The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-17
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

fishing branch minis at New York and San Tran
cisco, the special order Of the day for the second
tuesday OF january, aud to be continued until
Mr.. STRONG rose to privileged question.
He was instructed by the Committee on Elections
to make report upon the case Of the contested
election in New Hampshire. He stated that he
should call it up for the action of the House on
Tuesday next, and asked that the report might be
, printed The report is understood to e adve rse
TO the contestant. Agreed to-
T The question recurring upon the resolution OF
Mr. BRiGGs,
Mr.. WENTWORTH, asked if it was in order
TO amend the resolution.
the subject of the amendment was like that of the
resolution.
The resolution was subsequently made the spe-
cia order for the second Tuesday in January.
The SPEAKER laid before the House the fol-
lowing Message from the President.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 1850.
TO The Senate and House Of Representatives
have the pleasure of announcing to Con-
gress, the agreement on the part of Texas to
the propositions offered to that State, by the act
of Congress approved the ninth day of Scpter,
Der last, entitled, IAN act proposing to the State
or Texas the establishment of her northern and
western boundaries, the REIMBURSEMENT BY the
said State of all territory claimed by her exterior
to said boundaries, and of all her claims upon
the United States and to establish a territoria
government for New Mexico"
by the terms of that act it was required that
the agreement of Texas to the propositions con-
tanned i'll it, should be given on or before the
first day of December, 1850. An authenticated
transcript OF a law passed by the legislature of
Texas, on the 18th day of November last, agree.
ing to and accepting the propositions contained
in the CT of Congress, has been received This
law, after reciting the provisions of the act of
Congress, proceeds to enact and declare MS fol-
! lows, viz:
Therefore, First Be ii enacted by The LEXIS.
Lature If the state Of IeraS, That the State Of
Texas hereby agrees to and accepts said propo
sitons; and it is hereby declared that said State
shall be bound by the terms thereof according
to their true import and meaning
"Second. That the Governor Of this State b.,
ard he is hereby, requested to cause Il copy of
this act, authenticated under the seal of the State
to be furnished TO the President of the United
States by m.il, as early practicable; and also,
u copy thereof, certified in like manner, to be
transmitted tc each of the Senators and Repre-
sentatives OF Texas in Congress, and that this act
take effect from and after its passage
&C. G. KEENAN,,
"Spe0kcr Of the UouSe IF Representatives
JOHN A. GREEN,
President Of the Senate.
"Approved, November rs, 1850
"p. II. BELL"
From the common sources of public informa-
ton, it would appear, that very remarkable de-
gree of unanimity prevailed not only in the
legislature, but among the people of Texas, in
respect to the agreement of the State to that
which had been proposed by Congress.
Icannot refrain from congratulating Congress
and the country, on the success of this great
unI laa Iinuu IF ili,tin ND
The difficulties felt, and the dangers appre
bend d, from the vast acquisitions Of territory
under the late treaty with Mexico seem now
happily overcome by the wisdom Of Congress-
Within that territory, there already exists one
State, respectable for the amount Of her popu-
lation, distinguished for singular activity and
enterprise, and remarkable in many respects,
from her condition and history. This new State
has come into the Union with manifestations
not to be mistaken, of her attachment to that
constitution, and that government, which now
embrace her and her interests, within their pro-
tecting and beneticent control.
Over the residue of the acquired territories
regular territorial governments are now estab'
lished in the manner which has been usual in
the history of this Government. Various other
acts Of Congress may undoubtedly be requisite
for the benefit, as we'll as for the proper gov
ernmcnt, of these so distant parts Of the country.
But the same Legislative wisdom, which has til
uni he'd over the principal difficulties, and ac-
complished the main end, may safely be relied
on for whatever measures may vet be found ne-
cessary to perfect this work; so that the Access
sion of these vast regions to the United States
luay rather strengthen than weaken, the Consli-
tuition which is over us ALL and Of the Union,
which affords such ample daily proofs Of its in
estilnable value.
WILLARD FILLMORE
Mr.. ASliMUN moved the reference Of the
message to the Committee Of the Whole. Carried.
| Mr.. q. w. JONES subsequently moved re-
consideration Of the foregoing vote. Carried.
Mr.. G.. w. JONES then moved to lay the mes
sage on the table, stating that he saw no necessity
| for discussion upon the bject, the message be.
ing but notification Of the acceptance by Texas
Of the act relating to New Mexico The motion
| prevailed.
The SPEAKER laid before the House the re-
port OF the Treasurer Of the United States relative
to the rece pts aud expenditures Of the Post OAice
| Department.
MIR. DAYLY moved its reference to the Com
| miltee of Ways and Means. Carried.
Mr.. G.. w JONES asked if the annual commu-
MICA ion Of the Secretary Of the Treasury had
, been received, was answered in the negative.
| Mr.. MEADE. offered the following resolutions
Resolrcd That select committee Of nine he ap-
pointed to inquire into the eXpediency Of dividing
the public lands among the States Of the Union,
| for internal improvements and educational pur-
poses, in the manner and upon the conditions fol-
lowing:
|. The whole public domain to be surveyed as
soon practicable, and laid of into parcels OF -
or more townships each, lying contiguous to or Us
4 near each other may be.
=. The SAID parcels to be assigned by lot, from
time to ii re, as the surveys may progress, 20 the
several States in proportion TO their population;
but each State in which there are public lands,
be at liberty take its share out Of the land stu
ated within its own limits, which share, if less
than the land so situated, to be ass gned by lot.
3. All gold, silver, and quicksilver mines to he
reserved to the United States.
4. Each State to dispose Of its lands in the man
ner it may prescribe, but after the expiration Of
- years from the allotment, any citizen of the
Unitec States to be permitted to settle hereon, by
paying TO the proprietor State, sum not exceed
ing one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre.
). The States within which the lands may lie,
to impose no tax thereon, while they remaln the
property of any other State.
6. Twenty per cent Of all nett sales made by