The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-27

such estimate by any one of the Departments was
submitted to the Committee of Ways and Means.
He took 1t for granted that the Commhtee on In
dian Affairs more familiar with the subject.
Tie had understood, although not from an authcn
tic source that the commissioners have been re-
moved because they have transcribed their duties.
SO far that they have not only made treaties, but
executed them, without regard to the action of the
Government upon them.
Mr.. McCORKLE replied that large portion Of
the obi ga tons incurred for beef furnished to
the Indians before the treaties negotiated.
The commissioners, in order TO get the Indians to
treat, found the most allurng bait to be roast bee
which they afforded in abundance. and with which
the ommissioners continued TO feed them. The
people of California, relying and reposing on the
Government, made these contracts for the beef,
and are now lying out Of their money.
MIR. JOHNSON, of Arkansas, said that this item
has never been before the Committee on Indian
Affairs for investigation and examination; and all
he knew about il is what he learned in n conversa-
ton with the chief clerk Of the bureau and from
tn Legislation heretofore upon the subject Seventy
five thousand were asked, but Congress gave only
twenty five thousand towards making these trea-
ties, and with the ei plcit direction that, when that
sum was expended, the authority OF the agents
should cease, as regards any further expenditures
Mr.. GENTRY said that if the commissioners
have made expenditures and contracts not author
lied by the instructions OF the Government, or Tor
which no appropriations have been made by Con-
gress they have been proceeding, to say the lenst,
with very high hand; and if The Legislature gives
its sanction to proceedings like this IN oregon
California, and New Mexico, they Will very speed
lily bankrupt the Government Congress ought to
its face against all attempts of this character.
The Executive officers, everywhere, ought to be
.i1idiy eos.fis cd within tho Enits of law
Mr.. HIBBARD said that the Departments have
sent in estimates in relation to this subject to
the Committee of Ways and Means; nor have the
Committee on Indian Affairs taken into considera-
ton and recommended the appropriation. And he
would ask, was it to be made on the mere state
ment of the gentleman from California!
Mr.. WALSH commended that this question in
wolves the pubic faith. II you send out general
agent, if he should exceed his authority, the
principle of law is that you are bound by his acts
The British government would not dishonor the
drafts OF its agent in such case These commits
sioners authorized to collect the Indians toge
Their, and with this view they gave the Indians beef
and clothing They contracted the debt, the peo-
pie Of California furnishing the supplies The
agents were authorized to draw drafts, which were
taken the public faith by innocent parties. And
unless it be shown that these parties coluded with
the commissioners, you are bound to pay the
money
MIR. STANLY asked, where is the evidence
that the Government owes this money: What
Department says SO? What committee has passed
upon il? Suppose the claim is honest, where 10 the
evidence? Has the Committee Of Ways and Means
the appropriation IL is not right TO
vote more than half a million OF dollars without
evidence to sustain il; and therefore he hoped that
it would not be agreed to.
Mr.. FITCH called attention to the facts OF the
CASE and said that the obligations were contracted
by the commissioners in violation OF law.
Mr. HIBBARD replied to Mr.. WALSH, saying
that there general agent, but special agents
sent to California for specified purpose, and
limited to the sum of 1925, 900. Instead Of being
called upon to appropriate the sum mentioned In
the amendment, Congress should take steps to call
up these men TO the tribunal OF the Legislature and
the country for their gross and outrageous violations
of power
MIR. WALSH further explained his views, in
support Of the amendment.
Mr.. JOHNSON, of Arkansas, made additional
Mr.. STANTON. of Tennessee, opposed the
amendment.
MIR. McCORKLE said that he condemned. IN
TOTO the acts OF the nissioners, including their
policy OF reservations and contracts. They GER
tainly adopted novel plan for the purpose OF
treating with the Indians The ctizens Of Cali
iorna relied the faith Of the United States that
they would be paid their money. Whether or not
the commissioners had the power TO make con-
tracts, the fact is clear that the contracts were
made and supplies Furnished; and the question is,
shall these third persons be wronged by this Gov
eminent?
The question taken, and the amendment
rejected.
oBsTRucrIos or THE PUBLIC BUSINESS.
Ds-'~s .ha proceedings the subjcc, ad
verted TO 10y several gentlemen.
Mr.. POLK was erstood 10 say that every
time the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. !
STasLY) has taken the floor during the Las, ten
days, and since his bloody conflict with the gentle
man from Ohio, (Mr. GIDpIsos,) by which be
consumed much Of the time Of the House, nc I
(Mr sThSLy) has been charging the Democratic /
side with ohstructing the public business. He /
(hr. POLK) undertook 10 tell the gentleman that, /
If he would turn TO the Congressional Globe, and /
scan the debates OF the House. he would find that
much, IL not more, OF the time has been consumed
by the Wings rs by the Democratic side OF the
House. There has never been deficiency bill, in
volving so much interest, that has made such rapid
progress ne the one under consideration. That
lac, and IL now repeated here; and that paper viii /
spread throughout the land the assertion that the |
Democrats are obsuucting the public business,
notwithstanding the Wbig- have been consuming |
time in the discussion of the abolition question.
Mr.. sTANLY said that he much ashamed Of
the "boody conflict" with the gentleman from |
Ohio, 10 which allusion had been made by the
gentleman from Tennessee. Laughter
Mr.. POLK said he had doubt Of II, and would |
withdraw his remark with reference TO that occur
renee. tLaughterl
Mr.. sTANLY replied that the gentleman was
not violent Defnoc rat but that he had some lit
tie shame remaining.
Mr.. POLK. ] arm ashamed for you.
Mr.. STANLY congratulated the gentleman; and
promised the Hcuse and the country that he would,
TO use the remark Of the editor Of New York
paper, who had soodcd him for the part he acted
On that occasion, "Cet upon all fours no more TO
Eight doRs." fLsugbter.1 He thought that the
gentleman from Tennessee was altogether mis-
Iakcn to the time which he (Mr. sTASLy) had
occupied. as would appear by reference 20 the
Com ro,,ionai Globe. II be was di,posed 10 rsise
IN Issoe between the gentleman and himself, he
would say that the gentleman has more TO do
with business out Of the House than any ten mem
1er,. n be understood the Renteman's peregri-
lations, the reason for bis being 90 often out Of
he House is that he is engaged IN more pleasant
occupation. Instead Of staying here 10 listen 10
manly voices, he IL lurcd away by sweet sounds
Ne the primrose path Of dailianoe treads. lie likes
hne dancing and pleasant singing more than the
hOar.e croaking sounds 10 this Hall. The gentle
man from Tennessee is too often sbscnt himself 10
note his (NIr. STASLy's) absence. There have been
ten speeches on the Democratic side 10 one on the
WhiR side. In proof 81 this he would refer 10 the
Con gTessiOroi Globe, that the House and country
should know It, lie had endeavored 10 get this
bill through, and had never spoken upon 1t ey
cept TO the purpose and only once consumed five
minutes Of the time.
Nc. FOLK eaid he did not anticipate, when he
made the remarks which he did, that the gentle.
insn from North Carolina would go into inves
iigatiOn Of the number Of times he had been in the
House and the number 81 times absent. He (Nr. /
> did not 60 into that sort Of investigation into
hs conduct, and condemn him: he would not UNI
dertske TO investigate, even in general terms, the
conduct Of any follow. member on this floor. Bot |