Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1845-01-25
Cossgress.

J1k. 4.--h Aie House, the day was oc7
cupied Il tie disonssioh ofthe Texs ques-
ton Mr.. -. b. Inesrsoll spoke bis hour
IN oppcsition to III the various schsmes /
brought forward for annexation, and was
replied 10 by Mr.. Payne Of Alabama. Mr..
Winthrop next obtained the floor; where
upon an adjournment was moved and car
ried.
The Senate, having previously adjourned
over 10 the 9th, did not cit. a~I
JAN. CHI the House, Mr.. Winthrop
opened the discussion in opposition to the
acquisition Of Texas, and was followed by
Mr.. Douglass of Illinois, in an able speech
in support Of the measure. Mr.. Clingman,
Of N. G. made rambling speech, in which
he talked about everything but the subject
under discussion. Mr.. Mcdowell, Of Ohio,
brought forward another project for the ad-
mission Of Texas. Several bills were fe-
ported by the committee Of Ways and
Means making appropriations for the>gov-
eminent expenses for the fiscal year COM
mencing July lst, lS45.
In the Snnte, Mr.. Buchanan presented
: memorial from the Board Of Trade Of
Pittsburg, and great number Of citizens
Of that place, setting forth the great impor-
lance Of the commerce of the Mississippi
and its tributary streams; stating that there
are now employed on that river and its
tributaries more than 500 steamboats,, Of a
tonnage, in the aggregate, Of l25, 900, and
annually navigated by more than 10000
seamen; and that the estimated value of the
property passing thereon is 10000, oo0.-
They ask an appropriation for the improve
ment Of those great rivers, and Mr.. B. ex-
pressed the hope that they would not ask
in vain. Mr.. Merrick from the Post Of
fee committee, reported bill reducing the
rates Of postage, and limiting the franking
privilege, SIC. A report was made by the
committee on Private Land claims confirm
ing the title of certain tract Of land in
Iowa to the heirs and assignees Of Julien
Dubuque, decd. This claim not only
covers the whole town of Dubuque, but
embraces the whole mineral region in the
neighborhood Of that place, and a great deal
more.] A bill was also reported allowing
drawback on foreign merchandise export
ed in original packages to chihuahua and
Santa Fee, in Mexico. 1--WE hope this bill
will pass. Persons acquainted with this
trade positively assert that nothing but such
step is wanting to build up trade of not
less than ten millions in very few years.
Even now, after paying the heavy duties
imposed by law, American citizens, with
goods conveyed across the great overland
route, are found competing successfully in
many Of the cities Of Mexico with traders
who receive their goods through the Mex
lean ports. Mr.. Gregg, the intelligent
author Of recent work on the "Commerce
Of the Prairies," states that in several i'm
stances our traders have penetrated into
the Southern portion of the republic to the
distance Of 400 miles from Santa Fe, and
have been well compensated for their labor
and risk. A bill authorizing the State Of
Illinois to impose tax upon lands within
her borders hereafter sold by the United
States from and after the date Of such sale,
was ordered to be engrossed for third
reading.
q. JAN. tn the House, resolution was
offered by Mr.. Cave johnson and passed,
preventing the issuance Of patents for any
lands in Louisiana known as the "Houma
claim" Spanish grant. This grant en-
braces about three hun bred acres, and is
estimated to be worth to the government be-
tween one and two millions of dollars
The claim has never been recognized by
the government, although constantly urged
by those interested for the last thirty years;
and much Of it has already been sold as
United States lands. Mr.. Secretary Bib,
it would seem from Mr.. Johnson's remarks,
has recently reversed what was considered
the settled decision Of the government, and
ordered patents to issue to the claimants for
all the lands. Mr.. ]. further stated that
under such order patents for some fifty or
sixty thousand acres Of land had actually
been issued. He expressedgreat surprise
at the course Of the Secretary, aud enter
tanned no doubt as to the correctness of the
former decisions against the claim, one Of
which was made by Mr.. Callatin. Texas an
nexation was further discussed by Messrs.
Yancey Of Alabama, Bayly Of Virginia, and
Stetson Of New York. Mr.. A. v. Brown
from the com. on Territories, reported a
bill for the admission Of Iowa and Florida
into the Union. Also. bill to organize
the Territory of Nebraska.
IN the Sssote, some discussion took place
touching the course pursued BY the Secre-
Itary Of the Treasury in relation to the