The republic., 1851-12-12

tlement OF immense tracts Of rich public lands
unoccupied. He referred TO the grants OF lands
made and the of money expended IN other
States Grants Of land. he insisted, increased the
value OF the domain and added to the revenues OF
the Government. If the granting Of lands was 10
terminate, he trusted that Missouri. Arkansas,
louisiana and Florida, would first receive the
snare TO which they entitled.
Mr.. SWEETSER regarded the public lands as
the property of all the States; and contended that
when the Government undertakes 10 dispose of
them IT should be with view to the common bene-
Mt He earnestly opposed the granting of lands to
private corporations, deemng such action to be un
utionali and, in conclusion, was understood
10 be IN favor Of the giving Of lands TO actual set
tiers.
Mr BISSELL said that II was his intention to
support the bill Of the gentleman from Missouri, not
precisely, perhaps, but ts general fcatures-the
leading object; not because II granted lands TO
state Or States. but because il the true policy
OF the Government, and promotive Of the happi
ness and prosperity OF every citizen OF the Republic
Inc committee, without disposing OF the subject
before II, rose.
Fhe SPEAKER laid before the House n commu
nication from the State Department, giving an alb
ract OF the returns for the relief and protection OF
American seamen; which was laid upon the table
ana ordered to be printed.
FoRTIFIcATIoNs.
The SPEAKER also laid before the House n COM
munication from the War Department, in reply to
re oution Of the last Congress, with reference to
the Notifications of the country.
MIR. BURT moved TO refer the communication to
the Committee Military Affairs. II this com
mittee know any thing about military affairs it
should be referred to them They would be dis,
posed to carry out, as far as good policy should
dictate, any recommendation in the report.
Mr. MARSHALL expressed hope that it would
be referred to select committee. lie did not
know how the gentleman from North Carolina
(Mr. CLISGMAs) happened to call for the expose
from the Department, but he supposed that the re-
port proposes continuance of the old system, or
with some notifications. He (Mr M knew
Nyh n Vic Of sha
oil the interior aud of the last Congress in relation
to the subject. He entertained now view adverse
to the continuance of the system. In the course
OF conversation, the gentleman from North Caro-
lima remarked that he had strong desire that the
report should go to select committee; and finding
that ne was not now present. in courtesy TO him he
moved that such direction be given to the report.
Mr. CARTIER wished the report TO go to a spe
clal committee, that it might receive the full con-
slderation to which it entitled. special
committee would put an end to the whole system.
III this Congress wise as the last it would
stop this drain from the treasury for Notifications
without corresponding benefit.
MIR. JONES contendcd that it was right and pro-
per the report should be referred to the Committee
on Military Affairs and not TO select committee.
MIR. CLlNGM made few remarks in rela-
tion to the subject before the House, and said his
only de,ire was that the report should receive such
direction as would insure something to be done
with the recommendations OF the War Depart
ment.
Mr.. MARSHALL withdrew his motion to refer
the subject to a select committee; and the report
was then referred to the Committee on Military
Affairs.
The SPEAKER also laid before the House COM
municauor from the Department of the Interior,
and one from the Clerk OF the House; also, three
volumes containing the acts of the Greek House
of Deputies for the sessions of lS45 and 1919, pre-
sented by that honorable body to the House of Re-
representatives. of America. Sent by John ID. Dim
atan' United States Consul, to the Speaker of the
House OF Representatives. Athens, 1851.
Ihe5e VollIne5 were referred to the Committee
on the Library.
PUBLIC ESTIMATES.
Mr.. HOUSTON said that the estimates Of the
Treasury Department by law are required to be
laid upon tbs tables of members on the assembling
OF Congress, but nearly two weeks of the session
have elapsec and no estimates to be had He
did not undertake to cay where the fault was, but
II was very evident that there was serious obsta
Gle to the despatch Of the public business. which
quired the action of the House ia some shape or
other. He intended to. morrow--not supposing
that the House would adjourn oyer-to move res
! olution upon the subject. He would, however, do
so on Monday, in order to reach the difficulty, and
obviate it if possible.
Mr.. BROOKS said that the estimates required
by law have been in the hands ofthe public printer,
who holds the work by contract, Tor some consd
erable time. The Secretary of the Treasury has
Piled thoroughly with all the conditions OF the law,
and. wherever the fault lies il is not with the Trea
sury Department. He did not understand the gen
tleman from Alabama as casting out any nsinua-
ticA rgairst tea Secretary, Tkle cstiinates yught
to be aere; but, as the SscretGfy is nos ptspter,
it not in his power to do more than give them
TO the printer. II there any faut, il with
the printer, and not with the Secretary of the
Treasury.
MIR. HOUSTON did not intend to convey an i'm
putation the Secretary of the Treasury. He
could not know, except privately, where the fault
In the discharge of official duties, and act
ing in that capacity he thought it to be his duty to
bring this subject before the House. If it be not
the fault Of the Secretary of the Treasury and he
did not pretend to say that t was, ii was clearly
matter which addresses itself to the sound discre-
ton of the House for prompt action at some early
day. He had now accomplished all that he had to
say.
The House then adjourned until Monday