Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-02-14
CON R e s s.
MONDAY, Jan. 20.


tions for the abolition Of slavery in the
District of Columbia and demonstrating
against the annexation Of Texas to the
Union-the question Of reception was de-
manded on the former, and prompt laid
ON the table, on motion Of Mr.. Norve1l, q
Northern Senator!
The latter were laid on the table on
motion of those who presented them
These memorials were chiefly from Penn
sylvania, New England, New Jersey, and
Illinois.
The bill granting presumption rightsto
actual settlers on the public lands was then
taken up on its third reading.
The question then being put from the
chair. Shall the bill be passed.
Mr.. Webster rose and stated the grounds
uron which he would give his vote for the
bill. He thought it necessary to provide
tor the existing state of things, by some
measure of this kind. Were we at the
point of time when legislating for pre-
emptioners was to be commenced, he
would most certainly 60 against the bill.
But in consequence of previous legisla
ton an immense number of persons had
settled on the public lands, on the suppos-
| tion that they should be treated as former
settlers had been.
What was to be done2 put The lands in
the market over the heads of those who
had planted themselves upon them, snd
made so many Improvements i? He thot
that they could not be exposed at public
auction without disturbing greatly the
peace of society; and even if an auction
could be held without any violation of the
public peace, that would not be more pro-
ductive to the government that under the
system prescribed by this bill.
As nothing was proposed between put
ting the lands at auction, and the present
system. he felt bound to go for the BILL
He thought it would be measure of
peace and tranquility.
Mr.. Bayard objected to the measure
chiefly on the ground that on the face of
this bill, there was one kind of policy pre-
sented; and totally different policy e1-
hibited on the face of the statute book,
which speaks of these settlers as intru.
ders.
| He admitted that the measure was ne
cessary, for the existing state of things ;
and would go for it did it contain any
repudiating the pre-emption policy. But
the present bill tends to perpetuate it.
The very same considerations which
prompted Senators to vote for this meas
ure, would prompt them to go on support
ing other pre-cmptlon laws, until the pol
icy should be fastened and established upon
the country. ..
, Mr.. Niles made some remarks in sup
port of the measure; and maintained is
policy as just and proper aud hoped it
would be the settled and established policy
of the Government.
Mr. Fulton of Arkansas followed in
support of the bill, and in defence Of the
character of the settlers.
Mr. Clay is expected to speak before
the final question is put He goes, OF
course, against the bill. ~
"WEDNESDAY, Jan So-
SEEAEE.-The pre-emptIon bill was
,.ken IN aod further debated. Its pass
ace was ably opposed by Mr.. Davis Of
Massachusetts. Inc yeas ana nays De-
ing called for, :he vote on It's hnal pass
age stood as follows, ~
Aves-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown.
Buchanan. Cuthbert, Clay Of Alaban,,
Fulton, Grundy, Hubbard, King, Lion,
I,umpkin, Lyon. Moulton, Nicholas.
Niles, Newell, Pierce, RiEes, Robinson,
Senior Smith of Conn. Tallmadge. Tip
TN Walker, Webster, White. Williams,
Wright, Yonng,-3o.
The nays were Messrs. Bayard, Cal
boun, Clay of KY. Clayton, Criaenden,
] Day is, Mexican. Merrick, Morris. Prem
, tiss, Preston, Roane, Robbins, Smith OF
: Ind, Southland, Spence, swifl AID Wall