Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1896.djvu/9



10em Washington, D. C., December 3, 1896.

The Department of the Interior comprises such a variety and magnitude of interests, extending over such an expanse of territory, that its care or supervision must entail great labor and responsibility. The brief time that has elapsed since I assumed this trust has not admitted of my becoming thoroughly familiar with its duties and opportunities, but its importance and possibilities have so impressed and interested me that I have given to it all the time and thought at my command.

Herewith I have the honor to present the annual report of the work of the Department and such suggestions and recommendations as to policy and legislation as my limited experience prompts me to offer. In submitting this report, I should be untrue to my own convictions and unjust to my predecessor, Hon. Hoke Smith, whose resignation took effect September 1 last, if I failed to testify to his fidelity and efficiency as the head of this Department from March 4, 1893, to the date named.

In making this report, I must of necessity have been largely dependent on heads of bureaus and chiefs of divisions in acquiring information concerning the operations of the Department and the effect of its administration. The interest in the service manifested by the officers and employees has been earnest and commendable, the assistance rendered cheerful and intelligent, and I am pleased to bear testimony thereto.

DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATIONS.

The comprehensiveness and diversity of this branch of the Government can be most approximately estimated by considering the amounts Rh