The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-26
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

IMPORTED MERCHANDISE.
MIR. MlLLSON offered the folio wing resolution,
which was adopted, viz:
Resolued, That the Committee on Commerce be
instructed to inquire whether any further legisla-
ton be necessary TO protect the owners, agents,
consignees, OF imported merchandise, from the
payment Of any of the charges of weighing, gaug-
ing, measuring, cxaCted by the circular lnstruc
tons of the Secretary of the Treasury to collec tors
and other officers of the customs, dated February
. 1850; and especially in where the invoice
entry ofmerchandise contains the aggregate weight
quantity of such merchandise, but may not state
the weight quantity of each box, cask, or other
package; and also in cases in which merchandise
is imported ia bulk, and the invoice or entry may
contain the quantity or bulk but in which, never
theess the owner consignee is required pay the
charges OF weighing or measuring, wherever 80
small a variation of the weight measure, exceed
ing that given IN the invoice entry, Is found 10
exist; and that said committee report by bill or
otherwise.
coNvEyAScE oF THE MAILS
Mr.. CHANDLER, in pursuance Of previous
tice asked leave introduce bill, providing for
carrying the United States mails between Liver
pool and Philadelphia. But objection was made.
ENCOURAGEMENT oF AsRIcULTURE.
Reports were made from standing committees
Mr. YOUNG, from the Committee on Agricul-
ture reported back, with amendment, the bill
to encourage agriculture by giving TO any man or
woman, the head N a family and citizen of the
United States, and who may cultivate the same, a
quarter section Of land, without cost.
The bill having been read, the question was am
nOunccd as being on it's enCrOssment when
Mr.. JOHNSON, Of Tennessee, said that tho bill
was Of more importance than any other which had
been presented to the consideration Of the House
and, save measure, any that could be brought
forward. Five years ago he introduced this propo-
sition, or the principle on which it was based
lie knew that IL then said il intend
ed To catch votes, and was demagoguism; but
since that time various measures had been in
L.. AZ. q h sUNl Ia Il.
asked in the name Of thOsc who toll and sweat,
that they be permitted to participate in the boun
ties Of the Government. We go over the water To
extend our synpathics. When little revolution
breaks out, We hear from every mouth about open
ing doors 10 the sufferers, and inviting them TO
this country, and rendering TO them land. But
the poor men at home, citizens Of the United States
who, when the tOCsIn of war h sounded, ready
to sacrifice their lives and shed their blood, lit
tie cared for. He caused 20 be read three authori
ties. the substratum ON which 10 erect his little
cdifcc on this occasion. The first was that Of Mo
/ res, namely, "thc land shall not be- sold forever.
! The land Is mine, for you arc strangers with me;'
the next that Of Nattcl IN argument Of the free
ulagc the soi and the third the authority Of Cen
cral Jackson, IN favor OF the opening OF the public
lands to scttlcrs, COst barely sufficient to rein
bursc the United States for the cost Of survey, and
. the cxtngushmcnt of the Indian titles. We have
. got too much land ~ a whole people, az individ-
. uals not enough. He asked where the Govern
mcnt obtained the right ~ withhold the soil from
I the producer. II not derived from the con-
stitution; IL was not derived from any great
| principle Of nature, and there should be no more
restriction than ON air, light, or water. Garry out
the principles Of the bill, and resources would
be increased, and the population Of the country be
made better and happier.
He wanted all 70 stand on the great platform Of
/ equality, and that every man may have hOme-a
hreside. Nineteen out Of twenty of the people arc
! better than their rulers lie was for serving the
| people, who had made him what he was; and, God
| wiling 40 long as he lived and had a tongue %
speak, or a vote 20 give, he would stand by the
people. They are entitled 10 honest and fair re-
! presentativcs, and their wishes should be known
and acted upon.
Alter speaking for an hour, in favor Of the bill,
he gave notice Of his intention to submit an amend
ment
Mr. DEBERRY, in reply TO- remark Of Mr..
JoHrsow said as a member Of the Committee on
Agriculture that the bill underwent no discussion
there. lie had been constant attendant on the
committee and knew that no argument sub.
mitted TO IT, The bill involved matter Of great
importance, and ought 20 go 10 the Committee on
Public Lands for investigation.
Mr.. YOUNG remarked that the committee by
large majority authorized him 10 report the bill
4 Mr.. JOHNSON, Of Tennessee, said that the gen
| teInan from North Carolina (Mr. DEBbaRy) mis-
| understood him. He said that the bill had been be
fore the committee and that II wac Of the sbes
and best committees Of the House.
/ Mr. DEBERRY expressed himself Satisfied with
| the explanation.
Mr.. McMULLEN, a member Of the committee
said il would be recolected that he had cOntended
I for amendments to the bill and he would vote for
it, or not as he might choose, when the question
shall be taken.
Mr.. BROWN, Of Mississippi, concurred in th'
main object which the gentleman from Tennesse'
had Ia view. He believed that there ought not 4
be solitary family without home; and that tn