The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-24
THlRTY-SECOND CONGRESS-.
SATURDAY, May %, 1852.
The senate was not in session to-day.

The House resolved itself into a Committee of
che Whole on the state ofthe Union-Mr. STANTON,
of Tennessee, in the Chair-and proceeded to the
consideration Of the special order-business relat
ing to the Territories Of the United States.
The bill to provide for the protection Of the Ter
ritocies Of New Mexico and Oregon was taken up;
when
Mr.. PEASLEE explained its provisions The
first section authorizes the President 10
20 be distributed in such manner as he may deem
advisable, and under such regulations as may be
considered necessary TO insure their preservation
and for the defence Of the people Of those Terrific
fes; and the second authorizes the militia or vol
unieeT companies to be called out whenever il may
be deemed proper for defence; they TO receive
such pay and allowances allowed under
the law Of 1916, providing for the prosecution of
the war then existing with Mexico. He said
there were upwards OF six hundred thousand
etand OF arms now idle, and it would seem
that there should be authority to distribute
some OF them among the people OF those Territories,
10 enable the inhabitants to protect themselves
from the hostile bands Of Indians who the
country, driving of herds OF cattle, frequently
committing murders, and carrying persons into
captivity, and creating general terror. He urged,
rs one OF his arguments IN support Of the BILL that
che provisions were strongly recommended by the
Secretary Vi War, the delegates OF the Territories
and 10y Col Sumner, commanding in New Mexico,
vho of the opinion that the army Of the people
would have n tendency To intimidate the Indians.
Beside, several Of the United States companies
were To be Withdrawn from the Territories 10 pro-
tect enigrants
Mr.. PHELPS did not concur with the gentle
man IN his advocacy Of the fret section He. how
ever. desired as much as any one to extend 10 the
people of the Territory oi New Mexico protection
against Indian deprcdations, murders, and other
outrages, which are daily committed. Bu! the in
hsbitapts are peculiarly situated. The large mass
have been compelled TO change their allegiance by
act not their own tho treaty between the
United States and the Republic of Mexico. Being
ignorant besides IL cannot be expected that
hey have Wi
born citizens living among them. There are four
classes of people there: first, the native born Mex
cans, who have become citizens by treaty; second
ly. the American born citizens, who have emgra-
ted from the States, and have resided there for
some length Of time; thirdly the civilized Indians,
" no under the influence of religion, and who,
by the laws Of Mexico, were citizens OF that repub
lie. and who, II Is contended, are now citizens OF
the United States, under the treaty Of Guadalupe
Hdalgo; and. fourthy, the wild Indians, those
Who make incursoDs and commit robbcrics and
murders upon the Pueblo Indians, as we'll upon
the whites residing In the Territory. His impress
sion was that there Is no law of the United States
which authorizes an organization of the militia in
the Territories of the United States. There is not
a single American there who has travelled over the
plains but who 10 US well armed az the United
States soldiers are. He asked the delegate from
that Territory whether this not the fact?
Mr.. WEIGHTMAN replied that the Americans
well armed, but as TO the remainder of the po-
pulation this was not the case. According 10 the
last census, the population of the Territory
sixty one thousand five hundred and forty seven.
and this includes the Pueblo Indians. respectable
class OF the community. Out of this number there
five hundred and thirty eight native born cii
zens Of the United States, and no more foreigners,
two hundred and sixty four; or eight hundred per
sons other than New MeIicans in the entire Terri
tory.
Mr. PHELPS resumed, and said in the course
OF bis remarks about the condition OF affairs IN the
Territory, the r9mor Is that the Governor fears an
Instruction. and be (Mr. p had information 20
cor hrnt he ztat AnH he POD Tho
m!ttee whether they were prepared 90 place arms
III the hands Of men in New Mexico 10 subvert the
authority Of the country. He was in favor of call
ing on the militia when necessary, while he was
opposed To the trst section.
Mr.. WElGHTMAN was understood to charge
many OF the disturbances to some of those whom
the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. PHELPs)
claimed as his constituents, and who were not per-
Inanent residents, but came into the Territory and
raised runor upon rumor ~ aid them in their trad
ing purposes. During the last four years the poo.
pie there had lost, at low estimate, s ISL .43S
worth Of live stock, which was "run oil" by the
Indians, owing 20 the neglect Of this Government,
which had entered into solemn treaty, in the name
Of Almighty God, To protect them. That the poo
pie there, should arms be distributed, would turn
them against the legal authorities, too absurd
for belief; and be spoke further in relation 20 TINS
sublect amid the general din Of conversation which
meanwhile prevailed.
was agreed 10, ineloding the States of Texas and
California in the distribution Of arms.
MIR. JONES, Of Tennessee, offered amend.
ment, 10 the effect that the expense Of arnng the
militia IN New Mexico, Oregon, and in Texas
and California, shall be betrayed out Of the annual
appropriation Of $500, 900, without additional OK
pense Ia the treasury.
MIR. pENABLE made few remarks in favor Of
the bill, regarding those who have been induce
TO 60 the Territories entitled 10 protection aud
The distribution OF arms among them as the cheap.
est means of accomplishing this end
The amendment Of Mr.. JosEs was then agreed |
20; aud the bill laid aside be reported TO the
House.
Various other bills relating to the Territories
we're considered; when
The committee rose; and without taking FINAL
action on them
The House adjourned.