Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-05-05
THURSDAY. MAY 5. 1886.

The LAND BILL--MR. CLAv.--The Bill for
appropriating the proceeds of the sales Of public
lands among the States for limited time, ac-
cording to the ratio of their representation, and
to grant lands to certain states therein mention
ed, passed to its third reading in the Senate on
the 9th ult. by vote Of rs TO 81 The passage
of this bill 10 its third reading was opposed with
leaders in the Senate Amendments and post
ponemehts were proposed, and every method,
that ingenuity coupled with determined oppo-
sition TO the Bill could devise, to defeat its pas
sage. was resorted to; but thanks to the inde-
pendence Of some of the administration Senators
they for once ia their lives voted for measure
that was brought up and supported by their poll
teal opponents, the business and beneficial ef-
fects of which, with all their political predilec.
tons, they could neither gainsay or deny. But
although the Senate has manifested its willing
ness to advance the interests of the country BY
preventing dangerous accumulation of revenue
in the vaults of the general government, fears
are still entertained for the final success Of this
bill. 1t has yet TO pass through the House Of
Representatives, "a body almost entirely subject
to the hayward control Of psrty spirit. Should
it pass through the House Of Representatives un-
scathed and unstrangled, it has yet another trial
TO undergo before it can be brought into action,
or its good effects experienced by the country.
Before it can become law il must have the ap-
probation, and receive the signature of President
Jackson, the most formidable Of its implacable
enemies. He has former occasion placed
his Veto upon similar measure, originating in
the same source, aud there is no evidence on re-
cord Of his ever having changed his sentiments
or views respecting any measure that has been
brought forward or advocated by the distinguish
ed Senator from Kentucky. 1t is TO be hoped
however, that as the President has now entered
upon the last year of his service, he will, upon
mature reflection, throw away the prejudices
that in many instances have influenced his ac-
tons, and, upon the second appearance of the
measure for his sanction, passed by Senate in
which his friends are predominant. and by q
House of Representatives (shoud il be so fortu-
nate as to receive its sanction,) Of the same COM
plexion, crown the last year Of his presidential
life by sanctioning measure, which should it
20 into operation, could not fail of eliciting for
him, as for all of its friends and supporters, the
thanks and blessings of kind hearted and gen.
erous people.
On the day previous to the passage of the bill
TO its third reading, Mr., Clay addressed the Sc
Bile length, wherein, it is said by those ON the
spot, he not only came up TO the meaaure Of his
former renown, but even surpassed the high ex-
pcctations Of his most enthusiastic admirers
II is supposed that this will be his last effort in
the Senate, as he has several times during the
past winter intimated his intention OF withdraw,
ing from public life at the close OF the present
session Of Congress, aad Of spending the remain
der Of his DAYS in the quiet cnjoyments of do
mcstic happiness. Ifso, if this is to be the last
season that his eloquent voice is to ring through
the halls Of the Capitol whenever his assistance
is needed in the advocacy Of measures for the
benefit of his country, and his speech upon the
land bill the last effort that he will make in the
Senate, the loss Of his services may well be set
down as a national misfortune misfortune that
will be felt even by those who have been his
bitterest and most unrelentng prosecutors.