The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-13

. H. hDhSDA1s btF IL
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
ects embraced in the message to appropriate COM
mittees, after the read ne of which, 5.:....
Mr.. HA L, of Missouri, addressed the COM
mttee on subject in which he said lis constiu-
ents were deeply interested-the granting of pub
lie lands in aid Of the Hannibel 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 70 the con-
sruction Of public works other States have been
treated with undue partiality in comparison with
Missouri. T.. ...... ....
Mr.. SWEETZER, Of Ohio, while he agreed
with the gentleman from Missouri, as to the i'm
porancs 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 as intended Tor the benefit Of all
and was opposed to granting them to 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.. DUNHAM. Of Indiana, was not disposed
to reinquish the control ofthe public lands. He
saw an improved state Of society, resulting
| from public improvements, and in seiZng 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 a man to provide for his family he would
/ apporton 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.
| motion was 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
4 with other reports, was laid before the House,
called up short and animated debate.
| Mr.. MARSHALL, of Kentucky, having
moved that 1t 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 With reference to
the report of the Committee OF Finance on the
subject of Notifications, which, he said, was I'M
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-
tcisely on the same grounds as Mr.. BURT advocated
| he reference of the report to the Committee on
Military Affdirs-that they were disposed 10 car
nv out views in which the House did not concur
| Mr.. CARTIER, OF Ohio, and Mr.. CLING
MAN, of North Carolina, took a similar view
of the subject.
Mr.. MARSHALL at length wit drew his mo-
ton, and the report referred to the Committee
| on Military Affairs.
Mr. HOUSTON, OF Alabama, called the Rtten'
! ton of the House 10 the non-appearance Of the
| estimates. and gave notice OF motion on the sub
lect on Monday.
! Mr.. BROOKS, OF New York, said the esti
mates had been delivered 10 the printer appointed
10y law to print them, and if there was any one
censurabe for the delay, il lay with him.
The House then adjourned until Monday next