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.15,806,260 66 .17,036,282 .93,976,772 acres,

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Making the aggregate............. disposed of; in part, for farms by direct grants to industrious citizens; a portion by titles issued as indemnity to the defenders of the country; in part, to aid the new States in redeeming from overflow and its consequences valuable lands, and bringing them under tillage; and the residue in facilitating travel and intercourse by the extension of the railway, canal, and other systems of national intercommunication; thereby also largely increasing the value of the landed interests of the country.

It is scarcely possible to convey a proper idea of the great labor incident to the accomplishment of the operations mentioned. It may be stated, however, among numerous heavy items, that the records of correspondence cover ninety thousand folio pages, embracing decisions upon numerous intricate questions of title, not only as derived from foreign Governments, but arising under the land legislation of Congress during the past half century. Besides this, eight thousand accounts have been adjusted, and four hundred thousand land patents issued by the Government.

An examination has been made with a view to ascertain whether the number of offices of sur

veyors general could not be diminished, and it has been found that four may be entirely discontinued within the next two years, and the initiatory steps have been taken to that end.

The number of applications under the recently enacted bounty land laws, to the 25th instant, was 265,268; those examined, 239,726; of which 182,070 have been allowed, and warrants issued covering 22,003,290 acres; and 57,656 have been suspended or rejected; leaving 25,542 original cases not yet examined.

These laws have been executed with all possible dispatch, and there are, comparatively, few claims which have not undergone preliminary examination. The time thus consumed has been less than one half of what was anticipated when the several acts were respectively passed. Although the labor and attention required were great, the work has been accomplished in a very brief period, and yet with great faithfulness.

The necessity of further power being given to the Commissioner of Pensions to suspend, diminish, and discontinue pensions, when the reason for granting them has partially or totally ceased, is daily becoming more apparent. The Commissioner should be clothed with authority to strike the name of the pensioner from the pension roll, or graduate the pension when he is satisfied of the cessation or diminution of the disability of an invalid pensioner. Cases of this kind are constantly occurring. Upon an investigation of this class of pensioners, in a portion of a single State, during the past year, it was found that, of sixty-seven cases, eleven were baseless, and the amounts allowed to most of the remainder were much larger than their present disabilities would entitle them to; so that, if those pensions were properly graduated, the annual saving to the Treasury, in the cases examined, would be some three thousand dollars. As these are life-pensions, the aggregate annual amount paid is very large in comparison with what it should be; and, as the number of this class of pensioners is rapidly and constantly augmenting, unless some measure is adopted to prevent it, the evil will be largely increased.

Expérience and reflection convince me that the only true principle upon which to base pensions is that of indigence. The meritorious and needy pensioners are now poorly aided by the General Government. The pensions, ranging from three and a half to eight dollars per month, are manifestly insufficient to supply their necessary wants, especially where they are compelled to furnish subsistence for dependent families. If the principle were adopted, and a reasonable increase

Report of the Secretary of the Interior.

made to the present pittance of those whose services and wants demand it, the amount annually appropriated would not be increased, but the distribution would be far more just, equitable, and beneficial.

There are distinctions and discriminations between Army and Navy pensions which are unreasonable, and should not be permitted longer to exist.

Both should be placed on an equality as to the amount to be received, the circumstances under which they should be granted, and the time they should run; and disabilities in the one case should be of the same character as in the other.

On the 30th of June last there were 13,95 sioners, and the amount disbursed for their efit, during the fiscal year, was $1,360,694 61.

Every day's experience proves that the present system of confining the advances to pension agents to the amount of their semi-annual payments, has had a good effect. I am persuaded, that in most cases, when under the old system the pension agents were not directly compensated by the Government for their services, they were indirectly paid; otherwise, we cannot satisfactorily account for the large amounts of pension money they generally had on hand, over and above what was actually necessary to meet the current demands; nor can it be presumed that they would have performed the service without remuneration, or if they received none, nor derived any benefit from the trust, that they would have rested content so long without presenting their claims to Congress.

Notwithstanding the vigilance of the pension bureau, and the numerous precautions adopted, and the criminal proceedings instituted and successfully prosecuted, frauds are still being perpetrated, many of which cannot be prevented or punished when discovered, without a revision of the laws relating to such offenses.

On the 30th of September, 1852, the number of applications for bounty land pending, and on the suspended files of the Pension Office, liable to be called up for reëxamination, was about.....

The number of new applications filed during the
year following was about...........
During the next year, about..
And thence to the 30th September, 1856.
Making in all.................

65,256

39,676 13,491 258,100

367,523

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The number of pensioners added to the rolls, between the 1st of April, 1853, and the 30th of September, 1856, is 9,585; the aggregate of whose yearly pensions is $704,290 74, besides the sum of $1,494,457 37 paid as arrearages, immediately on the admission of the claims.

These are merely some of the results of the operations of the office. They convey but a faint idea of the various and complicated intermediate labors involved between the receipt of an application for bounty land or pension, and the final determination of the claim; for besides the examination and frequently the reëxamination of a claim, before it is admitted, many pension claims have been presented (probably three times the number of those admitted) which have been examined and reëxamined, and still suspended or rejected; and these generally require the most patient investigation and research.

The number of letters received at the office during the past year is one hundred and seven thousand eight hundred, and the number sent thence, two hundred and seventy thousand three || hundred and eighty-seven-an extent of correspondence probably without a precedent. This vast amount of business is chiefly consequent upon the execution of laws passed during and subsequent to the year 1853, viz: the pension act of 3d February, 1853; and the bounty land law of 3d March, 1555, and the amendatory act of 14th May, 1856.

The field-work of the Mexican boundary commission was all accomplished, as stated in my

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

last report, within the time contemplated, and largely within the means appropriated.

All the monuments agreed upon by the joint commission have been erected, and the line is marked from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific; and the United States is in possession of the territory.

A considerable portion of the boundary is formed by the Rio Bravo or Rio Grande; and in the settled portion of the valleys, which are best adapted to agriculture, the bed of the river sometimes changes, and transfers considerable portions of land from one side to the other.

The commissioners concluded, and it is thought with correctness, that, except in the case of gradual accretions on one or the other bank of the river, the boundary would remain where the river fixed it at the time of the survey, and as shown in the maps, notwithstanding actual changes in the course of the river. A case of this kind is threatened in the valley of El Paso; and anxious inquiries have been made on the subject. The parties making the inquiries have been referred to the printed maps, and informed that any change in the river detaching solid masses of land does not change the jurisdiction.

The Mexican commissioner, according to an agreement with the American commissioner, repaired to this city with a corps of assistants, about the 1st of July last, for the purpose of constructing the maps required by the treaty to show the boundary, and is now here on that duty.

Al

On the part of our commissioner these maps will be finished by the 1st of March next. ready the services of many of his assistants have been dispensed with, and it is in contemplation to discharge the whole force of draughtsmen before that time, and none of the employés will be retained, except such as may be required to superintend the printing of the maps and reports, descriptive of the boundary and adjacent country, the publication of which was ordered by Congress at its last session.

The first part of the report is already in the hands of the printer, and nothing retards its publication but the necessary delays in engraving the maps.

Notwithstanding the Senate, in its order for the publication of the report and accompanying appendix of the boundary commission, directed that the expenses of publication should be paid out of the boundary appropriations, there will remain of them, untouched in the Treasury, some eighty

thousand dollars.

No officer could have discharged his duty with more ability and greater fidelity than the commissioner to whom were confided the interests of this Government. And it is proper to state, that the utmost harmony has existed on this commission, between the officers of both the Governments, and that all questions likely to produce the least difference have been amicably settled, and, as is believed, to the entire satisfaction of all parties.

Since the first day of January last, the Patent Office has issued 2,255 patents, and, within the year, the number will probably be increased to some 2,500.

All applications are promptly attended to; and it is hoped the interests of that meritorious class of our people-the inventors-are properly secured and protected. None are more worthy the fostering care of the General Government.

From small beginnings the Patent Office has grown into proportions comparatively gigantic. Half a century ago the whole revenue of the Office did not exceed $1,500 per annum, which was appropriated to the payment of one clerk, who transacted the entire business of the office. The income for the present year will be about $200,000, which will still be scarcely sufficient to defray the current expenses of the office, with its one hundred examiners, clerks, and other employés.

If we compare the present condition of the office with what it was a few years ago, we shall find that, during the four years previous to 1853, the average annual number of applications for patents was 2,522; while for the four subsequent years such average will be about 4,000. The number of patents annually issued during the

34TH CONG....3D SESS.

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In this connection, it is deemed proper to invite attention to the want of suitable accommodations for the criminal court of the District of Columbia. An appropriation was made at the last session for the alteration and improvement of the court-room heretofore used in common by the circuit and criminal courts, which has been judiciously expended, and by means of which that room has been rendered convenient and comfortable.

former period averages 990; during the latter, saving thereby has been large; but this is ofises to a proper grade, would be more than enough about 1,850. For the current year, the whole little moment in comparison with the salutary to make the requisite purchase. number of applications made, the whole number influence it has had upon the class of officers it of patents granted, and the amount of revenue was intended to affect. Still new developments received, will, respectively, be at least double are being made, which show that many serious what they were in any previous year. The num- evils have silently crept into practice in some of ber of applications for patents in this office the our courts, which should be speedily remedied. last year was greater than that in any other Most of the laws for their prevention are sericountry, having been 4,435, against 2,958 inously defective, and need revision; and, without Great Britain, and 4,056 in France. For the congressional action, the officers of the Treasury present year the number of applications will and this Department are powerless. As the laws probably reach 5,000. now are, I can conceive of no better plan than to entrust the Department with sufficient means to investigate all charges that may be preferred, whenever and wherever this Department and the accounting officers of the Treasury are satisfied there is fraud, corruption, or malfeasance in office.

The business of the office seems to have outgrown the system upon which it has thus far been conducted, which was adapted to a previous stage of its existence. The wisdom of Congress may be profitably exercised in making such modifications as present circumstances require.

In addition to the business of the Patent Office proper, there has been devolved upon the Commissioner of Patents the supervision of the National Gallery and the direction of the fund annually appropriated for agricultural purposes. The former of these duties is comparatively of small moment; the latter of great and rapidly growing importance.

There seems no very natural or immediate connection between the legitimate business of the Patent Office and the subject of agriculture, except in their mutual relations to the industrial pursuits of the people; but the revenues of the office being somewhat in excess in 1839, the Commissioner of Patents was authorized to apply $1,000 for the purpose of procuring agricultural statistics. For many years subsequent to that time annual appropriations were made from the same fund for a similar purpose. These were increased from time to time until they reached the sum of $5,000, where they remained nearly stationary for several years.

In 1854 the appropriation was increased to $35,000, and made payable out of the Treasury; and the appropriation for the present year has been increased to $105,000. The objects embraced in this appropriation are declared to be "the collection of agricultural statistics; investigations for promoting agriculture and rural economy, and the procurement and distribution of cuttings and seeds."

In pursuance of the design of Congress, measures have been taken to procure cuttings and seeds from every quarter of the globe where any new product can be found which is likely to prove useful in any portion of the United States. Many new productions of great probable utility have thus been introduced, and others are being sought for wherever there is any prospect of success. A vessel has just been sent to South America to procure cuttings of the sugar cane to furnish our southern planters with a fresh stock to supply the place of that which, it is supposed,|| has deteriorated by continued cultivation without renovation from the indigenous plant.

The front basement of the center building, and the east wing, of the Patent Office have been finished, and, with the exception of the portico, which is in rapid progress, the same may be said of the west wing.

These courts are frequently in session at the same time, and hence a separate room is indispensable for the proper accommodation of each.

The judges and the members of the bar have recently united in a communication upon this subject, asking me to "urge upon the attention of Congress the necessity of extending the present court-house, as proposed by the Commissioner of Public Buildings, so as to accomplish" that object. I have regarded this memorial as of so much interest as to direct its publication with the printed estimates of the Department, in the hope that suitable provision may be made by Congress at its next session to supply the wants therein so clearly shown to exist.

On the 30th of June, 1855, there were in the
Insane Asylum sixty patients, and during the
fiscal year there were received into it forty-seven;
eight have died; six were discharged-five of
them being restored-and there were left, on the
30th of June last, ninety-three patients. It is in
a most flourishing condition, and bids fair to be
the first in the country. The improvements are
steadily progressing, and will be completed as
rapidly as is desirable. The appropriations here-in
tofore made are deemed ample for the next year,
except a small amount, for which an estimate
has been made, for the improvement of the farm
and grounds, and the purchase of horticultural
and agricultural implements, and machinery.
Congress has already exhibited great liberality
towards this institution, and no doubt the results
will soon prove that it has not been improperly
bestowed."

The number of convicts in the Penitentiary is
seventy-two. Thirty-five were admitted, and
twenty-eight discharged, during the past year.
The expense of managing it is now nearly
equaled by the income, and the excess is being
yearly diminished.

With a view of effecting the object of Congress regard to the construction of a new and substantial bridge over the Potomac river, Alfred L. Rives, a civil engineer, was appointed to make the necessary surveys, examinations, plans, drawings, and estimates. Every effort has been made, and is still making, to perform the service satisfactorily, and it is hoped that a full report of the results will be made before the month of February next, and in time for the consideration of Congress.

The work on the bridge across the Potomac, at the Little Falls, in this District, has been entrusted to a skillful civil engineer. The appropriation was made so late in the season that the bridge could not be finished in time for travel the approaching winter, but it will be pressed to completion as rapidly as practicable.

The act of the 18th of August last required the Secretary of the Interior to select a suitable site The appropriation made in 1855, for grading, for a new jail at or near the penitentiary, in the &c., preparatory to the extension of the Capitol city of Washington, and to cause drawings and grounds, was judiciously and economically exspecifications to be prepared therefor, to be sub-pended. As Congress appropriated the money, mitted, with an estimate of its cost, to Congress at the next session.

Early measures were taken to enable me to comply with the requisitions of this act. The architect in charge of the Patent Office building was instructed to examine carefully the most approved designs for buildings of the kind specified, and prepare the requisite drawings, specifications, and estimates for the one proposed to

be built.

He has attended to that duty, and furnished the plans, herewith submitted, which are so arranged as to admit of an indefinite enlargement of the building, without interfering with its symmetry. The estimated cost is $150,000.

The act requires the site for the new jail to be selected at or near the penitentiary, and the Department is, accordingly, confined to that vicinity. The grounds adjoining the penitentiary on the east belong, as I am informed, to the The north front of the building has been com- Government; and if the jail is to be erected in menced, and the foundation will probably be laid that neighborhood, I should recommend that it during the present season so as to be ready for be placed there. Aside, however, from the fact the superstructure in the spring. Another ap- that these grounds are understood to be needed propriation has been asked for, which will nearly by the War Department, there are serious obje complete this part according to the original plantions to this locality which should, in my opinion, and estimate, the object being to press it forward as rapidly as practicable, both on account of economy and utility. The entire structure, when finished, will temporarily accommodate all the bureaus of this Department; but this should not deter Congress from making the necessary appropriations for a departmental building, which will be much needed before, under ordinary circumstances, it can be constructed and prepared for occupancy. No valid reason can be assigned for further delay.

I must again call your attention to the extraordinary expenses of the judiciary, and the absolate necessity for a radical change or modification of such of the laws as relate thereto. The act passed at the last session of Congress, with a view of curing some of the defects, has, so far as tested, proved very beneficial. The pecuniary

be brought to the attention of Congress before
further proceedings are had respecting it.

The grounds are low and marshy; and at cer-
tain seasons of the year there is reason to fear
the place would prove unhealthy when occupied
by so large a number (probably one hundred and
fifty) as would usually be confined there, subject
to the malaria from the creek on the one side, and
the river on the other. It would be well, there-
fore, to seek a more healthful situation; and it is
believed such may be found, which would like-
wise be more convenient, in all respects, to the
city. Should it be concluded to select another
site, I am satisfied, from the examination already
made, that the Government would be the gainer
in point of cost, as the extra expense of securing
a safe foundation upon the grounds indicated by
the act, together with that of filling up the prem-

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without any estimate or recommendation of the Department, and as no general plan had been devised or adopted, it was not deemed proper to submit an item among the estimates presented at the last session of Congress, because the Department did not understand its design, and presumed, if its continuation was considered advisable, a suitable appropriation would be made for that purpose. As none, however, was made, and the wings of the Capitol are advancing rapidly to completion, and the grounds present a rough and inelegant appearance, it appears proper that the attention of Congress should be directed to it,

The improvement of the grounds south of the Executive Mansion has been completed according to the plan adopted at its commencement. That part of the grounds immediately adjacent to the executive premises is not sufficiently elevated, and further appropriations should be made with this view, not only because it would add to their beauty, but be promotive of the healthfulness of the Executive Mansion and the neighboring residences. With a small expenditure of money this may be done; and the sooner it is accomplished the better, as now the change will not seriously interfere with the arrangement of the grounds.

The public grounds in the city of Washington have been extensively improved and beautified; but, still, as much has not been done as is required. Within a few years past Congress has, in this regard, been more than usually liberal, but far from lavish. The comfort, health, and convenience not merely of the citizens, but of the members themselves, and all the functionaries of the Government, and every visitor to this city, demand that much larger expenditures should be made. When the money is judiciously expended, no one can object to its application, The whole nation is interested in the national metropolis, and the people will sanction anything relating to its improvement which is necessary and constitutional. One thing is certain, these improvements will eventually be made by the

34TH CONG....3D SESS.

Government, and being merely a question of time, an overflowing Treasury suggests this as the proper period.

The Indian lands in the Territory of Kansas, which, by treaty stipulations, were to be sold, and the proceeds applied to the use of the Indians, are in a state of preparation for sale. A portion of the Delaware lands was, pursuant to law, advertised to be sold on the 17th instant. Every precaution has been adopted to secure fairness and impartiality in the sale. It was entrusted, according to the requirements of the law, to the local land officers, under the superintending control of a commissioner of high standing; and the agent of the Delaware Indians was directed to be present, in order to advise with the commissioner, and guard and protect the interests of the tribe. If the instructions given, which were minute and at the same time liberal, have been strictly adhered to, (of which we entertain no doubt,) all interested will be protected; but where there is so much diversity of feeling and interest, it is almost impossible to satisfy every one.

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In my last report, I stated that it would be advantageous to the Indians and the Government to provide for an officer, to be attached to the bureau, whose duty it should be to visit the superintendents, agents, and tribes, examine into all || their affairs, and make such general and detailed reports, and submit such suggestions as would enable the Indian office to adopt measures which might correct many of the abuses that prevail, and have a tendency to meliorate the condition of the Indians. Further reflection has strengthened this view. When it is considered that many of the agents are, to a great extent, beyond the reach of the bureau, and that it is often impossible to communicate with or receive information from them for months; that they are frequently so situated as to defy investigation and to fear no exposure, unless by the adoption of some such measure as is proposed, it seems to me that its policy and expediency cannot be doubted.

During your administration there have been negotiated fifty-two Indian treaties; of these, thirty-two have been ratified by the Senate, and twenty remain yet to be acted on. By these treaties the Indian title has been extinguished to, and reacquisitions made of, lands amounting, in the aggregate, to 174,184,710 acres; of which, about 52,000,000 are included in the ratified treaties, and about 122,000,000 acres are secured by those now before the Senate, besides 19,343,800 acres which have been reserved for Indian purposes. The aggregate money consideration involved is $11,184,203 80.

These treaties are of three classes: of peace and friendship; of acquisition, with a view to the colonization of the Indians on reservations; for providing for the permanent settlement of individual Indians upon separate tracts of land, as homesteads, and extinguishing at once, or paving the way to the final abandonment of, the tribal

character.

The money consideration has varied according to the nature of the title, the resources and value of the country obtained, and the relinquishment of all claims, or supposed claims, against the United States; the last being deemed essential to the quietude of the Indians, to protect the interests of the Government, and promote harmony between it and the respective tribes.

Besides the actual money consideration, other important benefits are guarantied at times and in the manner indicated in the treaties, which cannot be estimated accurately in money.

The object throughout has been to do ample justice to the Indians, and leave no room for the complaint, sometimes heretofore made, that they had been overreached by the white man. Whether such complaint was just or not, there is no doubt the Indians believed, or were persuaded by others, that just grounds existed for its indulgence. It must be admitted that in some cases the "talks" with the Indians, upon which treaties were based, did not correspond with the treaties themselves, and that the Indians generally relied on these | talks," which they recollected and understood, and not on the treaties as reduced to writing, which they seldom correctly comprehended."

Great difficulty has heretofore existed, and still

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Report of the Secretary of the Interior.

exists, in making even an approximate estimate
of the population of the various tribes of Indians
within our borders; but, from the most reliable
information, they are now supposed to number
some three hundred thousand souls. As we be-
come more familiar with the remote tribes, we
find the representations made as to their numbers
generally exaggerated. The aggregate number,
however, of the whole is very large, and although||
it will not probably increase, yet it shows the
immense responsibility resting upon this Gov-
ernment, to which is entrusted their welfare and
happiness.

The average amount annually expended by the
General Government for the past six years for
Indian purposes has been about $2,625,932 61,
and the aggregate amount for the entire period
$15,755,593 87.

A new policy has been adopted of making remittances to the disbursing officers of this bureau quarterly and semi-annually, instead of the custom of drawing the entire appropriations from the Treasury, and placing them in the hands of the disbursing agents, officers, and superintendents, in advance of a necessity for the money. Officers are now required to transmit promptly and regularly a correct statement, verified by oath, showing the amount of public money on hand at the expiration of each quarter, the object to which it is applicable, where kept or deposited, and the description of funds. This serves to prevent difficulty, and to secure greater care and watchfulness."

The amount of stocks held by this Department in trust for the various Indian tribes is $2,028,676. Some of the stock have matured, and been redeemed; and a reinvestment cannot be made, because the law confines the Department to stocks of the United States, which cannot be obtained except at a high premium. In consequence of this, estimates have been annually made for appropriations for five per centum on the trust funds held by, and never drawn from, the Treasury, to which Congress has responded favorably; and thereby a policy has been initiated, if not established, which, probably, should

not be disturbed.

During the present calendar year there will have been expended and remitted, for payment of Indian annuities, the sum of $907,902 65 in money; $190,892 83 in goods; and $30,166 67 in provisions. This shows that, notwithstanding the unremitting endeavors of the Department, a very large portion of the payments is still made upon the cash system; and this, to a certain extent, paralyzes the efforts made for the permanent improvement of the tribes.

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

It is the universal testimony of those who, from long intercourse with them, are the most competent to form an accurate judgment of their characteristics, that, as a race, in mental and moral capacity, they are inferior to no other, destitute as they are of the means and opportunities of higher culture. Their passions, unsubdued by the mild influences of Christianity, frequently hurry them into the wildest excesses, sometimes accompanied with acts of frightful cruelty. Accounts of these alone meet the general eye, and excite in the public mind sentiments of loathing and horror. But of the strength of their domestic and social affections, the depth of their gratitude and attachment to those from whom they have received benefits, and by whom they have been treated with kindness and humanity, the public hear little or nothing.

Hence it is that they have been heretofore left comparatively unprotected from violence and wrong, inflicted by unprincipled white men, under the influence of unbridled passion, or in the pursuit of their own venal ends. By such men, unworthy of the name, they are often cruelly beaten when unprotected, and not unfrequently shot down when defenseless, in mere wantonness. The bloody revenge which sometimes follows becomes the general theme, unaccompanied with the circumstances of cruel provocation which gave.it birth. A border warfare springs up between the pioneer settlers (who are really trespassers on their lands) and the tribe, and the strong arm of the Government being invoked for their protection, wars take place, which are carried on at much expense, and at the cost of many valuable lives, retarding the progress of our people, by rendering the condition of the settler insecure, and closing, perhaps, with the annihilation of almost entire tribes.

This process of the destruction of a people of whom Providence has given us the guardianship, originating in such causes, is unworthy of the civilization of the age in which we live, and revolting to every sentiment of humanity.

Considerations like these, based upon extensive observation and long experience, cannot fail to impress the absolute necessity of a perseverance in the system of colonization, which, by isolating the respective tribes within limits suitable to their numbers and their wants, under the care of agents and the immediate protection of the Government, will alike prevent them from committing and suffering wrong. So situated, it is already shown that the arts of civilization may be acceptably introduced amongst them, and the enlightening and elevating precepts of Christianity, by their influence upon their character and habits, transform the savage into the industrious and useful citizen, and ever commend us, as a nation, to the approbation of the just and humane.

The act of 1851 requires that all negotiations
with the Indian tribes shall be conducted by reg-
ular officers of the Indian bureau. This has
largely increased its burdens, and added to the
labors of its officers. These have been greatly
augmented by the extended operations in the
Territories of Washington, Oregon, Utah, New
Mexico, Kansas, and Nebraska, and the States
of Texas and California; by attention to Indian
claims for bounty lands; enrollment of Choctaws
in Mississippi; sale of Creek reserves in Alabama;
enrollment of Sioux half-breeds on the Lake
Pepin reservation; examination of the claims of
traders against several of the tribes; setting off
and surveying various Indian reservations, and
sps preliminary to the division and allotment
of lands in severalty to Indians, classifying and
appraising Indian trust lands in Kansas, and
other duties devolved on the bureau. The actual
labor has been doubled within the last four years,
as is exhibited by the leading and the most accu-
rate data of the office transactions, and yet the
number of permanent clerks is the same.
Since I entered upon my duties in this Depart-practicable philanthropy.
ment, the jurisdiction of the Indian bureau, and
the operation of its agents, have been extended
over an additional area of from four to six hun-
dred thousand square miles, and thirteen new
agencies, and nine sub-agencies, have been es-
tablished by law.

To effect so desirable an end, the faith of the nation for the integrity of these colonial reservations should be maintained inviolate; manual labor schools should be introduced, in which the mechanic arts may be taught, and agricultural science, with its practical application, perseveringly inculcated by precept and example.

The Indian regards the white man as his superior; and the idea of the derogatory character of manual labor which he entertains will readily give way to the influence of his example, and a realization of the benefit derived therefrom.

The policy of the colonization of the Indians has already been attended with the happiest results, and gives promise of a steady progress in the amelioration of their physical and moral condition,

But above all should Christian instruction be introduced and sedulously prosecuted, by teachers devoted to the cause in the true spirit of their Divine mission. Without this, all subordinate means will be in vain, and the great duty which humanity imposes upon us, to rescue this unhappy race from entire degeneration and speedy destruction, will be but a delusive dream of im

There are many recommendations and sugges tions contained in my former reports which, although not specifically repeated, are again renewed. They relate to matters of much public interest, and, as such, commend themselves to your favorable consideration.

I cannot permit this occasion to pass without bearing testimony to the able manner in which the chiefs of bureaus, and the employés of the Department, have discharged their official duties. They have afforded me efficient aid, and have

34TH CONG....3D SESS.

done everything in their power to subserve and advance the public interests.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. MCCLELLAND, Secretary. To the PRESIDENT of the United States.

Report of the Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, December 1, 1856. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Army for the past year, and to lay before you the reports of the several bureaus of the War Department, and communications from other officers of the Army. The authorized strength of the Army, as now posted, is 17,894. The actual strength at the date of the consolidation of the returns, July 1, 1856, was 15,562. The number of enlistments made during the twelve months ending September 30, 1856, was 4,440. The number of persons offering to enlist, but who were refused on account of minority and unfitness for service, was 5,594. The number of casualties in the Army by deaths, discharges, and desertions during the year ending June 30, 1856, was 6,096, of which 3,223 were by desertion.

The accompanying tables exhibit the distribution of the troops in the several military departments. During the past year the department of the Pacific has been reinforced by three companies of the first dragoons and the ninth regiment of infantry. A post has been established at Tucson, New Mexico, for the protection of the valley of the Santa Cruz and the restraint of the Indians north of the Gila, and is at present garrisoned by four companies of the first dragoons. The regiment of mounted riflemen, in consequence of threatened hostilities with the Navajo Indians in New Mexico, was ordered, in June last, to that department of Texas. Two companies of the second dragoons, and the second regiment of infantry, occupy the posts located on the Upper Missouri at the close of the late campaign against the Sioux Indians.

An expedition has been sent to the northern boundary of Minnesota Territory for the purpose of acquiring information respecting that region of country and the Indians residing there, upon whom it was supposed the appearance of a body of troops among them would exercise a beneficial influence. The knowledge thus gained will determine the most eligible site for a military post in that quarter, should it hereafter be deemed advisable to establish one.

The Indian difficulties on the western plains have been successfully terminated, except those with the Cheyennes. The troops designated and held in readiness during the past summer for campaign against them it was hoped and believed would not only have reduced that particular tribe to good order, but would have sufficed to insure as much of peace and security to transient persons over all the plains north of Red river and west of the Missouri as is compatible with the continuance there of wandering uncivilized tribes.

In Texas, though the amount of military force has been reduced within the past year, we have had reason to congratulate ourselves upon less frequent disturbances than have existed for some years past; but owing to the fact that the State of Texas owns all the lands with the exception of the two small reservations recently made, the Indians of that State are without any permanent home; and the control which can be exercised over them, under those circumstances, can never be sufficient either to give security to the whites or in any material degree to ameliorate the condition of the Indians. Could the fragmentary tribes in Texas be removed to lands owned by the United States north of the Red river, a great reduction would be made in the expenditures now required in Texas for the maintenance of many military posts which would then become wholly useless, whilst a great service would be rendered to the development of the resources of that State; and surely better prospects would be offered for the improvement of the Indian tribes.

The Indians within the limits of the depart ment of New Mexico have generally observed

Report of the Secretary of War.

their treaty stipulations. Occasional depredations have been committed by them, but none, it is believed, of a serious nature, or indicating any settled hostility on their part.

The Indian hostilities existing in Oregon and Washington Territories at the date of the last annual report from this Department, which threatened to be of a very formidable character, have been generally suppressed. A combination embracing most of the tribes inhabiting those Territories was entered into, and the extermination of the whites seemed to be their purpose; but the military expeditions sent against them have been conducted with much energy, and have been so far successful that, with a few exceptions, their hostile demonstrations have ceased. The disturbances on Puget Sound, and in the Rogue River valley, are reported as terminated; and it is hoped that the tribes in and about the Walla Walla valley, between whom and the troops a collision recently took place, will speedily be brought to terms.

Military positions have been occupied in the country recently in possession of the Indians, and judicious movements of the troops will, it is believed, prevent any outbreak of a general nature hereafter.

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

posts into a region where they can never be surrounded by an agricultural producing population, then the circumstances have so materially changed as to call for a revision of the policy which was founded upon a different condition of things, and connected with results which are no longer attainable.

The reports of reconnoissance submitted by the War Department within the last two years have given such general and detailed accounts of the character of the country between the Mississippi river and the Pacific ocean as to render here unnecessary its further geographical description. Those reports sufficiently show that, with few exceptions, the country lying between the one hundred and eightieth meridian of longitude and the coast range of mountains overlooking the Pacific ocean, is not susceptible of cultivation without the aid of artificial means, and that the country can probably never be covered by agricultural settlements. A limit has, therefore, been reached, beyond which cultivation has ceased to follow in the train of advancing military posts, and the service and support of the military peace establishments is essentially altered. A new post established in the desert region, to which I have referred, does not become the nucleus of a Much information respecting the origin and settlement from which, in a short time, the proprogress of this war was communicated to Con-visions and forage can be drawn, and the expense gress at its last session, and published in Senate for transportation thus reduced to the necessary documents Nos. 26 and 66, and House documents supply of clothing, groceries, implements, and Nos. 93 and 118. munitions, but all the heavy articles of subsistence must be procured at a remote market, and transported to such frontier posts. Nor is this the only difference; for to this increased amount of transportation is also to be added the difference between the expense of transporting along navigable rivers, or over roads through continuous settlements, and that of passing through a desert region where no supplies or assistance are to be obtained, and no roads to be found except those built by the United States, the combustible structures of which are at all times liable to be destroyed by the nomadic tribes who inhabit the country. Without entering more minutely into detail, it will be seen why the cost of transportation has increased so greatly within a few years past, and why efforts, by rígid economy, to reduce the general expenses for the Army must prove unavailing until the character of the service required of it has been radically modified. The views presented in relation to the inutility of military posts in this desert region, as connected with the development of the resources of the country, have been expanded in their application by the military reconnoissance referred to, but do not rest upon that species of evidence alone.

The reports of subsequent events.contain full information respecting the transactions.

The possessory rights secured to the Hudson's Bay and Puget Sound Companies leave, in this portion of our territory, traders and others who possess great influence over the Indian tribes, but own no allegiance to the United States. It will be readily perceived that, preceding and during hostilities, such persons cannot be expected to pursue any other course than that which would preserve to them the trade and good-will of the Indians, and, therefore, that their presence cannot be otherwise than detrimental to the control of the United States over those tribes. In this connection it may not be inappropriate to suggest the propriety of speedily extinguishing such possessory rights.

I regret to state that the efforts of the Department have thus far proved unavailing to effect the removal of the Seminole Indians, remaining in the peninsula of Florida, to the new home provided for them west of the Mississippi river. These Indians have, within the past year, given repeated evidence of their hostility; and the Department has made the necessary arrangements to carry on a vigorous campaign against them during the present season. As large a force as the demands of the service in other quarters will permit has been concentrated in Florida for this purpose, consisting of four companies of the first artillery, ten companies of the fourth artillery, the fifth regiment of infantry, and a limited number of volunteer militia-all under the command of Brevet Brigadier General Harney.

The expense and embarrassment to the military service resulting from the present policy of locating posts in advance of settlement, and along emigrant routes across the continent, continue to be seriously felt. It is manifested in the large amounts required for transportation, and in the small garrisons found at most of the posts.

A policy adopted to subserve the purposes of a given case suggests a revision with every material change of circumstance. When from the com-. munities originally established along the Atlantic slope of the United States, industrial emigrants went forth to penetrate the wilderness of the Mississippi valley, they found on every hand a fertility which invited to agricultural labor, and each settlement soon became productive of all the necessaries of life. Military posts advanced with the progress of the pioneer; and whilst the one afforded protection, the labor of the other soon furnished the supplies required for subsistence. The general fund of the United States was indemnified for expenditures to support these advanced military posts by the results which followed from the appropriation and cultivation of its wild domain. If we have now passed the limit of general fertility, and pushed our military

The settlement of the Territory of New Mexico was begun long anterior to that of a large portion of the populous districts of the United States, yet to this day cultivation has extended but very little beyond the narrow valleys of the Rio Bravo and the Santa Cruz; and though Forts Laramie and Kearny, on the Oregon route, were established more than eight years since, no agricultural settlements have grown up around either, and thus are the conclusions drawn from the reports of reconnoitering parties as to the general character of the country satisfactorily confirmed. Though we have been in the habit of believing that the great basin of the Territory of Utah presented a fertile oasis, recent events have furnished much reason for doubt as to its capability to sustain any considerable population depending from year to year on the agricultural products which each year's cultivation affords. Assuming, then, that the limits of the fertile regions have been sufficiently well ascertained, and that future operations should be made to conform to the character of the country, the true interests of the public service would seem to suggest important modifications of the policy which has heretofore directed the employment of the military force. Instead of dispersing the troops to form small garrisons at numerous posts, where they only exhibit weakness to a savage foe, it is suggested that within the fertile region, a few points, accessible by steamboats or by railways, should be selected, at which large garrisons should be maintained, and from which strong detachments should annually be sent out into the Indian country during the season when the grass will suffice for the support of cavalry

34TH CONG....3D SESS.

Report of the Secretary of War.

our western frontier, and affords us the opportunity of profiting by their experience. Their practice, as far as understood by me, is to leave the desert region to the possession of the nomadic tribes; their outposts, having strong garrisons, are established near the limits of the cultivated

horses and beasts of draught and burden. These detachments would be available both to hunt up and chastise those tribes who had committed depredations; and, by passing along the main routes to California, Oregon, and Washington Territories, would give the needful protection to emigrants during the season of their transit. Ex-region, and their services performed by large perience has shown that small posts are nearly powerless beyond their own limits. Some of the most flagrant depredations have been committed on parties in the vicinity of such military posts; and their inability to pursue and punish the offenders has tended to bring into disrepute the power and energy of the United States, whose citizens were the victims of predatory attacks. Indeed, it is quite supposable that these posts, being fixed points in the route of emigrants, afford the Indians the opportunity of observing each train which passes, and thus enable them to determine upon future operations.

Cavalry cannot be sustained in a state of efficiency unless provided during the winter with stables, grain, and hay. At some of the remote posts even the material for construction must be transported a great distance, and the forage can only be furnished at prices which extreme necessity alone will justify: for example, corn delivcred at Fort Laramie costs about five dollars a bushel. Infantry garrisons are less expensive, because less forage is required; but, under such circumstances, neither can be sustained except at great cost.

It may be proper further to consider the comparative value of troops thus distributed, and of those serving by detachments from large garrisons quartered in eligible positions. If sufficient garrisons were kept at all the posts now established for the purpose of making expeditions at any time from them among the neighboring tribes, which would require a very considerable augmentation of the present military establishment, and a commensurate increase of appropriations for its support, it is not believed that they would be equally effective with marching detachments of the same numerical strength. Their position would be known, their preparations for taking the field would be observed, and a considerable force would necessarily be left behind for the protection of the public property at each military post. The instruction and discipline in quarters would be inferior to that of larger garrisons, and the capacity of the troops, suddenly emerging from quarters to begin the forced marches of pursuit, would be less than that of men inured, by a long march and frequent bivouacks, to bear fatigue and proteet themselves against exposures incident to service in the field. The policy of distribution, as at present pursued, also involves the frequent construction and abandonment of posts, and, with such garrisons as we may expect to have with the present or probable size of the Army, involves the employment of all the troops for long periods at constant labor, alike injurious to military instruction and the contentment of the soldier. His compensation at such times is far inferior to that of the common laborer on the frontier, and the prospect of abandoning the position soon after he has made it comparatively comfortable, leaves him without an adequate inducement for the sacrifices he is called on to make. A laborer without pay or promise of improvement in his condition-a soldier without the forms and excitement of military life-it is hardly to be wondered at that this state of things should lead to desertion, which has become so frequent as to be one of the great evils of the service. Under the other policy which has been suggested, the troops would be comfortably quartered in the midst of civilization, their summer campaigns would be the field practice of their professionthe temporary dangers and toils of which give zest to a soldier's life-and, if to these be added the prospect of a return to the comforts, associations, and means of instruction of a large garrison at a well-established post, it is not seen why the service could not be rendered attractive to persons of military spirit; and it is believed that the efficiency of the troops would be increased proportionally as the expense of supporting them would be diminished.

The occupation of Algeria by the French presents a case having much parallelism to that of

detachments making expeditions into the desert regions as required. The marching columns being sufficiently strong to inflict punishment whenever it is deserved, have inspired, it is said, the native tribes with such respect for their power that it has seldom been found necessary to chastise any tribe a second time.

As our present policy rests upon various acts of legislation, and the concurrent views of several preceding administrations, a change as radical as that which is here suggested should receive critical examination, and, perhaps, requires legislative action before being adopted. The Department, if left to the free exercise of its judgment, would have abandoned the policy at present followed, by adopting a few eligible positions, easy of access, and in the midst of a region so productive as to sustain large settlements, from which the bulk of the supplies for the garrisons could be drawn.

More than the usual number of resignations within the past year give evidence of defective organization of a policy injurious to professional pride, and of the necessity of increased compensation. Whilst the hard service and frontier stations of the officers of the Army require of them sacrifices which no other officers of the Government are called upon to make, the expense of living has been greatly augmented, and their pay is nearly the same as that which was fixed more than fifty years ago.

There is surely no economy in a practice which must in the end drive the more active and intellectual from a service which they adorn, and in which their country especially requires them, to seek a competent support in some other pursuit. As little does it accord with the spirit of generosity or justice to ask at their hands the sacrifice which so many of them make to professional pride and habitual love for their country's service and their country's flag. But little can be hoped until radical changes can be effected, such as can only be suggested after a minute study by the executive who shall have the good fortune to find the legislative branch prepared to cooperate with him, both in the investigation and the application of a remedy to those evils which belong to changes with which the legislation has not kept pace.

Though special acts have from time to time made provision for the widows and orphans of officers and soldiers of the Army who have lost their lives in the discharge of their duty, no such general provision has been made for the Army as that which subsists in relation to the widows and orphans of officers and seamen of the Navy. If there was ever a just ground for this discrimination, it is believed that it no longer exists. Whilst the Army has no claim to be paid by its Government for the capture of the public property of an enemy, large sums have from time to time inured to the benefit of our Government from that source, and the policy which encourages to deeds of daring in naval warfare by the assurance that the brave sailor who falls in maintaining the hor of his country's flag, leaves in his Government a protector and a guardian to the family deprived of his support, is certainly in principle and degree equally applicable to the soldier, who perils his life in the same cause, and, without the chance of being enriched by pillage, incurs the hazard of leaving his wife and children to want. I would, therefore, again recommend that such legislation be asked as will place the widows and orphans of officers and soldiers of the Army on the same footing with respect to pensions as those of the officers and scamen of the Navy.

I have so often brought forward the necessity of provision by which disabled officers should be retired from active service, that I should be deterred from again repeating it, but from the conviction that it is indispensable to the efficiency of the Army, and that each year but renders greater the injury to the public service, resulting from the want of the measure heretofore recommended.

SENATE & HO. OF REPS.

I have to renew the recommendation heretofore presented for such legislation as will give certain and permanent rules for the determination of rank and command, than which nothing is more necessary to secure harmony and efficiency in an army. The act of September 20, 1776, known as the "Rules and Articles of War," was originally reported by Mr. Jefferson and Mr. John Adams. The latter gives, as a reason for their adoption, that "there was extant one system of articles of war which had carried two empires to the head of mankind-the Roman and the British, for the British articles of war were only a literal translation of the Roman, "and cites, as an observation founded in undoubted fact, that the prosperity of nations had been in proportion to the discipline of their forces by sea and land.

The commendation bestowed by such high authority upon the system then adopted, in connection with its real merit, may have protected it from future criticism and innovation; and did the circumstances which now surround us continue to be the same as at that time, I should not venture to recommend a legislative revision. But as changes have occurred which give new application to the terms then employed, the necessity is exigent and evident, either for the revision of the subsequent laws which affect the rules and articles of war or for a modification of those articles, so as to make them conform to the requirements resulting from subsequent legislation and altered circumstances. It is true that a revision of the original act was made in 1806, but it contained no important alteration, and since then various acts of legislation, changing the organization of the Army, have given rise to questions of construction, and created such radical difficulties in the application of the original rule that further legislation can alone furnish an adequate remedy; for instance, the law known as the Rules and Articles of War recognizes three kinds of commissioned officers, viz: those of the line of the Army, of the marine corps, and of the militia. It is scarcely to be doubted that the phrase "line of the Army" meant the Army of the Confederation, and included all of its officers, whether staff or regimental. But subsequent legislation creating special corps or departments composed of officers whose duties do not involve the command of troops, has given rise to, and perhaps produced a necessity for a construction of the phrase "line of the Army," which places regimental and staff officers in a relation inconsistent with the general principles of subordination, and which must sometimes seriously embarrass, if not defeat, the great purposes of a campaign. Believing that officers of the armies should, with a few exceptions as practicable, have rank effective for purposes of command, I have heretofore presented a proposition for reorganization, which, among other things, was designed to secure generally to officers of the staff that knowledge which can only be acquired by the performance of company and regimental duty. To the views heretofore communicated in relation to the reorganization of the Army, I have only to add that additional experience has but confirmed them.

In the last annual report I called attention to an existing abuse in the discharge from the Army of persons who, having represented themselves to the recruiting officers as being of mature age, had, after enlistment and transportation to distant posts, brought forward evidence sufficient to require their discharge under the provision of the act of September 28, 1850, which directs that "it shall be the duty of the Secretary of War to order the discharge of any soldier of the Army of the United States who, at the time of his enlistment, was under the age of twenty-one years, upon evidence being produced to him that such enlistment was without the consent of his parent or guardian." The regulations of the recruiting service provide carefully devised checks against the enlistment of minors; and if deliberate frauds are practiced upon recruiting officers, it is submitted whether legislation should not provide a penalty rather than attach a premium to its successful perpetration. Experience has shown that the practice is increasing. And the last year furnished examples of its repetition by the same offender. Should a recruiting officer, from neglect

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