The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-12
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

n
The journals having been read, Mr.. DISNEY
chairman OF the Committee on Elections. asked
leave TO retire from the committee, which was
granted.
Mr.. HOUSTON, of Alabama, moved that the
House resolve itself into Committee Of the
Whole on the state Of the Union which having
been agreed to, Mr.. JONES, Of Tennessee, took the
chair, when the former gentleman moved the usual
series of resolutions, referring the different sub
jects embraced in the message to appropriate COM
mittees, after the reading of which,
Mr.. HALL, of Missouri, addressed the COM
mitlee on subject in which he said lis consttu-
ents deeply interested--the granting of pub
lie lands in aid of the Hannibe and St. Joseph
line Of railroad, and contended that the compact ,
with reference to the public lands, had not been
performed in good faith, as applicable TO the con-
struction of public works other States have been
treated with undue pariiallty in comparison with
Missouri
Mr.. SWEETZER, of Ohio, while he agreed
with the gentleman from Missouri, as to the i'm
portance of internal Improvements, said he desired
to state the distinction which he took, with
reference to the public domain. He considered
the public lands as the common property of all
the States, and intended for the benefit Of all
and was opposed to granting them 10 corporate
bodies, by which injurious results were pro-
duced, but which should be conceded in such a
manner, as would be most conducive to the public
benefit.
Mr.. DUNEIAM of Indiana, was not disposed
to relinquish the control of the public lands. He
saw an improved state Of society, resulting
from public Improvements, and IN Selling upon
the natural advantages of the country, not only
the benefit Of the State in which they were located
but Of the Union at large. He would extend the
right to enjoy them to every individual, and thus
enable man to provide for his family he would
apportion the public domain to the citizens OF ev-
cry State alike.
Mr.. BISSELL, of Illinois, said Ohio and the
other States had participated in the division of the
public lands and now Missouri applies, which is
young and poor, and will be satisfied with one
third of what Ohio enjoys and, if she is cor
rectly represented, the application is opposed on
the plea Of justice TO the Union at large.
A motion here made that the House re-
sumo, and the committee rose without coming to
any decision.
The House having resumed, the resolution was
adopted, and ordered to be printed.
The report of the Secretary Of War, which
with other reports, was laid before the House,
called up short and animated debate.
Mr.. MARSHALL, of Kentucky, having
moved that il be referred to special committee,
Mr.. BURT, OF South Carolina, opposed the
motion, and contended, that the Committee on
Military Affairs was the proper body to whom
it should be referred He entered into a review
OF what took place last session " it'll reference to
the report OF the CommIttee OF Finance on the
subject of fortifcations which, he said, was un-
fortunately rejected by the House.
Mr.. MARSHALL introduced his motion on
the ground that the Military Committee had acted
with supineness during the last session, and pre-
tcisey on the same grounds as Mr.. Burt advocated
he reference of the report to the Committee on
Military Atfars--that they were disposed to car
ry out views in which the House did not concur
Mr. CARTIER, of Ohio, and Mr.. CLING
nf nrth n
of the subject.
Mr. MARSHALL at length withdrew his mo
ton, and the report referred TO the Committee
on Military Affairs.
Mr. HOUSTON, of Alabama, called the atten-
ton of the House to the non-appearance of the
estimates and gave notice of motion on the sub
Iect on Monday.
Mr. BROOKS, of New York, said the esti
mates had been delivered to the printer appointed
by law to print them, and if there any one
censurable for the delay, it lay with him.
The House then adjourned until Monday next