Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-06-26
DEBATE In THE SENATE.
PROSPECTIVE PRE-. EMPTIoN BILL
THURSDAY, JANUARY %, 1871.

THURSDAY, JANUARY %, 1871.
The Presumption Bill being still under
consideration, and the question being on
Mr.. CRrTTENDEN's motion to recommit the
bill with instructions to engraft on it an
amendment for the distribution of the pro-
ceeds of the Public Lands among the
States
Mr.. CLAY, of Kentucky, rose and adj
dressed the Senate substantially as follows:
With the measure of the distribution of
the proceeds of the sales of the public lands
among the States of the Union, have been
so associated for the last eight or ten years,
that, although it had not been my original
purpose to say one word in respect to that
measure at the present session of Congress,
the debate on my colleagues motion has
taken such wide range that my silence
might be construed into Indifference or
an abandonment, on my part, of what
conscientiously believe to be one of the
most important and beneficial measures
ever submitted to the consideration of an
American Congress. did not intend to
move in the matter at this session, because
of the extraordinary state of parties and
of public affairs. The party against which
the people of the United States had recent
1y pronounced decisive judgment was still
in power, and had majorities in both Houses
in Congress. 1t had been always opposed
to the distribution bill. The new Admin
istration, to which ma ority of the Peo-
pie of the United States had given its con-
fdence, had not yet the possession of pow
er, and, prior to the 4th of March next,
can do nothing to fulfil the just expectations
of the country. The Treasury is exhaust
ed and in wretched condition. was
aware that its state would be urged as
plausible plea against present distribution
urged even by party prominent men,
bers of which had heretofore protested
against any reliance whatever on the pub
lie lands as source of revenue. Now,
although do not admit the right of Con-
gress to apply the proceeds of all the pub
lie lands, consistently with the terms of the
deeds of cession from Virginia and the
other ceding States, to the purposes of or
binary revenue of Government, yet Con-
gress being in the habit of making such an
application, was willing to acquiesce in
at some early day, suitable provision can
be made for the exchequer out of some
more appropriate and legitimate source
than the public lands.
The distribution proposed by my col
league can be made, and, if no other SEN
ator does, will propose to make it, to COM
mence on the lst day of January next,
leaving the proceeds of the lands of the
current year applicable to the uses of the
Treasury. This will avoid the financial
objection, as hope, prior to that day, that
some permanent and adequate provision
will be made to supply Government with
the necessary revenue. ! shall, therefore,
vote for the proposition with that qualifica-
ton since it has been introduced, although
/ had not intended to move it myself at this
session.
| came to the present session of Con-
gress under the hope that it would dedicate
itself earnestly to the urgent and necessary
work of such repair of the shattered
vessel of State as would put it in condi-
ton 10 perform the glorious voyage which
it will begin on the 4th of March next.
supposed indeed, that all new and doubtful
measures of policy would be avoided; but
persuaded myself that spirit of manliness,
of honor, and of patriotism would prompt
those who yet .linger in power and authority
at least to provide the necessary ways and
means to defray the expenses of Govern
mcnt, in the hands of their successors, dur
ing the present year, if not permanently.
But confcss with pain that my worst fears
are sbout to be realized. The Admins
tration not only perscvercs in the errors
which have lost it the public confidence,
but refuses to allow its opponents TO MN
lister, in any way. to the suiierings Of the
community or the necessities of the Gov
ernment. Our Constitution is defective
in allowing those to remain in authority
three or four months after the People have
4 pronounced judgment against them or
rather the Convention did not ioresoe III"