The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-04-19

An. SHIELDS from the Committee Military Affairs,
reported bin making provision to compensate agents for
paying pensions aud prescribing the time and manner Of
Mr. PETIT, from the Committee on Private Land
Claims reported bill for the relief Of Francois Cousin
slLL INTRODUCED.
Mr. SEBASTIAN, in pursuance Of notice, introduced
bin 10 revive for limited time act in relation dona-
tons Of land certain persons in the State OF Arkansas
which read twice and referred to the Committee on
Public Lands
rHE HOMESTEAD BILL
On motion by Mr. WALKER The homestead bin was
taken up and
that its provisions commended themselves both his head
and heart No consideration was so strong TO indaec
people suffer in defence Of their country the posses
sion of land and he quoted authorities 10 show that the
policy Of giving lands to the people was of great antiquity
The first instance in Egypt long anterior TO the Mo-
period OF which is given by Diodorus ST.
oulus where the lands divided into three portions
the first being priests the second for the king and
the third for the soldiers aud people AT later period
Moses adopted the policy of dividing the land from which
the Canaanites exterminated among the families
of the children Of Israel with express command that
II should not be sold forever. Lycurgus also the
Spartan lawgiver early period as ss4 b. g., by
making equal division Of the lands Of Laconia among
the members of the Commonwealth banished luxury and
encouraged the progress OF useful arts lie thought this
example ought be initiated, and that million of dol
lars TINS appropriated worth in its beneficial eff
tecs to The country than hundred millions expended in
Notifications and standing armies lie also quoted the
Spouse of the pebeians Rome to the patrcan~ when
called upon assist in the defence Of their country We
have no country said they; why should shed our
blood and give lives for Rome when she gives US only
misery and degradation y lie to argue that the
neglect provide the of the people with 0ppor
uny procure homes of their ownle the weakness and
downfall of ancient nations Like causes produce like
effects and should take heed and avoid similar result
in this country by early division OF the lands among
those who will cultivate them We have vast nnoecupied
and uncuyated Of land and unless adopt this
policy, they remain for many They are no
longer needed of revenue TO the government;
ought make this disposition Of them since ii has
proved advantageous to other countries long the poll
Icy has been adhered to- BY doing, the government
would be comforting favor humanity, and the prayers
and blessings of mutude of honest hearts would be
cending Heaven in its behalf Having concluded his
marks the further consideration of the bill postponed
until tomorrow.
DESTRUCTION OF saALL ARMS.
. Mr. HAMLIN submitted a resolution, which agreed
to- instructng the Committee Military Affairs to inquire
into the expediency of altering the law as to allow such
States shall desire it TO exchange the whole or any portion
of the fnock small in their possession, and
previously issued by the general government for percussion
muskes and rifles, or ordnance or ordnance stores
OFFICERS
On motion by Mr. EVANS the Senate resumed the
sderation of the bill provide for the final settlement of
the claims of the officers Of the revolutionary army and Of
the widows and orphan children of those who died in the
service.
Mr. BRODHEAD suggested that an amendment ought
to be made include surgeons mates who served
until the end Of the and the bill was amended accord
ingly.
Mr. CASS thought IL very important bill and he
prepared vote for il without further
nation, neither did he know whether he should vote
against it He thought that il necessary to do JUS
tce the soldiers the officers of the revolutionary
war and it would be utterly impossible to redeem all the
continental money in which they paid for their Ser
vices
Mr. EVANS spoke in advocacy of the bill stating the
probable amount Of money which it would involve
Mr. WALKER also supported the bill
Mr.. SEWARD expressed desire to have opportunity
examine the matter fully and his motion the
bill postponed until Wednesday, the 26ih inst.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion by Mr. WELLER the Senate proceeded TO the
consideration Of executive business and after time
spent therein, the doors rcopened, and
The Senate adjourned