The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-06
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr.. Butler,
Chaplain Of the Senate.
After the reading of the journal
Mr.. G. w. JONES introduced resolution au-
mittees Of the House. Adopted.
Mr.. JONES also moved that when the House
adjourns, it shall adjourn to meet on Monday
next. Carried.
Mr.. ROBINSON offered the following resolu-
ton
.sResolred, That select Committee of five be
appointed to take into consideration the act grant
ing bounty lands to certain officers and soldiers
who have been engaged in the military service Of
the United States, passed September %, 1850, and
to report to the House by bill or otherwise, what
further legislation, fany, is necessary to its
execution in a reasonable length of time whether
the existing regulations adopted by the Commits
sioner of Pensions are in pursuance Of the spirit
Of the law what length Of time under said regu-
latons it will probably require to execute the
sam whether additional force can or ought to be
employed and in order to full and complete in
vestigaton Of the whole subject, that they have
power to send for persons and papers Unnecessary"
Mr.. Robinson stated that he had investigated
this matter, having many applications III his
charge, and had found that there were some 1900
applications on file at the Pension Office. Ofthese
only 300 had been registered. After registry
they were sent to the 81 Auditor to see if the de-
clarations correspondent with the ros.in that Office.
Only seventy eighty being examined each day,
four or FIVE years would eapse before disposing of
the applications already made, which were esti-
mated to be only tenth part of the number en-
pected AS things are, the law cannot be execu-
ted under ten fifteen years. He was in favor
| of raising committee, who, by visiting the bu
reaus, mig ht devise method to do away with
listing difficulties and ensure speedy execution Of
the law. A small number of additional clerks
| could be probably employed in making copies
Of the rolls, as but two three could now exam
inc the original rolls at the same time. He OBJ
jected to the regulation of the Pension office re-
quiring this authorization by the Third Auditor.
1t had not existed previous to the Mexican War.
What better evidence could be g ven or required
than the original certificate? lie also objected to
the regulation Of the Secretary Of the Interior,
quiring proof by credible witnesses Of services
| rendered between 1890 and 1912.
He knew Of many persons in his State, of
whose services he had no more doubt than he had
of those Of Andrew Jackson, who, by this rule,
would be entirely deprived Of the benefit Of the
law. The persons with whom they served were
either dead, were scattered the broad land.
Again, the Secretary Of the Interior states that, by
reason Of the delay in procuring engraved plates
for the warrants, three months would e!apse be-
| fore any would be issued. Mr. ROBINSON de-
clared himaef in favor Of legislation, to remove
| these manifold difficulties.
Mr.. WHITE said if the resolution was to pass,
he would propose to amend it, by striking out the
words select Committee and insert Military AZ
| iairS, also 10 strike out the words persons ana
papers.
Mr.. HOUSTON opposed hasty action upon
this subject. He thought the measures adopted
| to put the law into operation, wise and
wholesome. The proof, by credible witnesses,
| Of the services Of soldiers under General Wayne's
command, was the same as was required in Revo-
| lutonary claims.
Mr.. CALDWELL proposed to amend the reso-
luton by substituting a provision prohibiting
such a construction of the Bounty land law, as to
prevent sales and transfer Of rights before the is
sue of warrants. Decided out of order. MIR. C.
then gave notice Of an intention to introduce
| bill to the same effect.
Mr.. WHITE modified his amendment by in
sertn Committee on Public Lands instead Of
Military Committee.
The question was then put on the adoption Of
his amendment, which rejected
| Mr.. ROBINSON demanded the previous ques-
ton and under its operation the resolution was
adopted.
Mr.. SCHENCK introduced the following resp
| luton, which was adopted
Resolved, That the committee Of Ways and Means
be instructed to inquire and ascertain the necessa-
ry expense therefor, and to report forthwith BILL
appropria;ing an amount Of money, sufficient to
enable the President Of the United States, to fit out
the ship of the line Pennsylvania, and to send her
to England to carry thither under such regulations
as he shall prescribe, the works Of art and the
productions Of the United States, intended by the
citizens Of this government to be exhibited at the
Worlds Fair, which is to assemble in London, in
May next.
A letter from the Treasurer of the United States,
transmitting accounts for the Sd and 9TH quarter
Of l849, and for the lst and I'd of 1850 was laid
on the table and ordered to be printed.
The House then adjourned.