Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-01-31

o. The following article which we take from
the Mineral Point Free Press, written by General
SHELDON, who was at Washington during the last
session of Congress, explains in clear manner the
matter of the 100000 appropriation.
From the Mineral Point Free Press.
Mr.. Plowman:-lt may not be uninter-
esting, at this time TO some of our readers,
to learn certain facts connected with The
subject which has so recently attracted the
public attention-facts that may tend TO
settle doubts which may be entertained
touching the intent and object of the ap-
propriation Of $50, 900 provided by the
act of Congress of May last, for the ex-
penses of the Legislative Assembly.
The estimate of the Secretary of the
Treasury. on which the usual annual ap-
preparation bill for civil and diplomatic cx-
penses is founded. contained two items
for the Territory Of Wisconsin, one Of
S24,5s6 so for the expenses Of the Legs
lative Assembly: and one of $50, 900 for
the payment Of arrearages due on the eX
penses ofpreriOus sessions. Similar items
were also in the Secre,ary's estimates for
the Territory of Iowa.
Some time in March, think about the
18th, the Delegates of Wisconsin and To-
wa learnt that the committee OF ways and
means had determined 10 report their bill
with "a material deviation from the Secre-
tary's es:imate-they concluded 10 omit all
items for arreardgeS, and 10 reduce The
sums estimated for the anticipated expen-
ses Of the annual sessions which were 10
be held in the month Of December follow
ing.
The Delegates on learning the determi-
nation Of the committee Of WAYS and
means addressed letter ito the chairman.
mir. Fillmore, in which they strongly
demonstrated against the course. and ably
urged the claims Of their respective Terri
tories. Their remonstrance, however, vas
without the desired effect; anJ.a bill was
introduced with the omissions and altera-
tons alluded to-
The so, 00O estimated for the arreara-
ges due on the expenses OF previous ses-
SONS Of our legislature, vas omitted; and
the sum Of S24,sS7 for the anticipated *
penses Of our Legislature was reduced -
the committee to 10000.
When the DILL in this shape va. Lefe--
the House, in committee Of the whole. the
Delegate from Iowa moved an anendne,:
which would add TO the bill the item pro-
viding for the payment or arre0rGgss due
on expenses Of the Legislative Assembly
Of Iowa. He supported his mo.ios ably.
and exhibited the justice Of the expsndi-
lures which made up the amour. asked for.
The motion was successful.
There can be no doubt, tina. similar
item for arrearages which were strictly
chargeabe as Legislative expenses, could
have been Immediately obtained; bu.
unfortunately there were several items
charged against the treasury Of the United
States, that we're not deemed to be Legsa-
tive expenses. and these were in,ermixed
with those that we're legitimate charges. |,
was therefore deemed advisable 10 provide
for the arrearages due TO Wisconsin il
separate bill, providing for their adjust
men; by the officers of the treasury depart
meni The act Of August was passed for
that purpose-and iftha, act does no: in ex
press terms, give different direction 20 the
$40, 600 than IS given and intended by the
act which makes the appropriation, i, will
be difficult 10 find anv good reason 10 sup
pose that no appropriation has been made
by Congress 10 NEE, the expenditures the |
session which commenced on the 9Th De-
cember, 1912.
In considering this Subject, il is no; ne
cessary TO inquire into the act or opinions. |
either ofihe Secretary Of the Treasury OF
Of the Territorial officers.
JOHN P. SHELDON.
Willow Springs, Dec. 30, 1912.