The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-04-01
House ss Representatives, March Q.

Among the amendments made, was one offer
ed by Mr.. Kerr, that the money arising from the
sale of the reserved sections, shall be paid to
those States which have received no grants Of
land for internal improvement. according to
their federal representation in Congress.
The Chairman (Mr Phelps,) overruled the
amendment, as not being german to the bill
under consideration but his decision was not
sustained by the committee-59 to 81.
Mr.. KERR assigned. as the motive for offering
the amendment, justice to the old States.
Mr.. DEAN opposed the amendment, as the
Democratic party has always held it unconsti-
tutiOnal to distribute the proceeds of the sales
of the public lands among the States from the
Treasury. The old States were not here asking
aims of the Government. New York asked
nothing. He was born in that State, and ex-
pected always to live there, and hoped never to
see the day when she will come here asking for
money. He wanted to reserve the public lands
for actual settlers.
Mr.. WHEELER said he should like to know
who authorized the gentleman to speak for New
York. He knew his colleague had the Admin
istratiOn in charge, as we'll as the Undertook
district, but not the interests of the whole State
of New York, which has thirty two representa-
tivcs besides himself on this floor to speak for
her. When she needs the patriotic service 8
alone of the gentleman from Knderhook, he
will probably be duly notified to that effect.
Mr.. MATrEsoN moved for modification of
Mr.. kerrs amendment, to read, "The money
arising from the sale of the alternate sections
shall be paid to all the States in proportion to
federal representation in Congress- lie asked
Mr.. Dean by what authority he had informed
the House New York does not ask, nor will she
receive. her portion of the public domain?
Mr.. DEAN said he was glad of the opportun-
ty OF replying. New York does not want any
OF the proceeds of the public lands: and he said
this en- the authority of the people of New
York, as expressed at the ballot box; for when
General jackson announced his opposition to
that policy they sustained him. The people of
New York abide by the Constitution, and that
instrument confers no such powers.
MIR. MATTEsON resumed-Gen. jackson is
raked up here. he? That it, is it? daughter
and voice, You could not rake up better
mani The gentleman may represent portion
OF New DIRK at the other end of the avenue.
but not here. He referred to the New York
Legislature for their opinion and he asked his
colleague whether the Canal Board short time
ago did not resolve to apply to Congress for
her portion OF the proceeds of the public lands
Mr.. RICHAEpsOH-I rise to a question of or
der. The gentleman remarks are not peril
nent.
Mr.. MATrEsoN-A good deal said here is not
pertinent. A v0ice-"Impertinen sometimes, ;
ha! ha
The Chairman said, the gentleman will con-
fine himself to the amendment.
Mr.. MATTEsON-I will try and do so.
MI. DEAN--Will my colleague yield the floor.
Mr.. MATTESON said he could not be interrupt
ed. New York has two great works in contcm-
plation. to aid which she looks to receive what
is honestly due her. He alluded TO the Shin
Canal around the Falls of Niagara, and the en-
largement Of the Erie Canal. Though these
works are within New York-they are of ma
tlonal Importance, and in which the West and
the East are interested. lie would say here
without fear Of contradiction that New York
does want and asks for her share.
Mn. FLORENCE, in low vo:cc-Let's give it
10 her.
Mr.. MATTEsON said he was in favor Of grants
of lands for railroad purposes. and therefore
supported the pending bill
MIR. BISHOP PERKINS rose to say New York
desired her share of the proceeds of the public
lands-she cvinced it during Democratic Ad-
ministration. by taking part of the deposit
fund tendere to her.
Mr.. RICHARDSON rising said. haze a duty TO
perform
Mr.. FL0RENcE-So has Mr. Perkins.
Mr.. RIcIIARDsON-l ask the gentleman to con-
fine himself to the subject before the House. as
there is much other territorial business to be
transacted.
Mr.. kEEE-!s the gentleman in order?
MIR. PEEKINs-l am nearly through laugh
teri All have to say is this.-New York. by
her acceptance of the deposit fund, has showed
ncr disposition to take her full share of the pub
lie money.
Mr.. MATrEsoxs amendment was rejected by
10 to Sc.
MIR. kERR 5 was agreed to, by 81 to CT.
Mr.. ORR offered an amendment which was
agreed to. that patents to land shall he issued
from time to time only on the completion of
every 20 miles of the proposed road if road
not finished in ten years. no further patents to
Issue.
MIR. GRAY offered an amendment. giving
lands to the old States, for railroad PURPOSES
Ruled out of order
The committee rose and the bill as amended
was reported 10 the House.
MIR. liAMILN moved to lay it on the table.
Not carriCd--GS against lOl.
MIR. GRAY asked whether there was no way
by which bill of the character he had propos-
ed could not be brought b, fore the House, the
Committee of the public lands refusing to re-
port one for the benefit of the old States.
The Speaker said lie could not now d, C de
that que: ton.
Under the operation OF the previous question.
Mr.. kerrs amendment. paying the money de-
rived from the sales of the reserved sections of
iand to those States which have received no
grants of land for internal improvements. ac-
cordng to their federal representation in Con-
gress was concnrrcd in. Yeas, So, Nays ST.
EXtravagant joy expressed by the affirmative
side OF the question. Amid the confusion. Mr..
herr nioved to reconsider the vote just taken
and lay that motion on the table.
MR. RICHARDSON moved the House adjourn.
which was negatved.
The foes OF Mr.. kcrrs amendment wished to
stavc OIL the clinching vote on it, ard therefore
made numerous motions with that view. which
were determined negatively by yeas and nays
Mr. DEAN moved to lay the bill on the table.
Mr.. HEM moved when the House adjourn. it
adjourn to meet Oh Monday next. A question
arose on the part Of several gentleman. whctl,
or 1t would be constitutional to do so. Some
one SAID sunday was dead now on legislative
matters. Great confusion-ncarly one-half of
the members standing, loudly engaged in con-
versation.
The chairman called them to order.
Mr. LETcHEE pertincntly asked, whether gen
tiemen did not draw their pay for Sunday
Mr.. JONES, OF Tenn demanded the yeas and