The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-03-13
Remarks Of Mr.. Simpson,
ON THE RESOLUTIONS RELATIVE
TO THE PUBLIC LANDS. In SEN

II
/ TO THE PUBLIC LANDS. In Sen.
ATE, FEBKUAKY 10, 1850. o.i-i-4l' -'''--1. ~
Mr.. Simpson, from the select committee
to whom the subject had been referred, re-
ported the following preamble and resolu.
tons:
WHEREAS, the government of the United
States, by the liberal appropriation of the
public domain-ors so much thereof as may
be necessary-in tracts of suitable size to
actual settlers, who are landless, upon
such terms as will secure to them free ac-
cess to such domain, will contribute in an
eminent degree to improve the condition,
physical, intellectual ard moral, of that
meritorous class oil our fellow citizens.
and at the same time will discharge high
and solemn duty which it owes to the peo-
pie of the United States, native and natu-
ralized; therefore,
Be 1t resolred by the General Assembly
of the Stale of Ohio, That it be, and
hereby is recommended to the Congress of
the United States to provide by law for the
securing to every citizen-native and nat
uralized-who is not landholder, the
right to enter upon and take for the pur-
poses of residence and cultivation, an un-
occupied quarter section of the public
lands, and to hold the same in fee simple,
at a price not exceeding the cost to the
Government Of surveying, recording and
disposing of the same. .as
AND WHEREAS, it is not less the policy
of the General Government, than confor-
mable with the dictates of humanity, that
provision should be made by law for the
complete separation of the white and COL
ored population of the United States at the
earliest practicable period, it is further
RsSs0!555d, That it be, and iiefeiby is rec
commended to the Congress Of the United
States, to provide by law for the setting
apart for the exclusive use and benefit Of
the free colored population of the United
States, so much Of the unappropriated
public lands now owned, or that may here.
after be acquired by the General Govern.
ment, as may be necessary, to the end that
every free colored male of the age of 2l,
and upwards, may settle upon any unoc-
cupied quarter section in said tract, and
hold the same upon such terms as Con-
gress may prescribe; provided, that the
price of such land shall not exceed the
cost to the General Government of survey
ing, recording, and disposing Of the same;
and provided further, that the land so ap.
propriated shall constitute an entire tract;
that such colored settlers shall be govern
ed by laws Of their own creating, subject
only to the supervision and control of
Congress; and propided further, that such
colored settlers shall not be entitled to the
right of representation in either branch of
the Congress Of the United States.
In introducing these resolutions. Mr..
SIMPSON said, that, when, a days since,
he had submitted some remarks on the SUBJ
iect ofthese resolutions, the Reporter had
Internationally done him injustice, by re.
porting him as in favor of the emigration
Of a colored population to this State
Nothing was further from his intention than |
to put forth such doctrines, and although
his remarks had been reported at some
j. u ~ =