The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-03-02

On the establishment Of an Agricultural Bureau deliy-
cred ia the House OF Representatives, February ID,
1858
Mr.. NEWTON. Mr Chairman. | am much Obliged
for the floor, have been striving Tor Tor the last
year TO make the few remarks now have an oppofia
nifty OF making under very disadyanlageous ei'cam'
had before them various Tor the Improvement
OF agriculture and have been prepared for long tine
TO report, but have had no opportunity :,
Granting portions OF the public lands TO those who VIII
settle upon and improve il has been for considerable
time important question before the public mind, 10 All
the various modes of thought and discussed under all
The various forms that public measures are investigated
and public opinion formed, from the expression OF ndi-
vidual opinion, the pnbc press and public bodies up 70
the popular vote OF the nation, IN the character OF lie
representatives. and through all these various channels
very decided opinion has been formed and expressed IN
favor oil the grant upon some terms and TO some extent
No man who is observer of the past, and thoughtful
for the future, fail TO and feel this fact and
preciate It's force and realize It's universally lndvid
uals are sending up their petitions, the public press is
raising It's voice. and State legislatures passing their
solves and instructions now before committee and
The public discussions in this body have gone forth
the nation, followed by strong and decided vote, and
that vote very generally approved. Yet the measure
sleeps, and gives place to schemes and theories about
Cuba, and others equally wild, that can produce
any practical result.
Is il wise to omit and disregard this measure and this
popular feeling and public sentiment, visible wherever
Is not wise to provide for and improve our own before
thirst for aDoheTs -strengthen stakes upon
our own soil before plant them upon anober's !nsm-
Der and improve ranks before attempt 10
pervise and invade others It'll! and improve soil
before we rample upon our neghbors'
The vote given by us upon The bill we passed is moi,
sufficiently appreciated, Or in the multiplicity OF subjects,
passed over for an opportune future that never comes
without being crowded with It's own cares. Each mem
Der IN this body is supposed to reflect the views of the
district ne represents There is no way the feeling OF
nation can be so well known as by vote we give, and
its very decided character juses in the decided in
fuence give IT. proposition upon this subject, coming
from the eyervigant sentinel who guards his iavorte
measure, before the committee of this House, OF
which am member, and appears to to be difficult
or impossible 10 give any other notice than in the man
ner now adopt.
The particular manner in which this grant shall be
made, to whom, and in what quantity. | Sc
cure an actual residence and Improvement for five years
al least, to me Is comparatively unimportant. would
60 far IN securing and extending the right of empon
and occupation. by which 1t might Tpen into perfect
lille, if improvements be kept up; for the public lands
are fast falling INTO hands where they will remain unim
proved for half century But it is difficult 10 fix the
mind OF great nation upon any particular plan IN any
general practical measures and as one was, with much
labor and very general investigation agreed upon by
and no time or opportunity now 10 present another shall
apply myself to It's provisions; and II is deficient and
Inadequate improvements cannot be made action can
not be had.
In my estimation, this is the most important measure
there any hope of adopting this session. wish TO
press my views while here. though they may do good,
for may be satisfaction to the people OF the State
in pau represents they will be brief and confined TO the
derslood These remarks will be applicable TO various
bills 10 be brought before Tor action, in attempting TO
show The advantage this measure has over others now
pending ...#
am in favor of granting lands to actual settlers as
public financial measure and private and individual
Improvement Of the condition of the masses.
Propose nor advocate no change in the great laws by
which property is acquired and regulated We are yet
counlry, possessing all the main elements OF pros
periy and perpetuty; wise and liberal government,
founded upon the great principles OF equality and Justice
privileged orders and classes IN which property can
be entaed and enjoyed 10 the exclusion OF the
Freedom possess and ENJOY ia the great principle that
anmales and stimulates all 10 acquire aud improve.
The general the acquisition OF property among the
masses the greater will be the wealth, prosperity, and
happiness OF nation As facilities multiply and accu-
muate TO acquire, acquisitions will increase and i'm
and greatly augment the general wealth OF the ma
lion and improvement OF the people,
Our lands were acquired by The common struggles and
effort OF ALL and OF course are the common property OF
all. No section district eau say 10 another
contributed most and have received least and therefore
claim greater share = Tor the laws tha, regulate IT and
us are general aud broad that what one does OF
receives the act of all, and for the benefit OF all, and
goes TO augment the general und-ihe property OF ALL
Our government is one OF the masses--made by Them
and for them Property and honors are alike open and
free all TO acquire and enjoy. II was not the design
or object that il should amass and perpetuate wealth
Wealth in the hands OF the government, as such, Is
corupting in its influences and tendencies.
Our public land, through lis whole history, has been
standing political hobby 10 ride into and out OF power.
Theories and schemes for its disposal and distribution
have been leading articles in the creeds oil political par
ties for the last twenty years. II has been the most
fruitful Of political bargaining OF any IN The gov
eminent
These influences and results having reached the
and understanding oil the grea, body oil The people, they
have about Tor some scheme by which 10 use the
fund Tor the greatest advantage Tor the greatest number
and remove the temptation 10 evil Oar constant egis
upon this subject has kept the public mind awake
and thoughtful and condition TO form correct conclu-
SONS TO the bes, mode OF disposition.
Another great fact that has had It's Influence IN thus
process OF maiuraon that properly has natural ten
denoy to fall into the hands OF the wealthy, influential
and sag acous, and 10 leave the other extreme destitute
and dependent Any one who will look to the history
OF older nations, and observe the great extremes oil
wealth and poverty, can bat see this TRUTH
The Improvement oil The condition OF the masses IN any
country is The strongest tower OF strength any people can
possess and is that which there is the strongest tenden
CIV TO neglect The creation OF wise laws that hold on
strong and facilities 10 the people to acquire
"a permanent home should be the study OF every Amen
can law-maker
To improve and elevate the condition of the unso,u
nate, the ignorant mprovdeat, and Vicious, without up
roofing any general laws IL most worthy, polite, ant
Iaudable object with any legislator.
BY our Unprecedented growth and advance our land
have been increasing and above all various mode
OF conveyance, and objects oil bounty TO the amount o
nearly fifteen hundred millions OF acres, extending TO new
unoultvated. and unnhabted reGons, to which in
habians turning their attention. Here oceans.
and lakes TO be improved and made subservient Il
the and Interests OF man. Civilization IL to be
tended by preparing the earth 10 yield her thu
great work. Any law that will nciIe and induce The
Tier TO these ands and TO occupy and cultivate them per
ly to the wealth and improvement OF any coun,ry Al
the aatiscs connected with Their acquisition and trans e
have been given By ohers upon bs floor who have pre-
eedsd me. and need not be repeated. 5a tt,s