Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-05-15

X
new countries, which, II was represented
absolutely deprived the purchasers OF the
means of paying for their lands at the
times stipulated aud required bv law /. .
Several other laws relating TO the public
lands do not require particular mention,
except, perhaps, that continuing the act
OF last session which affords sone indul-
gence TO settlers on the public lands.
But the mos, importan, act of a domcs-
tlc character, among those of the late SEES
sion, was that for The admission of a new
State into the Union, to be formed out OF
the territory of Illinois, and which will
probably be named Illinois. The guam
tity OF land which the location of military
patents IN that territory has thrown into
market, has drawn hither current of
population, ibe stream of which dairy IN
creases, and promises to make il as popu-
lous state as any in the Union.
The acts for regulating our intercourse
with the Indian tribes, exhibit the atten-
hon OF Congress 10 that object. Their
purpose is to place that subject more
within the control of Congress, by requir.
ing the assent of the Senate TO theappoint-
r'ents OF superintendent, agents aud Tao
tors and to FIX their compensation In a
manner which IN some degree reduces
the expenses of that branch of our expen.
diture. We consider il fortunate, that The
disposition TO economize stopped short
OF the abolition of the trading houses.
which would have left the indians eutire-
ly at the mercy of the cupidity and extor-
ton ct unprincipled hucksiers, who would
have taken every advantage of their appe-
Gtes and necessities.
We must not omit to notice the act for
OF
ton of slaves, which is consistent with
the character of the nation, that first
Showed the world the way TO the abolition
OF that eXecrable traffic, and has most
earnestly endeavored TO 'suppress it. Had
the Eastern Members Joined with half the
earnestness, IN favor OF The hill 10 prevent
the harbOrln9 and To assist the recama-
ton OF runaways, that the representatives
OF the slave holding states did-in the act
we have Just mentioned, another evil would
have been prevented, the magnitude OF
which,, those who live on the lines sepa-
rating the states well know how to appre-
cia,e, and which commoa Justice 10 the
holders ofthat species ofDropertv appear
ed 10 call on Congress 10 remedy, since
the constitution has declared lis inyiuia-
blliiv.
The abolition oft internal duties was
so confidently expected, 'hat 1t produced
scarcely eNuilatIon or regret. Ii we are
not mistaken, some of those heretofore
most ANXIOUS for their repeal, the distll-
lers particularly. have found the effect oi
the repeal such, that they would be glad
now 10 replace them. There can lie no
doubt, however, but the public voice de-
mauded their repeal.
The acts 10 establish the flag of the II.
10 81. d.
phia, and to Tx the COMPENSATION of the
members of Congress, may pass together
without remark, except that the Seat of
Government is unquesiionary the proper
position for a aunt, and Iiliier must, Que
day or other, He transferred
The appropriation of Congress for con-
tnulng The umberland road indicates All
intention 10 complete that noble underiak-
ing, and has allayed some anxiety which
had been felt on that subject. The pro-
vision for the public buildings al the sea
OF govern ment has been very liberal. The
appropriations for laying the foundation
Tor, and commencing the central building
OF, The Capitol, is particularly saiistacto-
~; and we begin to hope To live TO see
mat magnificent structure co mpleted..
Two additional buildings are authorised
tor the accommodation of the pablo Off
ces, ot equal size with those which alrea-
dy exist which! have been long wanted,
and which will greatly facilitate the pub
lie business, the extension OF Inch has
required them.
In thus running orr eve over the prin-
clpal public acts of the session, we have
the satisfaction of finding that, if some
good has been left undone, much has been
accomplished, and veiy little has been
done tnat does not command general ap-
rrohaiion.
Of what has been left unfinished at the |
late SCISSOR, aud OF the measures which |
were proposed, but did not pass the de-
al, we propose 10 take view at futare |
day National IseLhgncer.
NETP ORLEANS