same as all corporations or individuals would do if owning such property. I can see no propriety or wisdom in selling such lands at uniform rates, nor of allowing the choice portions to be selected under the pre-emption act for the benefit of a third party.

COAL.

Since my last report much has been done toward developing this important commodity in this Territory, and to bring it into market. Railroads have been built to all three of the mines east and south of Seattle; and about thirty miles of railroad is nearly completed to the Puyallup mines east of Tacoma. Coal of a very superior quality is being discovered all along the foot-hills of the Cascade Mountains, and in great abundance, which will soon add much to the wealth of our Territory.

IMMIGRATION.

Since my last annual report, and up to the time of the breaking out of the late Nez Percé war in Western Idaho, the number of immigrants which were coming into the eastern portion of this Territory was unprecedented, exceeding by far any former period in the history of this Territory. The slight check which this panic produced is already about overcome, as there are but few who fear any trouble from the Indians within our own borders, and most of the settlers are already returning to their homes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hon. J. A. WILLIAMSON,

W. MCMICKEN, Surveyor General Washington Territory

Commissioner General Land Office, Washington, D. C.

A.-Statement showing the condition of contracts not closed at date of last annual report.

Exhibit No. 1.

$4,060 73 4,057 27

3.46

T

B.-Statement of contracts let for the survey of public lands in Washington Territory, the on contracts for the fiscal

Name of deputy.

Character and location of work.

Standard.

Number of miles surveyed.

Township.

1876.

222 Sept. 30 Truax & Briggs... West boundary of township 9 north, range

44 east, and second standard parallel north,
through rauges 44, 45, 46, and 47 east.
Exteriors of townships 9, 10, 11, and 12 north,
ranges 44 and 45 east.

Exteriors of townships 9, 10, 11, and 12 north,
range 46 east.

Subdivisions of township 14 north, range 37

Subdivisions and meanders of township 13
north, range 43 east.

Subdivisions and meanders of township 14
north, ranges 41, 42, and 43 east.

5 Edwin Richardson Exteriors and subdivisions of township 6

12 00 40

Section.

number of miles and acres in each township, the number of plats made, and the amount paid year ending June 30, 1877.