The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-20
THE UNION: WASHINGTON TUESDAY MORNING JAN. 90 1852

subject il ecollect correctly. the cost OF the public do
main 10 The general government has been something IKE
twenty-five cents TO the The expenditures con-
stanty going on We constantly proceeding with
the surveys OF the public lands We are constantly al
the expense OF keeping up system Of administration OF
the public landslide Land Office. the Surveyor Generals
Office &c, that these expenses constantly accumulate.
Former propositions have been TO emuneTae the govern
nent 10 certain extensone 10 greater and some 10
less extent-tor this expenditure
This proposition, however abandons that provision,
and goes simply for granting the public domain TO every
person who may settle upon the lands without any com
out the details OF the new system We are to require 4
understood correctly the reading OF this amendment,
that there should be hve years occupancy before any
title is acquired by the person settling upon the land
i perfectly manifest that il 10 provide asysem OF
that kind, any further legislation upon the subject il
will be adopting new and complicated system. DO
not mean that have had anything upon the
subject which requires settlement OF the land; but
mean that il is in relation TO the general system OF
the disposition OF the public domain IL great and
important interest every must concede, and as
il has ever been regarded The little experience which
have had that which relates TO FloFdato the armed
occupation, as il called, which required set
tlement for certain length OF time. The leglsa-
ton upon this subject is most instructive one for
from the time passed the law giving certain rights OF
that description, and providing certain manner OF proof
&c, to show compliance with the lawfrom that time al
most 10 the presentlhough the matter is settled,
hope, by general legisationthere has not been
session oil Congress, believe, upon which we have not
state this to show that 1t is great and important
matter. II it's The judgment OF the Senate, OF Congress-
and OF the country, that we shall change the system OF
administration OF the public lands let never forget
that we dealing with great and momentous subject
and that there is and must be connected with il
machinery, complicated that unless legislation
upon the subject is matued and carefully matured,
less have TO experience upon the subject and
unless we resort 10 careful investigation OF results in
what we do, execute the system desired to
be executed SO az TO accomplish the results which are
antcipated by lis friends & 4 t9ts4s
have my own views with regard to the proper adj
mlnslraion OF the public domain. Whatever persons
may think OF the proper Plan they cannot regard the sub
ject in any other light than great and important one
For my own part think am ready TO take up and
anime, and that have as much desire to examine with
view TO llberality and that have ardent wish to
afford every facility for the rapid settlement of the public
domain, any other member of this body Yet should
very much regret TO any hasty legislation upon the
subject Before such proposition shall be adopted,
wish again to express my views upon the whole system
If they have been modified by further experience, very
well II they remain the sane, very we'll Other gentle
men in the position And TO ask us TO dispose
of il amendment offered TO bill with the subject
matter OF which il has connexonto dispose OF il by
silent vote in this manner-it seems TO me would be
give my vote upon il; but think that if TO acl
upon the subject, it is better to take it up separate
BILL and act upon by ITSELF and let receive the inves-
legation which it deserves, and full consideration in
stead OF dsposing OF it in bill might almost cay acct
denialy brought up Ii TO upon il al this
time, certainly should not be in favor OF adding it to
10 the fullest extent.
Mr. BADGER There is great force and wisdom in
the observations made by the honorable gentleman who
has just taken his seat will add sir, that to
be complcating this with great variety Of olheI
matters which have no connexion whatever with the
main scope and purpose Of the resolution The object Of
the resolution is to make these warrants assgnable II
IS to put them upon the footing oil all other property in
this counlihat is to say at the disposal OF the
In favor OF that object have always been and, for
am opposed TO adding any provision to the resolution
which shall not have reasonable connexion with
the main purpose and object OF it But confess sir
that many amendments, and amendments 10 amend
ments, have been proposed TO it, that am incapable
understanding the operation and effect it is have upon
the general land system to which the honorable senate
has referred. therefore move that the amendment
be laid upon the table and printed and that the Senate de-
adjourn.
Mr. BORLAND suggested that the bill be printed a.
amended, together with the proposed amendment
Mr. BADGER modified his motion accordingly; and j
was agreed 10.
Mr. FETCH suggested that other amendments be pre-
scented informally at this time, and be prined-the
ator from Wisconsin having given notice OF others.
Mr. WALKER accordingly presented informally thu
amendments Of which he had given notice.
On motion, the Senate adjourned