity of land lich they will receive about 11,789,087 acres. Of the ids which had been withdrawn from market, more than ,590,000 acres have Irecn restored since March 3, 1857, d It is expected that additional quantities will Ire re- i >rcd early in the year 1859. The Secretary suggests the propriety of |tassiug a gen il law reserving all auriferous, silver, and cinnaltar ines for sale for tho use and occupancy of (ho people of 1 < e United States, under such regulations as Congress ly prescrilro, anil leaving those lands containing copper, rn, lead, and coal subject to the ordinary laws of settle- j 3ii 1- nuu rw%ir iur mrir development i tie ox tent of ? ea? defleo edlimate and ((ived assurance to 0111 |>enp],. in c n future of unliounded wealth. j 11 The propriety of cdtAhlidhiiig a hind offirr in the Terri- I c ry of Utah id nlso *upKe*ted, nnd, nt the winie time, r if extending the pre-emption lawn in express terms mi as o embrace the inhabitants of that Territory. The New fork Indians loading in K uisw necl congressional aid, euriug to theiu the amount of land to which they are iu titled, and the remainder of the tract set apart should <e thrown opeu to settlement, The Secretary further luggewts the propriety of amending the graduation act of lugnst 4, 1854, aud the acts securing pre-emption rights u oertuiu cases to mall contractors. The recent battles with tire Indians west of tire Rocky uountaius are alluded to, and the hope is expressed that louquest has (taved the way for the introduction of a reace policy, <m whicli rests the only hope of the friend >f the red man that there is any good in store for him rod his posterity. Koine changes in the past policy of .lie government arc recommended. Removals of tribes ihould be avoided ; separate lauds should be assigned to ndividuals, without the. jiower to alienate or encumber .item ; aud money annuities should be expeuded for tiie ximtmin good, instead of lieiug divide*! jier capita. It is ilso proposed that Congress shall authorize the substituioii of mechanical ami agricultural luiplemeuts, seeds, lotliiiur. &*' in lien nfi??..??i" --r ? uu U.II.J. The information in regard to the working of the sysleiu ill California in discouraging. The product of the evrrul farnii in altogether inadequate to the support of ihc ludiaus, and the expense of tiio system as heretofore nonaged is enormous. This is owing in a great measure o the unnecessarily large number of white persons employed, and a change is to be made in this respect. I'he estimates for the Indian service in California for tho it*it fiscal year have lieen reduced to the sum of $.'>0,000. It will soon be necessary to as ign reservations of proper :xtent to the Piruos mid Maricopa* of Arizona ; and also ? the Apachea, Camanchcs, Kiowos, and other roving .ribes of the interior, as ?*>n as a definite understanding an lie had with them. A revision and codification of the intercourse law Is also recommended. The current business of the Pension Office in all its branches lias been brought up to rlate, and the large lerical force which was required for the execution of the bounty land uct of 1853 can be dispensed with ut an early day. During the year 13,815 bounty-land warrants have been issued, covering 2,034,420 acres of land. The whole number of army pensioners is IO,72.'t, requiring for their payment the annual sum of $902,700 20. The whole number of navy pensioners is 802 ; annual jMiynu nt ?130,501 10. The total amouut disbursed for pensious up to this date is about ninety millions of dollars ; and j if to that sum be milled the bounties in land, 02,739,302 teres, at $1 25 per acre, the whole amount for bounties { \nd pensions will be more than 108 millions of dollars. The report proceeds to give some of the reasons why these amounts are so much larger than was anticipated when the several acts wero passed, and also alludes to the frequent frauds which have been practised u|?n the Pension Bureau. In relation to the District of Columbia, mention is mule of the progress of the work on flic building occupied by the Department of the Interior ; and a recommendation is made that the squares and open spaces which belong to the United States should be enclosed md handsomely improved by the government, while the opening of streets and avenues, grading, paving, and lighting the same, the construction of sewers and drains, the erection of markets, the support of a police, and whatever may Is* necessary for the health and cleanliness of the city, should 1)0 paid for by taxation. Whether the government, as a property-holder, should contribute to these ends in proportion to its interest in tho city, is a question which addresses itself exclusively to the discretion of the national legislature. The addition to the City Hall for the accommodation of the criminal court, and tho erection of a new jail, are subjects that commend themselves to the attention of Congress. On the 1st of July. 1858, there were 117 inmates in the government hospital for the insane, twelve of whom wore paying patients. The completion of tho building, according to the design originally adopted and approved, will require a further appropriation of $76,111. The Columbia Institution for the instruction of the deaf ami dumb and the blind is in a much more prosperous condition than it was one year ago. Its debts have been paid off, and there was a balance on hand at the commencement of the present fiscal year. The inipectors of the penitentiary have at length succeeded in effecting an arrangement by which the lal>or of the convicts will be made to pay the cost of their maintenance. The wagon roads under the direction of this department have all been located and for the most part conttrucled. A recommendation is made that steps shall bo taken at this session to provide for the taking of the eighth cenms. Tho plan which was adopted for the last census is ipprovcd, and the Secretary recommends that this be taken ill the same maimer, believing that such a course will afford the greatest amount of accurate information, md prove most satisfactory to the country. 'The census jf Minnesota was not returned to the department until die 23J of July last. That Territory then contained an iggrogato population of 150,082, with 26,727 native and 22,292 naturalized voters, from the digest of the etalistics of manufactures according to the returns of tho seventh census it appears that the capital invested in manufactures in 1850 was $500,000,000, tho cost of labor md raw material, $772,000,000, and the value of projects, $1,000,000,000. The report recommends an amendment of the laws -egulatiiig the compensation of tho United States district ittorneys, marshals, and clerks of courts, in order to render the important branch of the service with which ,hey arc connected more harmonious and efficient. Notwithstanding the steady growth of the country, and the ronstquent regular increase of business in the courts, the expenses ot Mie jnuiciary lor toe past year were somewhat :ess thai* they had previously been, and a balance of the ippropriation remained unexpended on the .'Ulth of dime ast. The lease of Burton's Theatre in New York, and lie purchase of the Masonic Temple in Boston, have furlished ample accommodations for the United States courts n those districts. 'J'he operations of the Patent Ollice furnish ttie most {ratifying proofs of our progress as a people in all the j iseful arts of civilized life. Tlio income of the ofKce | luring the three quarters ending September 30, 1858, ivas $150,983 91, while the expenditures were $144,1.13 47. During that, time 4,091 applications for patents were received, and 690 caveats tiled ; 2,81 (i patents wore ssued, 15 extensions of old patents granted, and 1,256 rpplicatioiis rejected. The establishment of a board of ippcal is recommended, in addition to the present force rf the office. This would restore to their respective classes J lie three examiners, who are now almost exclusively engaged in hearing nppculH. At present the overwhelming iressure of the business of the office compels the cxamiters to dispose of cases hurriedly and unsatisfactorily, if lot superficially. The proposed addition would enable a uorc thorough scrutiny to ho given to every applicnion. The agricultural division of the Patent Office has ex- ! tried an important influence on the country, and con- I ributed materially to the advancement of that branch of ! deuce. Public attention has Ihicii awakened and ar- ; vsted, numerous agricultural societies have sprung into existence, and a great mass of information has lieen 1 icattered broadcast through the land. This department . s still busily engaged, and is enlarging the field of its ipcrutions. The chuftt and cork oak have been intro- J I need into this country, and an effort is in progress to in prove t he American vines, and to cultivate the tea >liiin. i ueae tire our a iow 01 mo many uxeun invctai- I ;atk>n? which arc goiug on under tho direction of thin Icpartment. In view of the fact that our* ix cmphatical- I y a country of cheap landa, where every citizen who in o iuclinod may onftily become a landed proprietor, and hat ?o largo a proportion of the people arc devoting | licinaclvea to tho cultivation of the anil, it cannot bo I onuideied that the government hna n inwixcly in attempting in it* legialatii ultnrc, no eaaentia) to our wealth am mtion, at least to an equality with of# ::^T- ,111 -ill .r CONGRESSIONAL, Thirty-Fifth C?iigrc;>s--Se<oixt Ness'on. MONDAY, DBTEMBER B, 1858. MSJI ATK. At 11 o'clock Uic Senate wan called to order by the Vn;a Phehidext, the following senators being present : Maine ?Messrs. Fcsaundeu aiul 11.toil in New Hampshire?Messrs. Hale and Clark. Massachusetts Mr. Wilson Vermont? Messrs. Collar u?r and Foot, lthode Inland? Messrs. Allen and Simmons. Connecticut?Messrs. Foster and Dixon. New York?Menem. Seward and King. New Jersey ? Menem. Thoni|?on aud Wright. Pennsylvaiiia?Messrs. Biglef and Cameron. Maryland?Messrs. Kennedy and I'earce. Virginia?Menem. Mason and Hunter. North Carolina?Mennrn. lteid and Clinginau. South Carolina?Mr. Hauunond. Georgia?Mr. Ivereon. Alabama?Mennrn. Clay and Fit*|>atiiek. Mississippi - Messrs. Brown aud 1H* via. lioalniuna Mr. Slidell. Kentucky?Mr. Thompson. Tennessee- Mr. Bell. Ohio Mr. Wade. Indiana?Messrs. Blight aud Fitch. Illinois?Mr. Trumbull. Missouri -Messrs. Green and l'olk. Michigan?Messrs. Chandler and Stuart. Wisconsin? Messrs. Doolittle and Durkee. Iowa Messrs. Harlan and Jones. ? uiiiouiin metutrs, oiuuencK huu itwiu. Minnesota-Messrs. Rico and Shields. Prayer was offered by Rev, P. D. Guklkv, 1). I). On motion by Mr. BRIGHT, theflouth of office was ndmiuisteral to Hon. Mr. Bates, of Delaware, who thereupon took his seat in the Senate. Mr. CLAY presented the credentials of Hon. Matthias Ward, appointed a senator bv the governor of the State of Texas, to till the vacancy ocerxioiied by the death of Hon. .1. P. Hr.NLiK.KMoN, until the legislature shall elect his successor, which were read ; and, the oath of office having been administered to him, he took his sent in the Senate. Mr. RE1D presented the credentials of Hon. Thomas L. Cunoman, elected by the legislature of North Carolina to till the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. Asa Biggs i which were read, and Mr. C. appeared, was qualified, and took his se it. Mr. OWIN submitted the following resolution ; which was considered by unanimous consent and agreed to : tVdcred, Thatths Secretary inform llio It cms ol KspreseuUUrss that a quorum of the Senate lias assembled, and i hut die Semite is ready to proceed to business. On motion, it wus Ordered, That the daily hour of meeliug of the .Senate he I'd o'clock until otherwise ordered. message from tiif. house of jlefrbbentati vkh. vjr A message wns received from the House of Representatives by Mr. Allen, their clerk, informing the Senate that a quorum of the House had assembled, and that the House was ready to proceed to business ; also, announcing that the House had passed a resolution for the appointment of a committee, jointly with such committee us may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait 011 tho President of the United Stufes and inform him that a quorum of each House was assembled, and that Congress wits ready to receive any communication he might be pleased to make. Mr. ALLEN submitted the following resolution ; which was considered by consent and agreed to : /feto/nerf, That a commiltee, con^b^ling of tliro<? member*, ho oppointnl, Jointly with the committed appointed ou tho part of the Honse of Representative#, to wait on the President of the United State* and inform him that n quorum of each House lmd asuotnUlod. and that Congress is ready to receive any communication ho may be pleased to make. On motion by Mr. ALLEN, OnUrtd, That the committee be appointed by the Vice President. And Mr. Alum, Mr. Supkll, and Mr. Foot were accordingly appointed Mr. GWIN gave notice that he should call up the Pacific railrood hill to-morrow, at twelve o'clock. TIIK AMIHTAl) CLAIM. Mr. MASON moved that the bill to indemnify the master and owners of the Spanish schooner Amistad and her cargo lie taken up and mado the special order of the day for Monday next. Mr. 8LIDELL Inquired wliat position that would place the bill in, as compared with the special orders made at the last session. Did they not retain their position 011 tho calendar ? The CHAIR replied that they did. Mr. SEWAUD said he would prefer that the senator from Virginia should modify his motion, and say Tuesday, 08 ho should be absent on next Monday. Mr. MASON had no objection to that. His object was merely to give notice that on that day he should ask the Senate to take up and consider that bill. It had passed the Senate several times, hut had failed in the House of Representatives : and lie desired to have the subject acted upon, as one really affecting the honor and good faith of the country. Mr. SEWARD stated that he did not want to l>e understood by suggesting Tuesday instead of Monday that lie gave his consent that this bill should have precedence over other special orders. He did not regard it as a meritorious measure, and sun no reason why it should he pressed before other business. If the Senate, however, should think it proper to taky it. up, it would he a matter of convenience to him to have it come up on Tuesday instead of Monday. Mr. KKSSENDKN had heard 110 reason assigned why this, which was merely it private bill, should take precedence over all the other private hills ujioii the calendar. He was ready to consider it whenever it should come up I in its order, hut objected to making it a special order. Mr. MASON replied that there was no rule of the Sen: ate to define what was a private hill and what was not, and that had more than once been a mooted question before the Senate. This bill was founded upon a claim made by tho government of Spain upon the government of tho United Stated, and alleged liy that government to bo due, first, uuiltr tho laws of nations, and, second, under an existing treaty with Spain. It hail been preferred several times by Spain, ami had over and over again been pressed upon Congress by successive Presidents as a claim due to N|>uiu. It wiis true that the money when paid would go into the hands of Spanish sub jects. He did not now make this motion on any other than his own suggestion ; hut lie was familiar with the justice of the claim. The Executive could not pay it, and could only recommend its payment to Congress, Mr. FK&SENDKN said that there had been no such recognition of that claim as placed the government in tho uttitude that it was necessary to procure an appropriation from Congress to meet an admitted claim. Mr. MASON. It lias been admitted by the Executive j over and over again. Mr. FESSENDEN. That may lie, hut tho Executive j can only admit the claim as an individual. It might lie j just in the opinion of the Execut'vo. but, Mr. F. said, ho ] was in the habit of looking at opinions not to much with | reference to their source as to Uieir merits. This was a j private claim, made through a government, and there j were private claims much older, and the justice of which i was admitted by a much larger number of people. This j subject would occasion a great deal of debate, and if it should he taken up at the commencement of this short session it must prevent the consideration of much other business. The question being taken, tho motion of Mr. Mason was agreed to, as follows : YKAS?Me-srs. Bate-.'. Rlgler, Bright, Brown, <'lay, I'lingmon, Harts, Filch, Fitzpatrick, Greon, Gwin, Hammond, Ivor-on, Joiif'i. Kennedy, Mason, Pnsroe, I'olk, Ill-Id, Bice, Shtcfits,Stuart, Thomson of New .It-racy, and WardNAY-?iirtirt Broderlck. Cameron, Chandler, Clark, IHxon, Poolltlle, Durkor, Feaoenden, Knot, Foster, Hole, Hamlin, Hirlau, Kins, Seward, Slmmona, Truuibull , Wade, anil Wilson?19. Mr. COLLAMER announced that he had paired off with Mr. Slidill on the above question. agricultural oolij3gkx. Mr. STUART remarked that there was a hill unon the calendar in which lie felt name internet. He referred to i the House bill donating public bunls to the several States iiikI Territories which umy provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the niechnnic arts. He would not now uiake any motion 011 the subject, but as main as the Senale should be full he should then ask to proceed to the consideration of that Idll, with the hope that a divisive vote upon it might be reached at an early day. , raWDKKT 8 ANNUAL MKWAUr. Kir. AM.KN, from the joint committee opt' anted to wait on the President of the I'nitcd States mid inform him that the two liotisos of C ongress were ready to re- i celve any eominunication whieh he might l?- pleased to nakc, reported that the committee had divhaiged that duty, an<l the President had replied that he would immediately communicate with each house of (kmgresa in liline. ( Shortly afterwards the annual message of the President wa3 received, and waa read l?y the Clerk. When ha reading had Ik en roncltKM, which occupied more than two hours? J Mr. B1ULKR submitted an order lor the printing of Hie usual number of the President's message and accompany iug docuraeubi, aud also for the printing of twenty thou and extra oopiea thereof tor the use of the Senate Mr. HALE remarked that it had teen customary on some occasions for gentlemen to express their aontimeots u|>on the message upon the motion to print. If the President had contincd, hiinaelf to his couatitutioual prerogative, aud had only given Congress information with regard to the State of the Union, he should not have felt called upon to aay a wont on thia occasion ; hut ho thought tile President lmd abuaed his constitutional prerogative by giving a history of tranaictiona that have paaaed by, aud audi a history aa, ho thought, wna not entirely consistent with truth ; aud lie could not let audi statements pass unchallenged. Mr. II. then took on* eion to comment upon aeverul portions of the message with considerable freedom, especially that iit refer* lice to the altairs of Kansas. When he had concluded, The question was taken on printing the regular uuuibor of the message aud accoui|>ttiiyiug documents, aud it was agreed to. The motion in legard to the extra copies lies over. The CHAIR laid before the Senate the annual report of the Secretary of tlie Treasury ; which was ordered to be printed. Autl then the Senate adjourned. IIOl'SK OF KKPHtlKni rillU^. lu pursluuico of law tho llouhc of ItepreMiitaUvt* was called to order by the Speaker at 12 o'clock, in Uiei pia\n l?\ i{? \ Mi U I In ? tti i.iin < liapliii? 1 the roll waa called, when the following members answered to their names : M U? ; ma . \Mm.ii i in iii iii ii Moi < , I ji ruol Wanhburn. jr, Stephen C Foster. H m u on W I ippan, Aaron ii Ci.- i j, Vermont ?K P Walton, Justin S Morrill, Homer E Royce. MauachujrtU -Robert ii Hall, Jauicn llutltuton, Uiiiik II Comina, Alison llurllugame, Timothy Davis, Daniel W Hooch, Chauucey I, , K mi pp. Kb Thayer, Calvin C Ch flee, Henry I. Duwc.-. Ithodc Inland. Nathaniel H Dttrfeo, William D Bray ton. fVtnarctictiL?Ezra Clark, jr, Sidney Dean, William 1> Bishop. Mew York. John A Scaring, George Taylor, William It Muchiy, John Cochrane, Horace F Clark, John B Haskiu, Ambroae S Murray, William K RumcII, Ahr&tn B OHn, Edward DoJil, George W Palmer, Francis F Sjiinuer, Clark B Cochrane, Henry Bennett, Henry C ' Goodwin. Charles H Hoard, Amos p Granger, Edwin U Morgan, Emory B Puttie, John M Parker, William H KoUey, Samuel G An- < drew*, J addon W Sherman, Silas >1 Burroughs, Israel T Hatch, Reu ben E Fen ton. ; New Jersey.?laulah I) Clawaon, George R Rohblnn, Gurnet I B Adruiu, John Jiuyler, Jacob K Worlundyke. 1 'rntisylvania.?Thomas 13 Floreucc, Edward Joj M"in . JhflMM Landy, Owen Jouns, John Hickman, Henry Chapman, Anthony E. Roberts, John C Kunkol, William 1. Dowart, Paul E idy, Gnloshu A Grow, Allison Whim, John A Ahl, WiL-on Re illy, John R Edie, John Cnvrvin William MonGmrnerv. David Ritchie. Samuel A Pui'Viatlce. William Stewart, John Dick. Delaware.?William < Wbilclwy. Maryland.?James A Stewart, JumCH B Ric.uud, J Morrison IlarrP, , II Winter DavH. Jacob M Kunkol. Tliomu? F Bowlo. i Virginia Muscoe H 11 Gurnctt, John S Millsnu. William O Goodo, Thorn .m S Bocock, P.mlug Powell, William Smith, Charles J Faulkner, Albert G Jenkins, Henry A KdmnndKOU, George W Hopkins. North Cirolina- - -Thomas Hulhn W.irron Win*low, Lawrence O'B Branch, All red M Scales, Burtou Crulgo. I III ' Ui-nhwi J' til) M' Will).nil ) Mil. ! ? ? ?... M n Keiit. Mi I ledge L Bonlioiu, James LOrr, William W Boycc 3 Otorgia.?Mariin J Crawford, Robert P Tilppe, Lucius J Gwrtrell, | Augustan R Wright, James Jackson, Alexander J! Stephens. j Alalxima. Jaiues A StaUworth, Ell S Shorter, J..men V Dowdeli, I Sydenham Moore, George S Houston, Williamson R W Cobb, Jaber L j M Curry. Missintijrpi.?Luc ins QC Iainar, Reuben Davis, William Barkmlalc, Otho R Stugloton. . i Louisiana.?Thomas G DavidFon, John M Sarididge. ; Ohio. George n Pcmdletou, William 8 OrotMbeok/CUnMpI I, v.i! ; landighnm, Mathias H Nichols. lli? hard Mutt, Joseph I< Cocke rill, ' Aaron Harlan, Benjamin Stanton, I/iwrouco W Hall, Joseph Miller, Valentine B Horton, Samuel S Cox, John Sherman, Philemon Bliss, j Joseph Burns, Cydnor B Tompkins, William Ltwronco, Benjuinln F j Lai tor, Edward Wado, Jochaa R Giddiugs, John a Bingham. ) Kentucky.?Henry C Burnett, Warner L Underwood, Albert G Tal bott, Joshua H Jewett, Humphrey Marshall, James B Clay, John U Mason, John W Stevenson. Tennessee.?Albert G Watkln*, Horace Maynard, Annuel A Smith, 1 John H Savage, diaries Ready, Goorgo IV Jones, John V Wright, Felix K Zollicofler. John B C Atkins. 1 Indiana.?William K Nlblaok, William II Rngltah, James Hughes, James B Foley, David Kilgoro. Jamoe M Gregg, John G Davis, Jumes Wilson, Schuyler Colfax, Charles Case. . Illinois.?Kllihti B Washburno, Owen Lovcjoy, William Kellogg, Isaac N Morris, Robert Smith, Samuel S Marshall. Missouri.?FrancIs P Blair, jr, Thomas L Auderson, John B Clark, James Craig, John S Phelps, Samuel Curuthera. Arkansas.?Alfred B Greenwood, Edward A Warren. ;j Michigan.?William A Howard, Henry Witldron, JhtvidB Walbrldge, Be'Wilt C Leach. | Florida.?George 8 Hawkins. * Texas.?John II Reagui, Guy M Bryan. Iowa.?Samuel R Curtis, Timothy Davis. Wisconsin.?,John K Potter, Cadwalader C Washburn, Charles Billinghurst. California.?Charles I. Scott. Minnesota.?Jumes M Cavanautrh, William W Phclp*. Delegate from the, Territory of Oregon.?Joseph I .any. | Delegate from the Terrdniynf V- ir Mexico.- Miguel A Olcro. Delegate from the Territory of Utah.?John M Bortihiacl. Delegate from the Territory of Washington.?Dane 1 Stevens. Del*gate, f rvm the. Territory of Kansas.?Marcus J Purrott. < Delegate from the Territory of Nebraska,?Fcnner Ferguson. < The following in ft list of tho absentees : Maine?Charles J Gil man. New Hampshire James Pike. Massachusetts?William S Dumrell. ( Connecticnt- Samuel Arnold. i New York?Daniel K Sickles, John Kelley. John Thompson, Lrastus M Corning, Oliver A Morse, Orsamus B Mattesou. Pennsylvania?Hoary M Pliilllpa, Willi im Ji Dimmick, James L Gillis. Virginia?John S C?Mkie, Jehn Letcher, Sherrard Clemens. North Carolina?Henry M. Shaw, John A Gilmer, Z B Vance. Georgia?James L Seward. Minsistiftp ?John J McRae. Louisiana?George Eustis, jr, Miles Taylor. Kentucky?Samuel 0 Peyton j John "M Elliott. Tennessee?William T Avery. Indiana?.John U Pettit. Illinois-?John F Far us worth, Aaron Shaw. California?Joseph C McKlbbin. At this stng? of the proceedings, a message was received from the Senate informing the llonsc that that hotly wax reatly to proceed to business. On motion of Mr. STEW A 111', of Marylnnd, a similar committee was appointed on the pnrt of the House to communicate with the Senate. On motion of Mr. FLORENCE, of Pennsylvania, the following resolution wax adopted : HaolveH, That a committee of three members be appointee! to join such committee ,t< may he appointed by the Senate to wait upon the President of tho United Stales and inform hioi that a quorum of each house has Assunibled, aud that Congress is ready to receive any com ' municatiou ho may he pleased to make. A message was received from the Senate notifying tho House that that body had appointed their committee to f join the House committee to wait ii|>oii the President. The committee on the part of the House consisted of Messrs. Fuuiknck of Pennsylvania, Sherman of Ohio, rtlUl UAKTHBI.C Ol rteorgw. On motion of Mr. PHELPS, of Missouri, tin: daily hour of meeting whs fixed at 12 o'clock, in. i Mr. SMITH, of '1 'ennusseo, then moved tlio adoption I of the usual resolution for the drawing of seats. Mr. DEWAKT, of 1'ennHylvania, moved tliut the roso lution he laid on the table ; which motion was not agreed ( to ayes S7, noes 91). ; The resolution of Mr. Smith whs then agreed to, the hall was vacated, and as each member's name was called he selected his seat for the session. Tho order of the House living executed, the Speaker called tho States for resolutions and hills. Mr. GROW, of Pennsylvania, introduced a hill to modify the law establishing tho Court of Claims sons to enable creditors to sue in the district courts of the United States ; and it was referred to tiro Committee on tho Judiciary, Mr. CURTIS, of Iowa, introduced a bill for the construction of a central Pacific railroad ; and it was referred to the select committee on railroads. Mr. DEW A HP, of Pennsylvania, offered tbe following resolution : /fatofoft/, That tho Committee ??f Ways and Mentis, when Appointed, he instructed to re|H>rt a bill meruit ing the fluty on con I and Iron. Mr, JONES, of Tennessee, and several other members objected. Mr. DEWAKT moved that the rules he suspended ; (lending which, Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia, suggested that it would be better first to authorize the Speaker to appoint the committees. Mr. WA8IIBURNE, of Illinois, asked the gentleman to modify his resolution so as to include lead. Mr. DEWAKT consented. Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, desired a modification that would include wool. Mr. DEWAKT consented. Mr. GROW, of Pennsylvania, inquired whether the gentleman would amend his resolution so as to Instruct the committee to report a hill that, would so modify thy tariff nt< to raise the revenue. Mr. DEWART replied that be would not. Mr. DAVIDSON hoped the gentleman would include sugar. | laughter. | [The proceeding* were here interrupted hy Mr. FLORENCE, of Pennaylvmtiia, who reported that the committee appointed to wait, on the l'rcaident had performed their duty, and that the President had Informed them that he would immediately communicate a menmgo in writing.] Mr. KII/JORK, of Indiana, desired the gentleman to accept a modification that would modify the tariff no a* to provide revenue and discharge the national debt. Mr. DEWAItT declined, and ohjoction was made to further modification*, on the ground that the resolution wns not l>efore the Houae.