Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-02-13

interests.
Mr.. Collax argued that sugar should be free
saying that onc-eghth Of the revenue last
year was derived from the duty on sugar and
molasses. Adj
FRIDAY, Feb 6, 1857.
SENArE.-On motion of Mr.. Wilson, res
olution was adopted directing the Committee
on Commerce to inquire into the expcdioncy
Of authorizing the Secretary Of the Navy to
expend such sums as he may deem necessary
not exceeding $50 900, for the further oxplo-
ration of the River La Plata aud its tributa-
ries.
Mr.. Fish from the Committee on Naval
Affairs, reported back their joint resolution
authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to pay
the officers and seaman of the expedition in
search Of DR.. Kane, at the same rate as was
allowed to the officers and seamen of the ex-
petition under Lieut.. Dc Haven.
The private calendar was then taken up.
The Senate passed the House bin for the
relief of Mary Reeside, and receded from its
former amendment against the allowance of
interest Adjourned
HoUsE.-Thc House passed seventeen pri-
waite bills. Adjourned
SATURDAY, Feb. :.
SENArE.-On motion Of Mr. Rusk, an or
der was adopted calling on the Secretary Of
the Treasury to report statement OF the du-
ties rcmitted ON railroad iron. designating the
time of remission; also, on what roads the
duties were refunded, with like designation.
Mr.. Weller, from the committee ON Militia
ny Affairs. reported back, with amendments,
the House bill to increase the pay of Army
officers, saying that he would ask for its CON
sidcration early next week.
Mr. Bigler presented nineteen memorials
from merchants of Philadelphia praying for
the adoption of measures for increasing the
trade between the United States and Africa.
Mr.. Seward presented three memorials from
the same city, also on that subject
The memorials were referred to the Com
mittec ON Commerce.
Mr.. Toombs presented a memorial from
General Shields and other citizens of Mime
sofa, setting forth that although that Terrific
ry contains about 100000 inhabitants yet it
has received no grants of land, in conformity
with the policy of the government to grant
lands, upon certain conditions, TO new States,
for railroad purposes. The Memorial Mr.
Toombs said says that three years ago, Con-
gress made grant to Minnesota for railroads.
but that in consequence of the unwarrantable
interference of persons whose interests were
not identified with the territory the grant was
subsequently repealed At the last session
there was another application to Congress for
aid, but the constant and pertinacious inter
ference of influences foreign to the good of
the Territory prevented action on this dppli-
cation, while many other States were made
the recipients of the bounty of the govern
mcnt
At the present session. Minnesota again
presented her claims, and while the House
Committee on Public Lands were maturing
bill for her benefit, the cry of fraud was rails
ed against the measure. Without wishing to
impugn the motives of any person, the memo
rialists beg leave to say that. so far as Mime
sofa and her citizens are concerned, they in
vite the most rigid scrutiny into each and ev-
cry act, and are constrained to believe that
outside moneyed and other influences over
which they have no control, have endeavorcd
to make the necessities of Minnesota an OPP
portunity to speculate on the liberality of
Congress, and the vital interests of that young
and vigorous territory.
Mr.. Toombs said that this petition present
ed curious state of things lie had given
every attention TO it, and thought it well
worthy Of the consideration Of Congress
The lnhabitants Of Minnesota have been made
inc sport of outside apoo,,ls,tev- nl-.- 49,
'ights ought TO be respected, and their request
was so reasonable that grants of land should
be made to the Legislature, subject to its own
utme disposition, instead of designating par
ocular companies. He introduced bill ma
sing grants in accordance with the prayer of
nc petitioners, which referred to the
Committee on Public Lands.
Several private bills were then passed
Adjourned.
HousE.-The House passed the bill ostab-
ishing the Delaware, Usage, and Western
Land Districts in Kansas.
On motion Of Mr. Orr, a resolve was PASSED
giving the widow Of Preston S. Brooks what
'ver sum was due him at the time of his
leath
The bill reported from the Committee on
public Lands, authorizing the Delaware and
)ssawatomie Indians in Kansas to sell the
light of way for railroads. was tabled
The House passed the bill to establish the
'ficc of Surveyor General of Minnesota.
The bill for completing the Capitol of Ne
'raska, and one of a similar character for New
Mexico, passed,
A bill appropriating $50, 900 for roads in
Nebraska, was also passed
The House then perfected the bill appropri-
ting 100000 for the construction of a wa
,on road from Fort Kearney in Nebraska, via
he South Pass Of the Rocky Mountains. TO
he Eastern boundary line of California. near
Honey Lake, the said road to connect with
nd form an extension of the road already
uthorized from Fort Ridgeley to the aforesaid
,outh Pass
The sum of 100000 was also appropria-
ed for the construction of a wagon road from
Il Paso to Fort Yuma, at the mouth of the .
lila river, and $4,000 for the construction
f wagon road from Fort independence. n. /
lexico, to the Colorado river.
Pending the question of the passage of the
Ill, the House adjourned.
MONDAY, Feb. o. 1857.
SENATI.-Mr. Bright presented the GRE
entails of Graham n, Fitch, setting forth
hat he had been elected Senator by the Leo.
stature of Indiana, and moved that the oath
office be administered
Mr. Trumbull said he had had placod in
is hands by special messenger from that
tate the protest of the State Senate against
ne legality Of the action, and also protest
gned by thirty-four members of the House
+ Representatives Of Indiana to the same eff
,ct.
Mr., Bright said it was not necessary 10
cad tho protests, as he believed his eolleaope
ccOrding to prccedent IL ort;4o1