The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-05-02


Mr. BlSSELT, nom the Committee on Military Affairs
reported sundry bills which were referred 10 the con
tee Of the Whole
SEurRALs-cUBA. H1
Mr. BAYLY OF Virginia ON leave, offered the following
resolutonsi which were adopted
Roud That the President be- and he hereby request
ed 10 communicate this House Gas far as In his opinion
may be incompatible with the public ineresD copies Of an
foreign upon the subject OF te accorded
by declaration otherwise, TO neutrals, and the rights
claimed by beilgerents In the war pending between
Resoiged That the Presdent be requested to
nicate this House far in his opinion may not be IN
compatible with the public nteres copies Of such nsrue
have been furnished by the Department Of state 70
our abroad in relation TO the island Of Cuba
as well of such dispatches have been received from said
representatives BY the Department OF State
TERRITORIAL BILLS
The House then resolved itself Committee Of the
Whole and proceeded CIR PEbps in the chair to the
sderaon Of the special orderbeng business IN relation 10
organized Territories
The CHAIRMAN said the business in order the
sderaon OF a bill making further appropriations for con-
nuing the construction of roads in the Territory Of Min
nesota accordance with the estimates made by the War
Mr. FARLEY addressed the committee in favor Of the
bill which after amendment laid aside to be reported
10 the House
bill authorizing the appointment OF additional
of Indian agents laid aside at the suggestion Of
Mr. ORR who said that clauses had been introduced by the
Senate into the Indian appropriation which would render
this bill unnecessary il adopted by the House.
The bill provide for the extnguishment of the title
of the Chippewa Indians TO the lands owned and claimed
by them in the Territory Of Minnesota and State of Wis
consin and for their domescaon and civilization then
came up.
MI ORR addressed the committee explaining the pro-
visions Of the bill 1t was to institute system OF ma
king treaties with the Indians II would grant to the Chip
pewas reservation of 80 oand in feesmpe for each
head of family to be selected in the territory ceded
the surveys shall be completed The bill also
vided that the annutes TO which the Indians entitled
under existing treaties together with such shall be al
lowed them for the cesons provided for by the present bill
be equally distributed and paid them at their villages or set
Elements within the limits of the coded territory but in
vesng the President with power said annutes to
be committed from time time for such articles Of goods
provisions stock, cattle, implements of agriculture the
clearing and fencing of land and the erection of buildings
and other improvements in his discretion will conduce
most to promote their comfort civilization and permanent
welfare He explained that the bin intended to avoid
which rendered them subject to imposition
Mr. RICE in reply to inquiry, said that the bill
lated to twenty-five million acres of land.
Mr., LETCHER opposed to that portion of the bill
which provided for paying the annues to the Indians in
provisions &C. contendng that it would be equally subject
to abuse as the present system # the President could see
to the matter himself there would be fear that the In
dams would be defrauded but had to be left to the
government agents. the Indians would still be liable to be
defrauded by those agents.
Mr. ORR replied that the evils complained of did not
suit from dishonesty in the Indian agents of the govern
men but from the money being paid to them and then ex
pended among who made exorbant charges for pro-
visions, and supplied them with rum &c, TO the great
injury Of the Indians
Mr. HAVEN moved to strike out the portion of the bill
referred to by the gentleman from Virginia. Mr. LETCHER
Mr. HOUSTON proposed modification of the section
complained Of introducing sentence providing for
pete returns Of the merchandise TO be supplied TO the In
dams under the provisions of the BILL and striking that
portion which provides for the clearing of the lands build
ing houses, and other improvements.
Mr.. RICE contended that the bin already provided
against the evils complained of He hoped the amendment
striking out the provision for the erection of buildings &C.
would not be agreed eontendng that the only way
teach the Indians how TO erect their houses send
workmen there who would instruct them and these the
contractors would send provision made for making
such contracts.
The amendments were rejected, and the bin was laid
aside to be reported.
The bin TO increase the salaries Of executive and judi
cary officers in Oregon and New Mexico next up
and numerous amendments debated pending the
ton agreeing to which, the committee rose, and
Mr. PHELPS reported the three bills which had been
laid aside
Tho House adjourned at half-past 3 O'Clock,