The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-06-27

possibility that some local interest in
Mianesota might appropriate this 600
oOO to buildings in some favorite town.
and hat then they might afterwards cali
upon Congress for another $40, 1000.
That was my objection; but yield that
consideration. This provision for
popular vote in the bill establishing the
Mime sofa Territory, is the first Of the
KIND ! believe. The Legislatures have
heretofore had the decision of the mat
ter with respect to the manner of appro-
priating the money which Congress has
appropriated for public buildings. The
Legislature has failed to have any pop
ul2r vote taken at present, and do not
thnk they ought to take any popular
vote ior many years, on account Of the
territory and the sparseness Of the pop
ulation, which is dispersed at few
points. Any determination that might
be arrived at now might be extremely
aEerse TO the interests Of the mass Of
'he people when they have spread over
the whole country. They have there
iore refused TO execute that part of the
law. Under ali these circumstances |
vas induced TO admit that it might be
better for the Legislature to have the
disposition Of the question at their own
discretion. | am inclined to think that
tic chairman OF the committee is cor
rect IN what he says of the bill, and of
The power of the Legislature to expend
she money, but do not wish to embar-
5ass The bill by sending it back to the
House.
Mr. Jones. / think my friend from
Keu,ucky is mistaken in supposing that
this subject was referred to the decision
Of tae people. 1t was referred to the
Legisi AZURE, and the law provided that
the Legislature, at its first session,
should select a location Of the seat of
government.
Ir. Douglas read the section of the
iaw referred to, to show the powers of
the Legislature in this respect.
Mr.. Underwood You will perceive
by The act that the Legislature is author
lied 20 establish temporary seat of
goyernment, and that they are author
.zed 20 have the seat of government
located by vote of the people. This
- d change which believe was not in
troduced into any former legislation on
the Inject of the Territories.
Mr.. Foote. l have heard no good
reason for the postponement of this bill !;
however much may respect the gentle
Iaen who have urged objections to this
bill, it seems to me that the objections
themselves which have been urged are
of too light a character to be entertain
ed; | know something Of the gentlemen
unoer whose auspices this bill has made
Is appearance here; l know them well,
and | must say that there is no founda-
t,on, and that there can be no possible
foundation, for any such suspicious as
have been suggested by my friend from
Alabama. l have another remark to
make. do think that for several years
there has been a manifestation on the
part f Congress of a want Of due and
proper sympathy with our new Terrific
ries, and the chi grants who 60 there,
ard a willingness to leave them destitute
OF such provisions as are necessary for
their domestic safety and happiness; I
fear nat we do not sympathize enough
with tnem | make no charge against
any one, but it seems to me that there is
often 4 restitution of that generous SYM
patty which we should feel for our fell
Iow-cltizens who encounter the dangers
of citing our new and exposed from
tier; and do not like, when such pro-
positions are before the Senate, to hear
frivolous objections urged against maxi
nag such appropriations as are absolutely
indispensable TO the well-being of those
young and feeble communities.
MIR. King. have had occasion often
to know that my friend from Mississippi
entertains strong sympathies and warm
attachments, and that he is very much
governed in Legislation by his sympathies
and attachments. The objections which
! made to the immediate passage and to
the terms of the bill, were made in a
respectful manner, and were not, SUBJ
NIT, If frivolous or unimportant kind.
However, the Senate may take them for
what they are worth. As to sympathy
for he people of the Territories, my
self nave never been disposed to exer-
else towards them any other than a Just
hberality, consistent with what believe
70 De for the interest of the people them
selves. The objection which raised,
was lot made because knew anything
of those gentlemen whom the Senator
from Mississippi has eulogized so much,
for | never had the honor of their &C
quaintance; take it for granted they
are high-minded and honorable men; but
have they control over the whole matter,
either in Minnesota or Oregon' Does
it not belong to others to control it F.? And
is It not right that the people should be
permitted to control it in the manner in
which they consider will promote their
own interest? am not disposed to pre-
vent the passage of the bill; l see it is
the sense of the Senate to act upon it
now, and l will not throw any obstacles
III the way. BIT / submit that myself
and other Senators, who are capable of
Judging what is right and proper, have
as much sympathy for the Territories as