The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-11
II III IRT Y-FIRBT CONG II Il D
IN NATE
FRlpAY, Jan. 10, 1851.

~ . r. ~ a i r..
II FRIDAY, Jan. 10, 1851.
T After presentation Of petitions, reports, SC.
the bill authorizing the relnquishuien Mt 10 th
State Of Maryland Of two Of the pieces Of arsilis
ry, captured at the battle Of Conreras by the br
gade under the command Of Gen. Riley, was rsa
third time aud passed
Also, a bill renewing pension to Sarah ID
Mckay, widow Of an officer Of the army, afte
debate by Mr.. YULEE in opposition to the bill
and by Mr.. PEARcE and MIR. Hale in its sup
port.
The bill authorizing notaries public Throughout
the United States and territories and District o
Columbia to take oaths, afiirmations and &C
Acknowledgements, to the same extend magistrates
&C., was amended, and ordered to be engrossed.
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
Mr.. SHIELDS, from the Committee on Pab
lie Lands. reported bill granting some SO ,00(
acres OF the public lands in Wisconsin to thai
State, to supply deficiency in a certain grant
heretofore made 10 said State to aid in the con
strucilon of the Fox and Wisconsin river canal
lie hoped the bill would be considered now. And
the bill was accordingly held under consideration.
Mr.. DAWSON with some general remarks
that the Atlantic States were looking after their
interest in the public lands, and gave notice that
on the first proper occasion he should offer an
amendment TO some bill or other, providing for the
distribution Of the proceeds from the public lands
among all the States.
Mr.. FooTE protested against reviving any
OF the old party issues at this crisis, when the
country is still in danger from fanatics and agita-
tors. He was utterly opposed to dividing the
friends OF the Union al such time, by the raising
up of the old party question Of the land dstribu-
ton, as well calculated to revive party divisions
and sectional strife.
| Mr.. WALKER and Mr. DopcE of Wisconsin,
earnestly advocated the passage Of the bill.
Mr.. DAWSON commended for the doctrine of a
general distribution, and against the granting of
the public lands TO the new States exclusively to
the exclusion of the old thirteen from their fair
share Of the general landed property from the
whole Union. If the public lands are to be APP
proprated to internal Improvements, he main
tanned that Georgia, Delaware, and Rhode Island,
were equally entitled to share with Wisconsin,
or Illinois, or California.
Mr.. FOOTE earnestly reiterated his protest
against the revival Of any Of the old party issues,
which could only operate to divide the friends
of the Union.
Mr.. HALE facetously pleaded that the public
lands were a foregone conclusion; they would in
evitably 20 to benefit the States; and that the
old States might as well give up, and submit.
Mr.. CASS argued that it was safe policy in
the Government to contribute from its public
lands to road or canal which will enhance the
remainder Of the said lands in value.
Mr.. UNDERWOOD spoke in opposition to the
arguments Of Mr.. CAss; and said that the Gov
eminent would gain nothing from the increased
value of the public lands along this improvement,
as they were already sold.
Mr.. JEFFERSON DAVIS, upon the same
ground, was opposed to the bill, which was,
however, ordered to a third reading-32 to 90.
rLoecINc IN THE NAVY.
The CHAIR laid before the Senate a comrnu-
nicatiOn from the President, covering a report
of the board of naval officers, appointed TO con-
slider and recommend some reorganization Of the
discipline in the navy, and especially some SUBJ
stitute for the punishment of fogging, which was
abolished by the law of the last session. Referred
to the Naval Committee, and ordered to be printed.
FREE FARMS.
Mr.. WALKERS bill providing for the free
distribution OF the public lands to actual settlers,
was taken up, but without entering into its con-
sideraton, or of any other business,
On motion, the Senate adjourned. And they
adjourned over TO Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
FRIDAY, Jan. 10, 1851.
Mr.. McWILLlE rising to privileged ques-
ton, moved, under instructions from the Commit
tee on Printing, the printing of 5000 copies of the
report of the Superintendent Of the Coast Survey
for the use Of the House, and 1000 for the use Of
the Coast Survey Office.
done at this session. stating that unless it could be,
he could see no proprety in ordering it. Mr..
McW WILLIE stated that it could be. The printing
was ordered.
Mr.. NATHAN EVANS, by unanimous con-
sent, introduced bill authorizing persons entitled
to bounty lands under the act Of 1850, TO receive
treasury scrip in lieu thereof. Referred to the
Committee on Public Lands.
Mr.. THURSTON, by unanimous consent, in
troduced bill providing revenue cutter for Ore
gon. Referred to the Committee on Commerce
Mr.. ANDREW JOHNSON asked unanimous
consent to introduce bill for the encouragement
| Of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, by
granting every man and woman, either Of whom
may be heads Of families, within the United
States, one hundred and sixty Of land of the
public domain, provided that they cultivate the
same for the period therein specified.
Mr.. ORR obiecting to its introduction, MIR.
| John SON rendered him his profound thanks Mr.
ORa said he should take the same course again.
because he regarded the measure as species OF
demngogueism.
| Mr.. DOTY by unanimous consent, introduced
bill authorizing Ohio and Wisconsin to locate
the talance Of lands to which they are respect
lively entitled under the acts granting lands in aid
Of the construction Of the Wabash and Erie, and
Dayton and Erie canals, and for the improvement
81 Fox and Wisconsin rivers. Referred to the
Committee on Public Lands.
| Mr.. BENNETT, by unanimous consent, intro
duced bill granting New York, for certain pur-
poses, just and equal portion of the public lands
with that granted TO other States. Mr.. B. moved
its reference to the Committee Of the Whole on
the state of the Union, and that it be printed.
| Mr.. HALL moved its reference to the Commit
tee on Public Lands, which motion prevailed.
| Mr.. SACKETT asked unanimous consent to
introduce bill extending a patent heretofore
granted to Mr. Woodwork,
Mr.. DANIEL called for the regular order, bu
before proceeding thereto,
The SPEAKER laid before the House, the
following
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS.
| One from the State Department, transmitting ar
abstract Of the of the collectors or customs
showing the number of seamen registered in the
several ports Of entry Of the United States during
the year ending September 40, 1850. Referred to
the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be
| printed. @
! A communication from the War Department
| transmitting a statement Of the contingent ex-
II L !. L. o. y.