The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1851-01-30
LEGISLATIVE DEBATES.
CapitOl and Prison Bill.

This important bill came up for consideration
in the House on Friday last. We give below a
synopsis Of the debate
Mr. Ames, lin committee Of the whole on a
motion to amend, SO as to give the Capitol TO
Stiliwater,) would inform the committee that
Saltwater had no ambition in that way; she never
expected such high honors, and had not asked for
them.
Mr. North thought it out Of the power Of the
Legislature to provide for the erection Of the
Capitol at any other point than st. Paul. The
legislation of Congress and the action Of our last
Legislature had settled that point.
Mr. North moved to strike out all that portion of
the bill which related to the election of Commas
sioners by the people. He thought, under the
Organic Act, that the appointment of all such
officers rested with the Governor and Council.
Mr. Ames-I should be paying the gentleman s
legal abilities very poor compliment, to suppose
him sincere in making this motion. Parliament
tary history furnishes various ways and expedents
ITO kill bills at different stages Of their progress
The friends Of this measure could not fail to see
that the motion Of the gentleman from St. Antho-
ny. (Mr North, J should it prevail, would accom-
psh that object in very summary manner.
After the passage of the bill through committee
Of the WHOLE MIR. Rice moved to strike ont "StlIl-
water wherever it occurred, and insert "Sant
Paul." SO that it would provide for the erection of
both the Capitol and Prison at this place.
Mr. I'ilden was afraid there was cat under
the neaI-a concealed object unfavorable TO the
b--which induced his colleague TO make this
motion. He would be very glad to have both
buildings at st. Paul; but could we get them?
That was the question Once satisfied On that
point, and he would vote for the amendment. He
did not believe, however, that members from
other points were willing sacrifice the interests
of their constituents, and 60 for giving Il. Paul
every thing. 1t was not 10 be expectetk-it was
not human nature, TO expect any such good luck
for our town. The consequence would be, If we
undertook this, would lose all.
Mr. Rice--I assure my colleague, offer the
amendment with the utmost sincerity. Saltwater
is on The southeastern border Of the Territory,
and inconvenient to be approached from all quar-
tiers. 1t is matter not unknown 10 members,
that the executive branch of this Legislature is
anxious to extend the trade and intercourse laws
over certain ceded portions of the Territory to the
north of Us. If this be done, there are weighty
arguments in favor Of placing the prison either
here, or some where directly approachabe through
the great central thoroughfares Of the Territory.
The members from Mendoza ard Waheshaw are
also interested in locating the prison on the Mis-
sissippi. The country west Of the river will soon
be opened to the settler; already road is being
constructed from Mendoza TO Wabashaw-exten-
sive bridges being built, Sc; which will soon at
tract most business from the extreme eastern bor-
der Of the Territory.
Mr. Brunson--I am satisfied. Of conrs., i, would
be for the interests of ST. Paul TO have both the
Capitol and Prison here; but, Nix. Speaker, l am
not 'ereen" enough TO suppose we can accom-
plish so much. Half loaf Is better than no
bread; cnce defeat this bill, and We lose all. /
am convinced Of this fact, and will vote accord
ingly.
MIR Gilman hoped tina. inasmuch as ST. Paul
and Saltwater were so anxious about this peni-
Tertiary matter, tina. the bniding would be placed