Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-30

Mr. DOWNS The question in regard to this grant wa.
presented many years ago. And Congress decided that in
like this, where there bona tide proof of settlement
the grant should be confirmed. And they did confirm such
claims And think that in matter small as this where
the equity is strong in favor Of the individual ought to
prevail.
Since the report was made in the House OF Representatives
in regard 10 this case, similar claim in relation to the
grant has been decided by the Court OF Louisiana The
Court held that the grant good and valid one. trial
had by jury, and they decided that the grant good
is but small mailer, and the property has been in
the possession Of the present claimants for more than forty
years.
Mr.. DAVIS of Massachusetts. do not know that UNI
dersand the Senator from Louisiana. II do, he has stated
the best reason in the world why the bill should not pass.
Here has been judicial decision declaring that the grant
good one and now take another
mans land and give TO this individual by act Of the Con-
gress of the United States understand the Senator say
it is valid grant.
Mr. DOWNS If the Senator will allow me- will state
what that said said the Court had decided that the
title of another individual another portion Of the grant
good.
Mr.. DAVIS. | understood the gentleman so. Perhaps
made the little stronger than ought but is II s
cen demonstration 10 that when portion has under
gone judicial investigation and the title has been established
to be good ought to be cautious how proceed Sup
pose the question should be raised in the courts the title
to the very that covered by the bill your table, Is
plain that the United States undertaking to convey the
properly and to give good title to the individual will be
bound support that te The bill ought go no further
than to concede all the interest which the United States has in
the property, and no more
Mr.. JOHNSON, Of louisiana That is all that pro-
poses.
Mr.. DAVIS. ask tha,the bill may be read.
The bill was read by the Secretary.
Mr.. DAVIS. Well, it turns out as supposed 1t an
absolute confirmation of the title to this individual II is not
release Of the title of the United States but an absolute title
to the tract OF land concession of the whole Of it, The bill
ought to be amended SO as concede nothing but the interest
which the United States possesses.
Mr. DOWNS. have no objection to add proviso that
effect thought it was expressed in the bill.
Mr.. JOHNSON. was under the impression that it only
amounted REIMBURSEMENT of the title Of The United States
If it be not SO, the bill should be amended.
The bill amended by adding the words so far as the
United States has title thereto"
The bill was read third time and passed.
The Senate proceeded consider the bill for the relief Of
James B. Davenport which having been read
Mr. DOWNS memorial was presented at the last ses-
sion in relation to the section Of land and referred
Committee Private Land Claims This morning the com
ntee have reported directing that Joshua Holden have a
thoy 10 enter the east half of the southwest quarter the
sixteenth section, &C. that the bill be amended by
adding this clause.
Mr. BREESE. It will be seen by looking at the calendar
that this bill reported from the Committee Private Land
Claims while the subject embraced in the bill belongs exclu
siyy to the Committee Public Lands. should like to
hear the report read.
The report was read by the Secretary.
Mr.. BREESE. should like to have time to look into this
bill see provides that the grant ofhe sixteenth section shall
township
shall express their wishes in that behalf This subject
which appropriately belongs the Committee on Public Lands
and 1t should have been submitted 10 that committee.
Mr.. DOWNS. If the Senator had expressed such de-
sire last session. woud undoubtedly have complied with
but it has been examined the Committee on Private Land
CLAIMS, think it is sufficient. Gases Of similar nature
have been repeatedly referred TO that committee, and no obec-
ton has before been made certainly think is some
whist strange that the gentleman should raise such an OBJ
lection now. The amendment which propose makes no
difference in the principle Of the BILL il only intended to
obvate the necessity for separate bill Each of the claim
ants has acquired title to small portion of that section
an and has settled upon his respective portion in good
faith holding upon the condition that the inhabitants Of the
township give him the right hold and to me they
should be allowed what they ask This has been long
the close of the last sessions have reached them and
Certainly think they ought be acted upon without further
delay.
Mr.. BREESE Neither the ability nor the fidelity of the
Committee Private Land Claims at all doubted have
no disposition to question their ability to do justice to any
subject but that is not the question There classes
of cases which ought always have similar reference
there distinctions which should avays preserved Nor
have dssenied from the passage Of the bill only ask that
may be postponed until have opportunity look into it.
+ Mr.. DOWNS. To that have no objection.
The further consideration of the bill was postponed until
tomorrow.
The following bills from the House severaly read
tard time and passed
An act for the relief Of Elisha Thompson
An act for the relief Of James p. Sexton
An act for the relief OF Simon Rodrgues.
The Senate then proceeded to consider act for the relief
Of Marcus F. johnson and without dsposing thereof
On motion, the Senate adjourned.