Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-08-09

cQuntry-we say the inference is legitimate thai
these men have not rashly committed themselves te
| consequence
The New York Courier and Enquirer, an ardent
advocate of the original Homestead Bill opposes
this measure vehemently, and for the reason that
'its success would eectually defeat the homestead
| principle in our legislation" Perhaps may de-
rive argument in favor of the meaure well
from the opposition of its enemies from the sup
port of its friends.
The more we reflect upon this important measure,
and the better understand its nature and opera
ton the higher is appreciation of its advantages
and the greater admiration of the craftsmanship
which conceived it. Mr.. Hunter renders great SER
vice to the South in ayerting an evil which we had
all come to regard inevitable and to the union by
forever closing controversy which exaspera-
ting the politics of the country, corruptng its egsla
ton, and tainting the public morals
Rich. Enquirer.
Mr.. HUNTERS LAND Bill. We copy into our
columns from the National Intelligencer exten-
ded synosis Of the bill introduced by MIR. Hunter
as a substitute for the homestead bill, and which
was adopted and passed by the Senate by vote of
more than two to This bill, also like the other
assures possession of limited portions of the pub
lie lands to heads of families settling them
and gives complete title after fveyears occupancy,
on the payment of a SUM graduated according to
the time the lands have been in market. This sum
varies from one dollar to tweve-and-a-haf cents per
The second feature of the bill is that it makes
general provision for grants of alternate sections of
land on the lines of railroads chartered by the
States.
The third and most remarkable provision is that
whereby the States are allowed to take possession
Of and acquire title to, the lands within their limits
the same terms individual settlers.
If the reader will consider what an intnity of vex
atoms and absorbing questions will be finally Set
tied by this bill if it shall receive the approval of
the House, he will admit that it is of the most
important measures ever brought before Congress-.
oh and Ylxy fhn aui1c hot
have so long besct the question of the disposal of
the public lands. The details of the bill may be
criticised, but whole it is statesmanlike. COM
prchensive, and, in its effects, promises to confer
great benefits the country.
All the provisions of the bill general, and look
to permanent disposal of the questions reached by
it. Besides, we understand 1t, 1t enables the
States take possession Of and acquire title to, the
whole public domain within their limits, and thus
provides for the withdrawal of government admins
tration and patronage far these lands are con-
cerned In this respect it contemplates the same
object the land bill brought forward by Mr.. Cal
houn many years ago. All the impressive arguments
bv which our great statesman sustained his measure
then have gained strength year by year. and all his
predictions of evil from leaving the question open
as trading capital for demagogues and spoil for pro-
icctors have been more than fulfilled.
It is to be hoped that so fruitful source of
ruption and legislative obstruction may at length be
Quoted. We have every reason to believe that Mr..
Hunters bill meets the cordial support of the ad-
vote ofthe Senate that it has at least prospect
of gaining the assent of that body Char Mercury.
Governor johnson, who was good tailor before
he became distinguished statesman and politician,
returned the compliment bv cutting and making with
his own hands coat, which he presented to Judge
Pepper.
The correspondence which accompanied these
presents is published below. This correspondence
will be eagerly read by the mechanics and working
men of the State. One such practical demonstration
of the fact that honorS and offices in this country
within the reach Of all as is afforded IN the his
tories of the two gentlemen who write these letters
is WORTH in the of cncoura cement to others, a
world of fourth of July eloquence to the same point
There is afectation in the letter of Judge Pepper
or the longer and more philosophical reply OF Gov
ernor johnson. Those who know the men know
that thew look with more pride upon the fact that
they started in life mechanics and worked to their
present positions by unaded perseverance and ener-
CIV, than upon any thing in those positions. AS
Judge Pepner is as decided in his ,ohig politics
Governor johnson is in his democratic, no political
feeling the pride with which this corresnon-
dence will be read bv the mechanics of the State
1t is published at the request of the gentlemen
through whom the presents were conveyed and With
out the procurement of the writer's.
Nashville Union.
In clipping the above from the Nashville Union,
we found and read with interest the correspondence
referred to- and we regret that we have not spare
room in our columns for its insertion. Gov John-
sons letter closes in this style:
1.-The motto OF every genuine repuoncal Is "Iue-
riduaI anerit-and thai alone-as being the only
thing which creates distinction between man and
man. Let all stand upon their own intrinsic
merit not upon their monev-merit nor ancestral
honors No other standard can be recognised IN a !
republican form of government like ours. BY this
standard I am now, as l have always been, willing |
to stand or fall.
"In conclusion, will repeat, you will please ac-
,ept the coat in the spirit it has been rendered.
md with it assurances of my high esteem for you
rs and mechanic who is not ashamed OF his
Fash. Union.
CLOSING Hours CoSGREss-The Washington
Correspondent of the Baltimore Sun says:
"The House and Senate have at last agreed to cx-
end the session till Monday next provided, no leg
slative act shall be attempted after O'Clock to-
lay. This will give members time to finish the le
Ultimate business before Congress- and, at the same
ime, guard against accidents in legislation.
The river and harbor bill, which passed last
vening, will be vetoed. The veto is ready to 60 in.
1t went in subsequently,
The reports of the various committees on investi-
ation all completely exonerate the members OF the
louise from any suspicion as regards their private
haracter and motives of action. On Colts pistols
here four reports, all equally clearing the MEM
ers from any suspicion, such led to the appoint
lent of the committees, but rejoicing other matters
their minds.
The report of the committee on the Minnesota land
ill entirely clears Gen. Stevens, of Michigan, and
ne Clerk of the House of any motives to do wrong;
lille the committee on Mr.. Bayly has made spec
!. report which entirely confounds his accuser.-
here is reason, therefore, why members should |
ut 90 home in Deace and dismiss all diSagrecable |