Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-07-08
THE LAND PLUMBER AGAIN.


frightened or lricked by the cunning Wings into
deserlion OF her stern principles We have al
ready announced the decisive vote by which Inc
lower House refused TO consider the resolution
for the reception OF the land fund. The Wings,
il seems, were not satisfied with their overthrow
but made another effort 10 bring up The question,
in form calculated, as they no doubt imagined
10 embarrass the Democratic party. But The
manuuyering signally failed. We sketch The
proceedings. On The 9th June, debate oil IN
common warmth took place upon resolution OF
Mr. Gales 10 submit 10 the people The question:
Is itexpedient for this State 10 receive The portion
allotted TO her OF the proceeds Of The sale OF The
public landsl Mr. Fowler moved 10 strike out
all Of the resolution and insert series OF resolu-
tons declaring the Distribution Act unconslitu-
tional, that il was violation of solemn compacis,
by which the United States became possessed OF
a part oflhe public lands, and, further declaring
that New Hampshire never has and never will
sanction and approve the measure, and that il is
her duty 10 condemn and reproba,e ii. The re-
solution OF Mr.. Gates was then stricken out, l32
to l0l.
Mr. Edwards then moved the indefinite post
ponement of the whole subject-but his motion
was lost, 81 10 l42.
Mr. Peabody moved an adjournment, bu! the
Democrats were determined 10 remain until The
question was decided Mr. Fowler's amendment
was then agreed TO- and the resolutions adopted; l39
to &C. or 60 majority, as follow:
"Rcsolred 6v the Senate and House 81 Pepresen-
tqtircs in General Court c0nrened, That IN The OPT
MON of this Legislature, the act OF Congress,
passed al us Extra Session the 4th day OF Sep
tcmber 1871, providing for division among The
States of the proceeds OF the sales OF the public
lands of The United States, generally called and
known Ly the name of the Distribution Actin
asmuch as il indirectly sanctioned the principle,
that the General Government might raise money
for the purpose OF distributing the same back
again 10 the pockets Of the people from which II
had been drawn, and was thus, in its consequent
ces. calculated 10 make the State Governments,
and through them III. people OF the States, the
mere dependents and stipendiaries OF The Ma
tional Government-inasmuch as II was plain
and papable violation of the express provisions
OF the solemn compacls, by which one portion OF
the public lands became the property OF the United
States, wherein it was expressly stipulated that
those lands "shall be considered a common fund
for the use and benefit OF the Confederation or Fee
deral Alliance of said States, and shall be faith
fully and bona fdc disposed of for that purpose,
and for no other use or purpose whaever"-aLl
inasmuch as il was an Unauthorized and illegal
annropria,ion 10 the individual States, by their
common agent and trustee, the National Govern
ment of fund derived from property holden by
The States in their united and federal character,
and sacred TO their joint use in that same united
and federal capacity only-was one OF those
dangerous, unwarraned, illegal, ruinous and I'M
constitutional enaclments, which the people OF
The State of New Hampshire never have, nor
never will either directly or indirectly, sanction
or approve and which il is the duty and should
he the pleasure Of Congress expressly 10 con-
denim and reprobate
sand be IL further Resolved, That the Secretary
of State be directed 10 forward a copy OF these
resolutions 10 the Governor of each of the seve-
raj States and Territories in the Union, TO the
presiijnp officer Of each of the two Houses OF
The 29h Congress, and 10 each OF our Senators
and Representatives in the Congress OF the Uni
ted States"
The devices OF the Wings were all trium-
phany put down, and the clear, strong voice OF
the Granite State has gone forth, TO condemn the
system of bribery aimed at the sovereignty of
the States. Next winter, Virginia will be called
upon 10 speak her sentiments on this subject
Are we loo bold in predicting that she will per-
sist in her opposition 10 this insdious measure
and continue TO stand on the platform Of princi-
pe. with her indomabe ally, New Hampshire :