Evening Star Newspaper, December 5, 1865, Page 4

i ENSURE {CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.) enrmenttoreduce the military establishment With the occasion that called it into existence, and (hat their own wishes or interest have not been opportanately urged against the necessi- ties of the service. The Gisposition of the veteran reserve corps presented some considerations of peculiar mature. It was the inclination of the depart. Ment to retain it in service until the meeting of Congress But inquiry sbowed that a very small per cent. of enlisted men were content to Temain in service. All who desired have therefore been discharged, and supernumerary officers mustered out. Recruiting to fill the regularrigimentsbas con- tinued. Several thousand applications tor commissions in the regular service are on file. ‘These commissions, hitherto, have been con- ferred only by promotion from the ranks. But to secure the requisite number of competent officers, & board has been appointed to ex- amine applicants and determine their relative merit. From the list selected by the board, and in the order of merit, appomtments are to be made. Two years’ actual service in the war is indispensable for appointment. ‘The establishment of a well-organized militia fystem is one of the most important subjects that will demand the attention of Congress. This subject has already received careful con- wider: nm, and it is believed that after confer- ence with the appropriate committees, a prac- tical system may be Measures for the esta! fome provisions for the aid and reliet of wound- ed and disabled soldiers, is alsoa subject that ‘will commend itself strongly to every patriotic heart. The Board of Visitors to the Military Acade- my at West Point, in June last, made an elab- orate report, which is submitted. They rec- ommend a reorganization, and a number of Tmeasures which, in their opinion, will enhance the benefits of that national institution. To these the attention of Congress is respectfully Invited, with the recommendation that the number of cadets be increased, as recommend- ed, and that the superintendence of this institu- tion ne no longer confined to the engineer bu- reau. It is believed that tue Military Academy is at present well conducted, and that their re- fponsible duties are efficiently performed by the officers, professors, and instructors charged With the institution. The war appropriations at the last session of Congress, as has been stated, amounted to the sum of $516.240,231.70. The estimates for the t fiscal year, commencing June 30, 1565, are 14,461.53. These estimates are based upon a standing foree of fifty thousand men, so organized as to admit of an increase, without additional or- ganizations, to $2,600 troops of ali arms. ‘This estimate has been made after conference nd careful consideration, and is believed to be adequate for any national exigency. if the country should be b’essed with peace. The re- duction of the national military force, in its rapidity and numbers, is without example, and if there be any aiarm in the public mind because this reduction is made while grave questions at home and abroad are unsettled, a brief consideration of the subject will show that there is no cause for apprehension. The force to be retamed is small compared With that which was organized to subdue the rebellion. But the only reasons demanding greater torce are—Ist, renewal of the insurrec- tion; 2d, a foreign war. For either or both emergencies the national resources remain ample. The chief demands for war, as shown by our experience, are, Ist, troops: 2d, arms and ammunition; 3d, clothing: 4th, transportation; and 5th, subsistence supplies. The troops disbended were chiefly volan- teers, who went to the field to uphold the sys- tem of iree government established by their fathers, and which they mean to bequeath to their children. Their toils and sufferings. their marches, battles and victories, have not di- minished the value of that government to thein; So that any new rebellion would encounter equal or greater force for its reduction; and bone can eyer spring up with such advantages at the start, or be conducted with superior Means, ability, or prospect of success. A for- eign war would intensify the mationat feeling, and thousands, once misled, would rejoice to atone their error by rallying to the national fing. The question of time in which armies could be raised to quell insurrection or repel invasion is, therefore, the only question rela- ling to oops. Our experience in this point is Fignificent. When Lee's army surrendered, és of recruits were pouring in,and men discharged from recruiting stations and rendezvous in every State. On several oeca- sions. when troops were promptly needed to avert impending disaster, vigorous exertion brought them into the field from remote $ with incredible speed. Official reports show | that after the disasters on the Peninsula, 1u over 50,000 troops were enlisted, organ- | ized. ar equipped, and sent into the field in less than a month. Sixty thousand troops | have repeatedly gone to the fleld within four | weeks. And % (60 infantry were sent to the | armies from the five States of Ohio, Indiana, ihnois, lows and Wisconsin within twenty | da When the rebellion commenced, the nation was a gerto war. Officers had little ex. perience, privates had none. But the present n of men in this country are now vet- | iers. For the battle, the march, or the Siege, they are already trained. They ure as much at home in the tented fieldas in the farm the manufactory, or the shop. No time | is required to train them: and the speed of the railr and telegraph determines the time ed to raise um army in the United ud. As to arms e182 ammunition. ced a Urns wi The were allowed to take home nominal price. Rust isuot liked er op the musket or sabre be hroug! the campaigns of Is64and 1-65. The Goyern- ment retains m its arsenals more than a mil- lron of the best quality of arms and equip- meuts. The artiliery on hand tasks the depart- ment for its means of storage. The manutfac- of am uition requires materials which we e in some degree relied apon | other countries, because they could be Dad cheaper. For this reason, and to guard against any mischance, three years’ stock of material fer ammmnnition hes already been kept in store, and the supply on hand is ample forany Peta that can be waged against us by any na- on. Third. Clothing, transportation, and subsist- ence. After selling or distributing among freed. men and refugecs ali damaged or irregular clothing, the stock of clothing and material in the quartermaster’s depots is sufficient for any armies ihat may be called into service. The Water transports and rolling stock, mules, Wagons und horses held by the Government were adequate to the movement and supply of larger forces, im Jess time, than had heretofore been known in war. The Government has disposed or is disposing of this transportation, but it remains in this country, and can answer any exigency. Army subsistence is derived from the country in which military operations are carried on, or supplied from cther markets. During the war this most vita] branch of the service never failed. lt answers to the demand, and is ever ready to meet the national call. it is plain, therefore, that the abundance of our means for war enables the Government of the United States to reduce the standing force to a lower degree than any other nation.. Un. Jess war be actually raging, the military force can be brought within very narrow ‘limits. Mowever sudden the exigency calling for an exhibition of military power, it can be promptly met. With our education, habits, and experi- ence, the nation, while in the midst ot peace, is prepared for war. Iisbancing the troops reduces at once the Smount to be expended in some items of appro- priation, but in others requires larger immedi- ate expenditures. Upon their discharge the soldiers became entitled to all the instalments ot bounty which would have falien due at later periods, and in many cases exceeding a year’s Pay. The transportation of large armies from the field, in southern States, to their remote homes in the west, or in eastern and northern States, made extraordinary drafts on the quar- termaster's department beyond what weuld be required for armies marching or encamped. The Yast amount of live stock on hand requires for- age untilsnlee can hemade. These are effected with the utmost diligence; but still this large item ofexpenditure continues through a large part of the fiscal year. The financial effects, therefore, of the reduction of the army and re- trenchment of expenditures can only Operate to any great extent on the next fiscal year, From the report of the Adjutant General, it Will be seen that the recruiting service of the reguicr army is progressing favorably; the aumber of recruits enlisted for all arms, from Oeteber 31, 1864 to October 1, 1865, having been iments comprising it have been tions, and their ranks are be up, thus enabling the depart. eve regiments of volunteer troops. authorized ctreng'h of the regular fe 62 officers and 41.-19 enlisted men. simute on the basis of 42 pri- mpany, the pumber now allowed by ifaw at all excep: fronuer posts. It te recommended in the report that the | Mazimorm standard be fixed at 100 enlisted mew to 8 company The Adjutant General recommends that visions be mide by law for enlisting one bi dred beys, not under Ive years of { before the la f | pro- Y. by off ahernt with ‘urty days in one year,ex. | lekiuess, he repealed. aad providiag for onlin. + diated soldiers ae super- | ithe national cemeteries, number. ad al- cent from wounds that an met be joe thereport of the | Paymaser —¥ ubsistenes, Quarermaswr Geperal, | extension of patents. Obief Engineer, Ordnance Rurean, Judge Adyocate General, Freedmen’s Bureau, &c., are given, and the Secretary goes to say that by the heads of the respective bureaus of the War Department and their staffs the government has been served with zeal and | fidelity not surpassed by their brethren in the | field. To them the honors and distinction of | an admiring public have not been ed, but in their respective vocations they have toiled witha devorion, ability, and success for which they are entitled to national gratitude. beside the signal success vouchsafed to our arms, other canses contributed to overthrow the rebellion. Among the chief of these may be reckoned : The steadfast adherence of the President to the measure of emancipating the slaves in the rebel States, whereby the rebels were cxipgiod. and discouraged; the resolute purpose of Con- gress to maintain the Federal Union at all haz- ards, manifested by its legislation; patriotic measures adopted ty the governors of loyal States, and the efficient sid they rendered the War Department in filling up the ranks of the army and furnishing succor and relief to the sick and wounded, largely contributed to the national preservation; the resnit of the presi- dential election of 1564, and the faith of the ple in the national success, as manifes: their support of the government credit. in conclusion, Secretary Stanton says “Looking to the causes that have accom. Plished the national deliverance, there seems no room no henceforth to doubt the stability of the Fed«ral Union. These causes are perma- nent, and must always have an active existence. The majesty of national power has been exhib- ited in the courage and faith of our citizens, and the ignominy of rebellion is witnessed by the hopeless end of the great rebellion.” —_—_-- ee —___ REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. The report of Secretary Harlan, besides its matter of great general importance, contains very much of special District interest. During the fiscal year ending Juue 30, 1805, and during the quarter ending September 30, 165, public lands were disposed of to the amount of 5,394,- 329.59 acres, being cold for cash, located with military warrants, agricultural scrip; under college granis; approved to the States as swamp iands, or for railroads; or taken under the homestead law. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1565, 4,161,778 acres of public lands were suryeyed. The aggregate quantity of surveyed public lands undisposed of September 30, 1°65, was 132,255,035 acres, The homestead law has been in operation since the Ist day of January 1563. Large bodies of lands baye been entered under its proyi- sions. Five years continued residence is neces- sary to the perfection ot the title of ahomestead settler, unless he prefers to purchase the lands ata minimum price, and obtain a patent. Itis estimated that from forty to fifty per cent. of persons who have so claimed the privilege of the homestead law will prefer to make pay- ment, and thus secure title before the expira- tion of ihe period when it would otherwise vest. The Secretary recommends that early pro- vision should be made for the adjustment of Spanish and Mexican titles; also urges'the or- ganization of a Bureau of Mining. The in- creasing number of pension applications re- quires that the appropriation for the next should largely exceed that made for the cur- Tens fiscal year. The number of Indians residing within the jurisdiction of the United States does not prob- ably exceed 350,000, a large majority of whom maintained during the past year peaceful re- lations. In this connection Secretary Harlan maki ery humane and sagacious recommen- dations in relation to the mode of dealing with the Indian tribes. He regrets, as abhorrent to humanity, the policy sometimes recommended for the total destruction of the Indians in con- sequence of outrages committed by some of the tribes. He recommends that stringent legisla- tion be adopted for the punishment of viola- tions of the rigne of persons and property of members of Indian tribes who are at peace with the government, and that sufficient ap- propriations shouldjbe made to supply the pressing wants of these wards of the goy- ernmeft, resulting from the encroaching set. tlements epringing up in every organized ter. ritory. It ie earnestly recommended that the snperin- tendents, and slso agents of a suitable grade, be «mpowered to act as civil magistrates within the limits of reservations where the tribal reia. tiens are maintained, and also onthe plai remote [rom the jurisdiction of the civil au- thorit Dur by thousand eight hundred and sixty applica‘ions for patents, and seyenty applications for an Six thousand two hun- «d and ninety-two patents (including re-is- sues and designs) were issued, and sixty-one extensions granted. One thousand five hun- dred and thirty-eight caveats were filed. Seven hundred and forty-one applications al- lowed, but no patents issued thereon by reason | of the non-payment of the fiual fee. There was | a balance to the credit of the Patent Office fund on Oct. 1, 1565, of $110,659. The law provides that in interference cases, or where letters patent haye been refused, an appeal lies from the decision of the primary exeminer io the examiners in chief,and from their decision to the Commissioner of Patents. According to the judicial construction of exist- ing laws, an appeal may be taken from the de- cision of the Commissioner to the chief justice, or one of the aseociate judges or the Supreme Court of this District. Tus procedure is un- necesserily circuitous and protracted. and should be abridged by an amendment of the law | coas to allow an appeal from the decision of the primary examiner or the examiners in chief directly to the evpreme court of the District of Columbia if the party against whom 1 is ren- cered £0 elects. The Coramissioner of Patents is clothed w unrestrained discretionary power in all eas of application for the extension of patents. Hi decision, whether favorable or unfavorable, is final,and freq uentlyfin volves private and pub- lie interests of enormous value. It is submitted for the consideration of Congress whether it is wise to lodge so large @ power with a subordi- pate officer, without subjecting its exercise to the supervisory centro] of the head of the de- partment. The work of completing the work on the cen- sus of 1660 is proceeding expeditiously under the supervision of the commissioner of the Land Office. Work is progressing satisfactorily on the Union Pacific Railroad affording assurance thatthe whole will be completed within the period fixed by law, thus furnishing a contin. uous line of railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In regard to the Washington Aqueduct, Sec- retary Harlan enbmits the suggestions of the engineer in charge to the effect that the dam of solid stone masonry already commenced across the Maryland channel! of the Potomac river, at the head of the conduit, is absolutely necessary to secure “an abundant and needful suppiy of good and wholesome water” during certain sensons of the year, and that it should be com- pleted with the least possible delay. Tha tem- porary dame erected from time to time have Tepeatedly been carriedaway. Nothing, in his opinion, will amon serve the purpose but a dem of the churacter indicated, and he urges its construction upon the grounds of economy as well as of necessity. He reports in favor of the completion of the connecting conduit at the receiving reservoir, the further excavation and deepening of the distributing reservoir, and also the constrnction of a sloped rubbte wall, to prevent the washing of its interior slopes or water faces. Congrese, at its last session, made no appro- Prigtion for work on the Capito! Extension, and the architect estimates that $175,000 will be required to continue it during the present fiseal year, and $200,006 for the fiscal year end- ing June 20, 1°67. Atienuon is invited to th: part of ihe report which relates to the neces- sity of extending the central building and por- tico io the line of the porticos of the wings, and of enlarging the Capitol grounds. The archi- fect recommends that the piens prepared for these purposes by his predecessor be adopted and curned into effect. ‘The arrangements for lighting the new dome, by Gardner's electro- mpagnetic Apparatus, are in progress. A fur- ther appropriation i@ necessary for the cemple. hon of the dome, which is now nearly finished, and to discharge existing liabilities for work alrrxdy done upon it. Atte? a cuspension of nearly four years, the werk on the worth portico ot ihe Interior De- portment bas been resumed under a contract made in the year ino?. DISTRICT AFFAIRS. Under this bead Secretary Harlan tays the power conferred on Congres of exclusive leg. Isiation for the District of Columbia imposes the corresponding duty of making jnustandade. « provision for its welfare. I's local inter- © liable to be overlooked in the inidst of of more general and engrossing con- D, fall to some extent within the province o this department, and require a special allu- rion. The annoal report of the Commissioner of Public Bniidings gives a detailed account of the expenditures authorized by Cougress with- tu this District. 1 Dave also received a com. munication from the mayor of the city of Wash. ington. whieh I have directed to be printed. ‘Lbese papers present important facts nad ev: siderations which merit the attention of we leg. jelative department. ‘The controiling object in the original of this city was the necommodat lic interests which it was antic cluster about the capital of a g Accordingiy, only three thousand _ oe o becpgna mange hundred and thirty. bedhead € composing ite entire aren were sur- veyed Into lots for sale to individnnle design n of the pub. pated wonld re TF PMbTACES street-, nvenneR of Inar- 4 width, squares, circles, and pablic re- ner vatios Ry the adoption of this design it fe manifest that Kt wae wot sutended that the g the year ending September 30, 1965, | there were received at the Patent Office eleven | The | | sparse niation thus provided for should Sear the barden of the entire cost of the local improvements, required more for the national convenience than for that of the permanent residents. At the last assessment the national overnment owned real estate within the city limits to the value of $29,121,641.45—a sum nearly equal to the estimated worth of all indi- vidual property in the city. At the usual rate of taxation this ae gtd would yield arevenue of $210,912.23. The Mayor suggests that such a tax in connection with the present resources, would yield a revenue amply sufficient tosup- port the municipal government, improve the streets and ayennes, make proper provision for the indigent, and maintain a complete system of public schools. In the year 1S20 Congress provided that from the proceeds of the sale of public lots re- imbursement should be made to the city of Washington of an queue proportion of the expenses thereafter incurred in laying open, paving, and otherwise improving the streets and avenues adjacent to the public squares and reservations. I am informed that, since the passage of this act, three thousand seven hundred and twenty-five lots of this class have been sold, and the proceeds paid into the Treasury of the United States, while no re- imbursement has been made to the city for the sum of thirty-seven thousand four hundred and ten dollars and sixty-one cents paid for improvements properly chargeable to An appropriation should be made for refun this amount and the interest which has ac- crued thereon. During the past summer and fall the improvement of streets adjacent to ublic property has rendered the Government iable to a considerable amount, and an addi- tional sum will be needed to meet similar ex- penses which will probably be incurred during the next fiscal year. 1t is hoped that Con; will at an early date make provision to meet these liabilities. Several of the streets of Wash- ington bave been paved in a neat and substan- tiai manner since the adjournmentof Congress, | and the municipal authorities are making like improyements upon other streets, which | will add greatly both to their beauty | and their utility as public thoroughfares. it is submitted that Congress should encourage this spirit by corresponding improvements | upon theavenues. The Commissioner of Pub- ! he Buildings refers to the dilapidated condi- tion of the pavement on Pennsylvaniaavenue, and recommends that an appropriation be made by Congress for the substitution of eer | the Belgian or the Nicholson pavement | througbout its length, and also for the opeming | and roving ct such of the remaining avemues Jeading to the Capitol as remain closed. These avenues are under the exclusive control of | Congress, and justice seems imperatively to re- | Quire that the National Government should defray the expense of paving and keeping them in repair. If the burden of paving the ayen- ues, as well as the streets, is to be thrown upon the owners of contiguous property, the mayor suggests that the law be so amended as to re- duce the width of the carriage-ways, and that the intervening space between them and the pavement be flanked with a line of curbstones, sodded, and planted with ornamental shade trees. i recommend that the law authorizing a local tax for sewerage be so amended as to enable the city to levy the same equitably upon all property benefitted by such improvement. A general system of sewerage should at once be adopted by the city, the expense of which should be borne in part by the Government. 1 invite the attention of Congress to the views of the Mayor touching the locality oc- cupied by the Center Market. For a long time this space has been disfigured by dilapidated and unsightly sbeds and stalls, called a “Market House.” The city, in the belief that it was authorized to snprcusiee the ground, made efforts to replace these by a commodious building of correct architectural proportions, properiy turnished for the public accommo- | dation. Its erection had been commenced, but | the work was suspended in compliance with the supposed requirements of a joint resolu- tion, approved ‘June 30, In4, authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to reclaim and pre- serye certain property of the United States. I recommend the subject to your consideration, with a view to such legislation as the conveni- ence of the city and the interests of the public | Tequire. | ‘tbe Mayor’s communication also calls atten- tion to the fact that the ys in the District are largely in excess of the accommodation which can be furnished them in the publie | schools. No doubt many of them are receiy- ing education in private institutions; but it is feared that many are absolutely destitute of the means of instruction. All experience de- monstrates that virtue and thrift are the nat- ural results of education, while pauperisin, vice and crime sre the legitimate fruits of ig- norance; and that itis more economical to main- | tain schools as a preventive, than to support the pauperism and punish the crime that ig- | norance engenders. From the establispme | of the national capital in the District of ( | lumbia, the expenses incident to such suppo | and punishment have been paid by the goy- | ernment of the United States. It is worthy of | serious consideration, therefore, whether a jnst | preportion of the expense of the public sehcols | in this District should not be provided for from | the same sonrce; and it is believed that Con- gress will thus be able to diminish the expend- vtures from the judiciary fund far more than | they will be expected to angment the educational fand of this District. The | propriety of this provision is still farthe: shown by the consideration of the fact that a lurge proportion of the people of this District are in the service of the United States, on small salaries, and regard themselves as transient inbebitants. If possessed of property, it is gen- erally located elsewhere, and the taxes levied upon it are applies to the support of the insti- tutions of those local ities, while their children livein this District, and, if educated in the public scnools, swell the tax to be levied on the property of permanent citizens. The num- ber oj transient and non-tax-paying persons bas bern largely increased during the war by the ingress of multitudes of both white and col- ored people who have fied from its perils and desolations. Justice as well as economy e- mangis that provision be made from the na- tional treasury for the education of the chil- dren of these classes. The canal leading from the Potomac river, through the heart of the capita}, to the Eastern branch, bas been made the receptacie of the filth sud offal from all the sewerage of the city. It bas thus become a loathsome cesspool, fruitful of disease, and inviting pestilence. The city authorities can exerciee no legal control oyer it, a8 it is bordered almost exclusively by goy- ernment reservations. These are deteriorating in yalue on account of this constantly increas- ing and almost insufferable nuisance. It is nearly useless for navigation, by reason of ac- cumulations within it; and it should either be deepened and improved for the passage of ship- ing, or at once abandoned asacanal. Inthe jatter alternative, it should be diminished in ‘width to suitable dimensions, arched over, and used exclusively as & main sewer The pro- ceeds of the lund thus reclaimed, if bronght into market, would deiray a large proportion of the expense occasioned by the change. This nni- sance lies almost at the threshold of the Capi- tol, the Executive Mansion, and other costly public edifices. If Congress shontd refnse to pro~ide the requisite means for its improve- ment in the mode which I have suzgested, ex. clusive authority over itshould be conferred upon the city of Washington. The report of the Commiesioner of Public Buildings refers to the neglected condition of muny of the triangular ard circular public Teseryations. Instead of being abandoned to the public, they should be neatly and substan- tially enclosed, and planted with trees and shrubbery. The reservation on Fast Capitol street, between Lith and 13th streets east, should be thus improved. By the act approved May 25, 1832, the Com- Mirtioner of Public Buildings was authorized to purchase a tract of inndsurronundinga jarge and never-failing spring of the purest water, incInding the rights of individuals to use it, j 8nd to bring it in pipes, adistance of about two miles, to the Capitol, at a cost of $40,000. From that «pring comes the Low of water which fills the fountains directly east and west of the Cap- itel building, aud also the flow of the hydrant in frontot the arched entrance to the base- ment of the west front; and from it is supplied all the drinking water need in the Capitol. If the ue of this water is tobe continued, so mach of the land on which the eprine is situated as belongs to the United States should be prop- erly secured by a substantial fence. In regard to the Metropolitan Police, Secre- tary Harian ‘®:—“The force has been main- tained, av far as practicable, at the maximum ‘and. anthorized Wy Congress; but it is believed to be uneqnal to the public necessities. Since its organization the Fopemtos of the District has nearly doubled. and the increase of,crime has been in still greater proportion. The board facts and arguments which are, in my y i i rT of such an in- 6 will enable the potice force to dis- ebarge with vigor and promptitude the daties required of them. It is hoped that Congress will adopt such measures in this regard as will insnre wiibin the District the maintenance of | public order, the due execution of police regu- ations, and the ndequate protection of the Tights of person and property. Of the jail he says: “The building remains a Teproach to the Government, and a nnisanee, } Humanity and policy atike require that a snit- able jail stould be erected, and I cannot too earnestly inveke the early and favorable Retion ef Congress on the subject. The propriety of inerensing the salary of the warden is also re- fpectiully submitted for consideration.” He aleo warmly recommends to Co: erection of a house of refuge in this and saye that he has uraged an incorpo. nt gentlemen to take | fated society of be the preliminary cre pbor rr tablishment of on the aqueduct farm, in | | district, ench tm instifnt | this Distriet, Tt f# hoped thar Congress may SATY tesistance to secure nford them the nece: this resent ‘The War Department has not yelsurrenderead | | the building in this city formerly Weed as a } penitentiary. It is ill gee to the purposes for which it wasempigyed. This department has beretofore invited the attention of Congress to the ee of erecting a new building. The subject is again presented for such action as may be deemed expedient. Deserved credit is given by the Secretary to the fidelity with which the Superintendent of the Government Ineane Asylum has performed his duties, and appropriate mention is made of the good work done by the Columbia Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. ———--~0e REPORT OF THE POSTMASTER GEN- ERAL. From the perspicuous report of Postmaster General Dennison we make up the following interesting particulars: The revenues of this Department for the year ending June 30, 1865, were $14,556,158.70, and the expenditures $13,694,728.28, leaving a sur- plus of $961,430.42. The number of stamps, stamped envelopes and stam) wrap. pers issued during the year was $12,947,437.50, an increase of #1,73,166 over the previous year. The introduction of stamped envelopes bear- tage | uent retirement of a portion of the inactive dreulation shown to be now held in reserve. By a gold yaluation of our imports and exports, itis estimated thata balance has accrued against this coun’ during the four years previous to the 30th of June last of $305,000.000. As a rem~- edy for thie, the Comptroller recommends an increase of the rate of duties just in propor- tion as the price of gold and foreign exchange may recede, to be followed by & graduated re- duction of such increase, say ten per cent., at the expiration of each six months, until brought by a steady reduction of the volume of irre- deemable Rabat: | and consequent reduction of prices, we would be able once more to place our manufactured and agricultural produc- tions on a footing that would erable them to enter into successful competition with those of other nations in the markets of the world. As the firetstep to be taken towards a reduc- tion of the Government issues used as curren- | cy, the conversion of all the interest bearing legal tender notes into 5-20 a cent. bonds, is urged. It isalso suggested the national currency act be so amended as to allow an in- crease of the limit to four hundred millions of dollars, on condition only that all the banks be ing ® request for the return to the writers of unclaimed letters has considerably increased the sale of envelopes, and is believed to have diminished the revurns to the dead letter office. Business cards are printed on envelopes with- out additional cost when ordered in quantities not less than 1,000 for the same parties. To en- courage the daphicentd Of request envelopes, the law should changed so as to allow the re- turn of such letters to the writers free of post- age. Asstamped envelopes are cancelled by use, and therefore safer against frand than those with stamps attached, it is submitted whether the Postmaster General should not be authorized in his discretion to furnish them as the separate stamps are now, withoutreference to the cost of manufacture. New stamps have been adopted of the denominations of 5, 10 and 25 cents for prepaying postage on packages of newspapers forwarded by publishers or news- dealers under the authority of law, whereby a revenue will be secured hitherto lost to the De- partment. No progress has been made in the negotia- tions of postal conventions with Euro; countries on the basis ofthe resolutions adopt- ed at the Paris international postal conference, and referred to in the last report. Postmaster General Dennison does notfayor the course of subsidizing American lines to British porta, as it would be impracticable to satisfy the conflicting claims of our principal Atlantic cities. A new post office building is recommended for the city of New York. The number of dead letters received, exam- ined, and disposed of was 4,365,087, an increase of 659,202 over the previous year. The num- ber of letters conveyed in the mails during 1965 is estimated at 467,591.600. The Postmaster General recommends that the law regres the list of letters remaining uncalled for to be advertised in the paper having the largest circulation be repealed, and the mode of advertising left to the discretion of the Postmaster General. The number of offices is 419, including those in the Pacific States and Territories, and some of the principal offices in the southern States. Orders have been issued for putting inlo op- eration 55 additional offices, The number of money orders issued during the year was 74,277, of the value of $1,360,122.52. The excess of expenditures over receipts is 87,047.97. As the proceeds of the O igre will hardly equal the expenditures until it 1s more generally es- tablished, it is recommended that any balance remaining at the close of the present may be applied to the deficiency of the next fiscal year. he maximum amount ot money orders is $30, which may be judiciously increased to $50, and the restriction to sums not less than one dol- lar removed, retaining the present minimum fee. Claims to the amount of a million of dollars have been presented by contractors and others in the Southern States for services rendered previous to the rebellion. Although the service has been restored in each of the Southern States, itis not so gene- ral as the departmenthas desired and the wants of the citizens require, because of the difficulty of procuring contractors and tmasters who can take the oath prescri by the acts of July 2, 1562, snd March 3, 1863, requiring uni- form loyalty ‘o the government during the re- bellion as the condition of holding office and for the conveying of the mails. Although, in view of the financial wants of the Government and the large demands for postal expenditures in the Southern States, this department conid but deem unwise any present reduction of domestic postage, it ap preciates the duty of the Government to lessen all postage rates to the minimum of not pre. venting the department to support itsPif am its revenues, and it perceives no reason why, ina few years, with our rapidly increasing prosperity, aided by judicious legislation, a re- duction may not be made to the maximum let- ter rate adcpted by Great Britain. Among the many remarkable facts illns- trating the progress of the people of the loyal States during the rebellion, fm almost every departmentof material developm-nt and social advancement, haying no ent in history, and confounding the pr tions of all having littie faith in the vitality of free institutions and the resources of @ frve people, that of the inerease of posta! Correspondence, as shown by ihe postal rever ves, .s not the least interesting and suggestive. The maximumannual receipts of this Department previous to the rebellion from all the States was $8,519,067.40, which was exceeded in the sum of $6,03-.09130 by the receipts of the last year from the loyal States alone. ——_+ +e ____ REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. The report of the Hon. Gideon Welles, Sec- retary of the Nayy, gives a comprehensive stetement of the operations of the Navy, its present conditions and future necessities. A congise report of the operations of the North Auantic, South Atlantic and West Gulf squad- rons is presented, together with the details of the reduction of the naval force at the close of the war. The number of vessels and crews on foreign service will not be greatly increased over those of former years, while the number of guns will be less; yer itis believed that the superiority of team over sails for naval war veesels, and the improvements of ordnance, will give our force abroad greatly augmented efficiency and power. There are now the En- ropean, Brazil. East India and Pacific squad- rons, in all thirty-two vessels. To these will be added the West India squadron, with nine vessele. We had in 1*6v fivesquadrons on for- eign stations, numbering 31 vessels, carrying 445 guns. At the present time we haye on the several stations abroad 36 vessels, mounting 347 guns, and carrying 56 howitzers, Since the 4th of March, 1°61, 415 vessels have been pur- chased, of which 313 were steamers, at a cost of $15,566,081.63, and of these there have been soid 340 vessels, for which the Goyernment har received $5,621,460.27. ‘The Secretary recommends the enlargement ofthe Nayy Yards at Boston and New York, to complete the yard at Mare Island, on the Pacific, rebuild those of Norfolk and Pensaco. is, and sell the present restricted grounds at Philadelphia, after establishing a yard ofsuf- ficient capacity at League Island or some other proper location on the Delaware. He states that he omits any recommendation in regard to ibe yard et Kuttery, because there are serious objections to it as anaval station, on accountof its proximity to the ocean, which renders pub- tic property there insecure, Midshipmen, itis recommended, should be *ppointed one half from enlisted apprentices of the navy, and the remainder trom Congres- sicnal districts. The establishment ofa nayal academy on the Chesapeake is urged, as Ppos- sessing superior advantages to any other place oe be pear = ¢ laws of Dec. 21, 1861, and of July 16, 1 directing thatthe hours of labor and ime por of wages of the employes in the navy yards ehall conform, as nearly as is consistent’ with the public interest, with those of private estab- lishments in the Immediate vicinity of the re. spective yards, to be determined by the com- mandants of the navy yards, srbject to the ap- sroyal and revision of the Secretary of the Navy,” the Secretary recommends stiould be vepealed. It is also urged that the military and naval asylums be separate, and that whai- ever funds may remain in the treasury from Dnes or other eauses specified in the fifih sec-. tion of the act of March 3d, 1565, “to incorpor- ate a National military and nuyal asylum” be set apart, not for one asylum, bat for the two branches of the service. He also recommends that all fines, forfeitures, &e., derived from nayal officers or seamen may inure to the bene- fit of the men of the navy, ‘irrespective of the asylum indicated in the act of last March, which is more appropriately adapted to the army. The subject of the increase of salaries in the navy is presented for the tuvorable cousidera- tion of Congrees. ‘The total expences of this department from the 4th of March, 1661, to the 30 of June, 1566, embracing @ period of four years and four months, and covering not only the ordin expenses of the navy, but such as have arisen in the purchase. construction, and equipment of vestels, and in the maintenance of Use large naval force reqnired daring the war, were Ron Average annual expenditare . It is gratifying to mote that Pp f thie depariinént since the eom- mencement of the war have been but nine and three-teuths per cent. of the expenditures of the goverument during the same ume. e202, ‘OMPTROLLER CLARKE, The report of Hon. Freeman H. Clarke, Comptroller of the Oarrenc re } res inour tinawctal wees ® retern toa a Dasix, apd eoggeste, as the mort available 6 tthe funding and conse. required to redeem their notes in New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, and aleo that an iesue of six per cent. 5-20 bonds be authorized to the amount that it will require to secure the ad- ditional circulation under the provisions ofthe act, which bonds the banks, when organized, shall purchase as each may require of the Sec- retary of the Treasury, at such fair rates as he ™: om time to time prescribe, but not less than their par value, and pay for the same in the United States legal-tender notes, and all notes so received shall be cancelled and de- stroyed. The tariff, it is suggested, can be so adjusted as to produce $120,000,000, of which #100,000,000 should be raised on whisky, malt liquore and wines. It is estimated that the cotton of next year will amount to between two-and-a- half and three millions of bales, on which might be levied a tax of eight cents per pound which would realize #150,000,000, more than sufficient to pay. the interest on the public debt after the entire amount is funded. The licens and stamp duties, itis thought, conld be dis- pensed with after the next fiscal year. —_-- ore —___. REPORT OF LIEUT. GEN. Ul. S- GRANT. The report of Secretary Stanton is accom- panied by one from Gen. Grant, of great in- terest, giving a history of the operations of the armies of the United States from the date of his appointment to command the same. It is marked by great candor of statement, giving credit where he deems it dne, and distributing blame unflinchingly where it seems called for. In conclusion, he says: “It has been my for- tune to cee the armies of both the westand east fight battles, and from what I have seen I know there is no difference in their fighting qualities. All that it was possible for men to do in battle they have done. The western ar- mies commenced their battles in the Mississippi valley, and received the final surrender of the Temnantof the eg oe army opposed tothem in North Carolina, The armies of the east commenced their battles on the river from which the army of the Potomac derived its name, aud received the final surrender of their old antagonistat Appomattox Court-house, Va. The splendid achievements of each have na- tionalized our victories, removed all sectional jealousies, (of which we have unfortunately experienced too much,) and the cause of crim- inanon and recriminationfhat might have fol- lowed had either section failed in its duty. All have a prond record, and all sections can well congratulate themselves and each other for having done their full share in restoring the supremacy of law over every foot of territory belonging the United States. Let them hope for perpetual peace and harmony with that enemy, whose manhood fhowever mistaken the cause, drew forth such herculean deeds of ya- lor.” Want of space ti further notice of th STEAMBOAT LINES. Amant STEAMSHIP GOMPANY TO 1 NEW YORE. ing this tine are th com) JOHN GIBSON, Capt. You: EO KNIGHT, Capt. Morris: ai hat a ae crn Me a wack: Leavi: 12 No iver, New every WEDNESDAY ond SATURDAY. at4 Din. al 5 . Freight recetved daily during business hours, Th aed sarauntae ney: ‘connect with Alex Te ©! LJ oe aedria and Orange Railroad. joo as forwarded to any point aleng the line of the road, MOBGAN, RHINEHART & OU., Agents, Corner th and Penn. avenue. south side, aa CROMWELL oo aecoate, Ys. . B. . jen! nei? tf AG West street, New York. HE EASTEKN SHORK’S STEAMBOAT-the Steamer CAMBRIDGE—leaves No. 140 Light Street Wharf, Balti- more at * >. w., on SATURDAY and TUESDAYS for OXFORD. EASTON POINT, CA IDGR, and all in: termediate landings on Tread Avon and rs. ‘She lias excellent Passenger and freight accom- 170 Light St. Wharf, Baltimore. OT@MAG TRANSPORTATION LINE. . A. RytHeR, will leave Baltimore! every Tuesday and Saturday,at 4p.m., for Alex- Returning, leave Snow's Wharf, Georgetown Weancaday and the usaul landings on the Potomac. Freight re- ceived daily. and kept under cover. W.R. BNOW * PARKHURST & CO., Agente, 7th street wharf, Washington, D.O. ” oe 23-tf WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY ils MORNINGS, at 10 o'clock, for Return at § p.m. Fare $10. wy piswic, oc 16-tf Potomac TBRANPORTATION LINE. ESS, . B.A. Brruze, EXPRESS, Copt. MBRIDGE and DOVER BRIDG i ‘Choptank ns. H. WOOD, Agent, WM. WHILLDEN, Capt. Rincans: Steamer EXPRESS. Capt, ecScen andria, Washington, and Georgetown. ad Wisinglen every 1 p. “+ ni e and Saturdsy at6e. m., touching at at CO., Agents, 107 Water street, Georgetown. 3 E. QTEAMEE LEAVES 7TH STBERBT WHARF MOUNT VERNON; General Superintendent. ‘The Steamer ‘Will_ leave Baltimore every DAY EVENING, st 5 P. M., for Al- exendris, Washington and % : informati tand paseage, METER SWS BOHS tes Liceetnet ober, Bal- aa, RODERS &CO., No. 3 King street, Alexan- a, Va. BHINEHART & CO..No. 307 Water ig tin ‘and 241 F sireet, Washing ‘And J. L. PARKHURST & 00., 7th street wharf, Washington. au 23-tf N2” YORK AND WASHINGTON sTEAM- SHIP COMPANY. ae Old Line between NEW YORK, ALEXANDRIA, WASHINGTON AND GEORGETOWN. OCEAN STEAMERS—BALTIMORE, REBECCA CLYDE and EMPIRE, in connection with Inland Steamers GEORGE H. STOUT, MAY FLOWEE and ANN ELIZA, Begular Sailing Days TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS at 12 M., from The foot of High street, Georgetown and Pier 15 East Biver, foot of Wall street, New York. For Freight or Passage apply to ©. P. HOUGHTON, Agent, foet of High street Georgetown. M. ELDRIDGE & 0O., Prince street wharf, Alex andris. JAMES HAND, 117 Wall street, New York. Freight received constantly and forwarded to alt parts of the country with despatch, at lowest rates, je 2. ©. P. HOWGETON, Agent. EDUCATIONAL. Spiers HALL.—The daties of this in- tution will be resumed on Sept. 13, 1365. For terms, 2c., see ca! and circular at the prin- cipal bookstores of this city, or address the prin- cipal. %. PARSONS, ans Catonsville, Md. BAMS EXPRESS GOMPANY. OFFICE 514 PENN’A AVENUE, BRANCH OFFICE, 219 PENNSYLVANIA AVENU WILLARD. GREAT EASTERN, NORTHERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHERN EXPRESS FORWARDERS. » OPPOSITE Merchandise, Money. and Valuabl: forwarded with dispatch to all "scones ‘Sane of the country. COLLECTION OF NOTES, DRAFTS, AND BILLs, Made in ail accessible parts of the United States. . ©. DUNN, out eit. -~'?*~ 5 F J. AKIBERORR, . Se army | CARES > B® Vrederick the Great, vol, 5. the Both by Liewt Pytece Fa down to the original rate, In the mean time, | } not | z, se received by the under. » December 13, ings, of abo: “ at HEAD por. °F Bealed Fropessh Ml be sicned until WEDNESDA 12 o'clock m.., for the THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY BEEF OATILE, AT THIS DE weight, to termined on delivery. Pro must bein duplicate. and should state the pound gross weight, and the namber of . &., Obief C. 5. = ASA GRE Onptain LIME, . . Depot of Wi Rengton, Sealed Prop ’ be rece! aieek bene ee: t al en- tl WEDNESDAY, December 6. 18, at 12 o cles padg 3 Spe etivery at the Lincoln Hospital Depot, thie 7. 5,000 BUSHELS UNSLACKED BUILDING ORY. and 0. 8. Weighies not less than eighty (80) pounds to the ‘Two thonsand a nod ee, bushels must be delivered enty days fro: contract roporals must be aldressed tothe: ’ and should be pisinly marked, = Pro, ime.”? D.W. RUCKER, Brevet Maj. Gen. and Chief Quar Cermaster, 0-0 Depot of Washington. GOVERNMENT SALE OF BEEF CATTLE, ce Commissary of Subsistence, Richmond, Va.. November 23, 1565. Sealed proposals. in duplicate, will be rece: by the undersigned until 32 o'clock m_.on MON- DAY, the 1ith day of December, 1855, for the pur- chase of abeut FIVE HUNDBED (500) HEAD OF BEEF CATTLE The Cattle will be sold at their gross weights. Properais should fe the PF. ponad, amber of head required, ‘oe Weight. and thi inc proms wolghk So tp Aotereined bn See eect ret of averaging the weight of BEEF CAT- No bide will be received fer a less number than twenty five (25) head. The Government reserves the right to reject Proposals deemed too low. Bidders net present will be notified by letter of the result of their pro- sale. . ‘The Cattle to he removed within ten dares from = date of acceptance at the expense of the pur- chaser. The Cattle can be seen at the Government stable, known as Bacon s Quarter Branch, on Brouk ave- nue, Richmond, Va ‘ k Swen Cash, in Government funds, and prior to ‘Propasals should be endorsed on the envelope “Proposals for purchase of Beef Cattle.” an addressed to the undersigned. at Richmond, V oo OEE Eater Oke Reberinaah oti 3. 8.,0. 8. A., ). B. ent @! we eS LP CLINTO et * Captain, 0.8, V, FFEESH BEEF AND VEGETABLES, Navy Department, Bergat o7 Provisions axd CLOTHING Sealed Proposals, endorsed Proposals f b 0 . endorsed ** Pro r Free Beet and Vepetabice’ will be rected at this Bee = eed p.m. == woes day of De- ner next. 6 Ru “ pounds of Fresh ‘Beef ana t ve — | Washingten Ronde of Fresh Vegetables ev, ¥ =) and pom eg vn oy we i Beef and Vegetables must good quality and the best the market affords, and cachartite must be offered for by the pound. The Beef tobe — roportions, fore and hind quarters *, with approved security, will be reqaired in one balf the estimated amount of the contract twenty per in addition will be withbeld from the amount of be collateral security for the itis foil} complied with > is fully ‘ Ls ‘oft made must be accompanied by a writ- tem guaranty, st; by one or more Persons, that the bidder or ders will, 1 their bid be accepted. enter inte an obii, in five cers. with good and sufficient furnish articles proposed. No proposal will be considered unless accompanied by such guaranty. and by satisfactory evidence that ¢ bidder ts a reeular dealer im the articles Proposed and has the license requrred by act af Comeress. The Department reserves the right to reject ony Proposal not considered advautageous to the Goy- erpment. no 26-10 JAED BREAD AND EXTRACT OF OOFFES, Office Depot Commissary of Subsistence, Washingion, November 13. 18.5. } ll be received at ni in Sealed Preposals: iu 4 this Ofice. on WEDNESDAYS ani SALCHDAYS of each week, fer all the surplus Nard Bread the Government has for disposal in this locality, and Pe about 2,000 gallons of Tilden's Extract of a ‘The Bread is in Boxes of fifty pounds each, ant ~ — in tin cans of ove gallon each (eight caus ba x.) ‘These articles can be seen at the Subsistence De- pot in Alexandria Va All purchases will be placed on transports at the Government whaifin that Clap. free of expense to the purchaser. No propose! received fer less than (29 boxes) ).40. pounds of Bread. and eight cans of Coffee. Bids from parties who have failed to comply with contracts will not be received, Payment required on the notification of accept- ance of the bid. in Government funds If thees articles are not all disposed of before THURSDAY. the 30th instant, ggey will be offered at Public Auction. G. BELL, he li -tuthest MajorandC.8.,U.38.A Cosine SALE, OF GOVERNMENT BEF CATTLE. or Comarssary, December 1, ock M.. on WED. th day of December, 1835, for the saie of one bundred and fifty (180) head, more or lese. prime Beef Catile toed Cattle — some - frose Rete gpa roposals will state t jee per pound grose Weicht, and unmber of bead r quired, The grove weight to be determined in the usual manner of averaging the weight of Beef Cattle, roposals will be received for five head and up- wanis. The Government reserves the right to reject any deemed y too low. Bidders not present mil be notified by letter of the result of their pro- The Cattle tobe removed Give days from dato ot acceptance. They ean be seen at the On nesr the fort; are in good condition, and are realiy a a ior lot of Beef Cattle, fit for any market. e don cash, in Government funds, and prior to jelivery. Proposals should be endorsed on the envelope, “Prepssals for purchase of Beet Cattle.” addreseed to JAMES CURRY. de 2-17 Colonel and 0. 8. V pcre YOUR PROPERTY aT HOME, FIBE INSURANCE. THE NATIONAL UNION INSURANCE COM- PANY OF WASHINGTON, CHARTERED BY CONGRESS. CAPITAL $1,000.000. ¢ RISKS TAKEN AT THE LOWEST RATES. LOSSES PROMPTLY PAID. NO CHARGE FOB POLICIES, OrricE: ace boa oes nearly opposite Riggs & Co.'s Bank- ng Hor Rr AtJCHN H. JOHNSON'S Law Office, No. 64 La, ave., near Bank of Washington. This Company is now prepared to insure all de- of property agaiust loss or daa ty fire on such terms as cannot fai acceptable to the citizens of the Distmct. In this Company you can insure a FURNITURE. MERCHANDISE, WAREHOUSES OR DWELLINGS for @ year or This eapeny starts with a CASH CAPITAL of $106,000, ali pardgn. OE tT snabling them to offer to the citizens of the Di-trict greater secu- rity then has ever offered heretofore. Policies will be tesued fora shorter period them one year. according to the New York scale for shurt insurance. AXCH OFFICE: Charles Knap. President, We Richard Wallach, GW. Riggs. Vice Pres't, Daniel Dod Thom . B. ©, Fab: George’ Gidcon, William Disen” hall poz cm’ RORLE D. LARNER,Secretary. ‘ ABD. N. a. wiiuen, éS7ite oF THE Peace, Office NO. 11 Sth sireet , wear Peun's avenue, b= would ——a inform bis friends the & ene! iy that he is uew attending to all od nese, such as administering the Ammesty. as Well as all other nthe, draw a y wi Sigg way Age Gt Ty Tenant Fiotioes, &c., &e, Legal of erven im sll ite B7 Particular attention paid to the collection o cbto and cisions tn general” ee ec am WIREMAXs : ir ~ CRLEBRATED LAlibe AGENCY, 493, 1111 STREET. SAT ¥: A lerge tot courtantly om hand Also, Orders to Som Stended te _ BORON, Agent SWEET CIDE i alice MiADaxrasr Bacon. Jost recetved. and (20 FweLn @ 00 nome st «GT Loutiana ave we, pear tibet. Tees ae : One