The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-03-11
Adjournment Of the Lcsislature-Thc Railroad
Bill.

We have seldom on similar occasions. or in
any place, witnessed so much feeling, on the
parto both citizens and members, as attended
the last hours of our Legislative Assembly,
which finally closed its labors during the
session of Saturday night last. The great
cause OF this excitement, it is scarcely ne
cessary to state, was the pending question of
passing the act to Incorporate the Minnesota
and Northwestern Railroad Company"
AS we stated last week, the bill passed the
Council on Thursday. On Friday morning il
came up in the House. The very first test
vote taken, manifested that it had sufficient
strength in that body TO pass it withour further
amendment But it was deemed best by its
friends not to drive its few enemies to the wall
until compelled to, and consequently some TN
important amendments were allowed to be
made in committee of the whole. The friends
OF the bill were prepared to encounter all sorts
OF opposition, and manfully did they contend
win their opponents, inch by inch. The lob
bles were crammed-tlrec to one, at least. of
their occupants being friendly to the measure
IL was considered by them, and the members
Who agreed with them-and very properly SO
considered-that this was our last chance to
secure grant of land from Congress for this
purpose. aud thereby have railroad, in COM
plete order, through our Territory, within the
snort space of three or four years. Day, Davis,
Moot, and Sloan, of st. Paul, Mobiles. of Scott,
Morrison and Rolcttc, of Pcmbina. Roy, of Cass
ana Taylor (Speaker) of Chisago, stood up to
the light as men who knew and felt they were
right, and were determined not to be put down
by any factious movements of the minority
MOOT was in the chair during the exciting SEES
sion OF the committee of the whole, and dcport
ed himself with much independence and dec
sion throughout the perplexitics and impcd
ments thrown in his way by the minority.
But it became evident the bill could not wei
pass finally that day; so at nearly cigh
O'Clock, Pm, an adjournment was had Mex
morning the members and their friends of th,
lobby came up refreshed and reugthcned-
mentally, physically, and in numbers. Mr.
Bartlett, of st. Paul. and Mr.. Richardson. O
Benton, had become convinced they were wrong
in opposing the bill, and joined in for it. This
placed Mr.. Van Etten, of the Council, in the
unfortunate attitude of being the only oppon-
ent OF the propitious measure in the entire ST.
Paul delegation, and also gave us eleven in its
IaTor to Six against it on the floor of the House.
The story was soon told. The bill passed with
out further opposition Of any serious moment.
Inc Dill then passed (taking its regular
course) into the hands of the Governor. and 70.
ceived his sanction at as carly an hour rs be
had time to examine its provisions after i, mo.
his eye. The excitement outside, pending his
proper consideration of measuI CT slch mag.
nitude, although intense was not characterized
by any improper demonstration on either side
OF the question. When it was finally known
that the bill had become law, three hearty
cheers for the Governor and Legislative Assem-
piy rang through the halls of the capitol. and
sneh friends and opponents, in and out of the
Legislature, dispersed to their hor,es-tbe for.
mer satisfied they had accomplished d good
and great work for Minnesota-the few cannes
ing the opposition that they had been fairly
and honorably overcome in the contest. It was
. contest between citizens-betweeu Miuueso-
tisns-honorably and honestly striving for tbe
best; ii was conducted throughout with per-
feet good feeling, order and dccorum on both
sides /; and now that it is ended, it is hoped the
great work will be suffered to 80 on as contem-
plated by law, backed as it is by public
opinion.
- Judge Chatfield holds an extra term of
Court for Dakota County commencing Thurs