The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-04-23

Letter fssa Csl. Trs.Aess.
We give below letter from Col Fremont in sp.w..
to inquiries propounded to him by Messrr McCortl.
Richardson, and Robinson Sacramento Tunes
SAN jose. February %. 1855,
GgNrLrMEN: / have the honor TO acknowle8ys Il.
receipt of your letter OF this date and hasten 10 rep
In Your FIRST question, whether, il elected 10 ill., In
ted States Senate. would oppose the passage Of any b
which may be presented 10 The Senate providing II, IN
sale leasing OF the mineral lands in this State hss
10 reply. that would oppose The passage OF any snch
bill that am opposed TO any system with regard TO ih
mineral lands that looks to either leasing selling then
and that both in my place ~ the Senate and in recent
address 10 the people OF this Stale have disincv AZ
claed my opposition 10 that or any other mode Of making
the mines objects OF revenue.
principal object of my return TO this State as, N.
close OF the last session OF Congress. TO ascertain
more clearly, after The changes that 10 The course nj
year would necessarily occur IN our rapidly advancing
State the views and wishes OF the people, and psrtjcn
ary those in mining, in reference 10 the proper az ao,
legislation required with reference to the mines, and
was only prevented from going Immediately into The
mining districts Tor that object by severe illness ba,
kept me confined IN San francisco.
Should be elected, IT would be my Intention during
the coming summer 10 carry out that design, and TO Visit
the mining districts for the purpose of being Informed
and guided by the practical views OF the persons mos, in
erested in the subject and whose interests only could
possibly have in view.
TO your second question, whether prefer the bill in
regard to land titles this State presented in the Senate
by Senator Benton, | obliged 10 reply, that since
Their receipt here last evening" my time has been much
occupied. and moi anticipating the reception OF any in
quires in relation TO lhem have not given them an ex
amnalion or had an opportunity 10 consider what would
be their respective operation From what have learned
of them, however, neither the the other entirely
meets my views The main features OF Mr.. Gwin's bill
was before acquainted with, and think is objection
able in the indefinite and probably universal litigation
appears TO me would produce OF the bill Of Mr. Ben
ton, have only read single section 10 which my aiten
lion was particularly drawn, and which was as follows
"Ssc 8. That, trial Of any aeias Try tho va
Idly OF claim, the decision OF the court shall be
in which John Charles Fremont may be claimant;
and in all cases to which he may be- claimant appeal
may be made in favor OF the United States the Supreme
Court OF tho United States and in all decisions agans, the
claimant, appeal may in like manner be taken tho
SupreRe Court"
claim title have-I fully endorse and shall endeavor
10 procure its incorporation INTO any bill that may be
| passed on the subject
am not prepared to say that there may not be other
titles which, if the decision be adverse. the govern
ment ought to take appeals 10 the Supreme Court at
Washing on-though, as rule. think The State and
people ought be spared the expense and delay that
! From what have learned of other portions Of COL
Benlons bill, it would require many and important mod
iuy with either that Or the bill Of Mr. Gwa, perhaps
it will be more satisfactory to state briefly the views
myself entertain.
am in favor of the ascertanment, recognition anil
confirmation OF all lawful and equitable titles in this
State in the speedest and cheapest manner consistent
with the detection and exclusion of any that may have
been simulated or fraudulently made To effect this,
presented in the Senate bill, which, as comfortable
to the general course OF our government, proposed
commission OF three persons. 10 be appointed BY the
President and Senate 1t has been objected TO this bill
that it restricted the government from the right OF appeal
and in making the decisions OF the commission 6nal
many cases, opened the way to corruption and the I'd
mission of frauds. My object not to prevent inquiry
but TO hasten Justice; free TO admit that the
objection have stated has force. think it would Be
proper for the 10 the right OF appeal
10 The federal courts. with requirement that such ap
peal should be taken all where fraud simua
ton was suspected.
am not attached, however TO any particular form Of
proceeding but shall gladly accept the best that be
desired the cheap and speedy settlement OF genuine
titles and the etiecual exclusion of all others.
/ | think the interests of the Stale every way require
this because uncertainty land tenures, besides being
prolific source of contention and often OF violence must
retaJd TO great degree, permanent settlement and I'm.
provement. may be permitted. IN conclusion 10 ny
/ should hope and expect nlyhtenment and instruction
from the legislature and the people OF the State.
hope you will pardon me. gentlemen, that, IN con.
nexon with the present inquiries. must respectfully ~
that may be held responsible, these or any Other
subjects for The views opinions OF any other person.
or my own be supposed TO be controlled or co!ored
those offered in Congress whilst am here SIX thousand
miles distant
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Mesers j. w. McCorkls, ii. S Richardson, and C. Rob-
| lnson.