The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-12-30

ton OF the road. Commerce in only an in
cidental interest in connection with the road;
il is wanted first and chiefly for postal aid
military--that is to say-for political pur-
poses. II is grand error to rely on com
merce for such highways in territories where
society has to be called into existence, or
that they can be dispensed with till society
is created.
The treaty Of Gaudalope Hidalgo extended
the national jurisdiction across the Rocky
Mountains 10 the Pacific, and from that
moment q necessity for postal and military
highways across was disclosed. Our con.
tentions in Utah, Central America and
Mexico, and with France and England, are
legitimate consequences Of the reliance on
routes through foreign countries instead OF
through our own. Mr. Seward spoke at
length.
Mr.. Wilson, OF Massachusetts, moved an
amendment that the road shall be between
parallels "a and 43.
The debate was postponed uni tomor-
row.
Mr. Seward Of New York offered reso-
luton desiring the committee on the Judi
ciary to report, il further legislation is
necessary to stop the slave trade. Mr.
Davis objecting. II was lost
Mr.. Do0little, OF Wisconsin, offered re-
solution which was adopted, calling for let
tiers between the President OF Nicaragua
and Commodore Psulding, il there are any
such in the Navy Department.
On motion Of Mr.. Seward, the Secretary
Of War was requested to inform the Senate
if any land in New York has or can be had
for revenue purposes.
Mr.. Davis, Of Mississippi, offered reso
lntion which was adopted, calling on
the Secretary Of War for information re-
speeding tho rights Of British subjects in
Oregon.
Mr.. Bright, from the Building Commit
tee, reported that the new Senate Chamber
will be ready for occupation January 4.
The President sent through the Secretary
of State, part Of the correspondence Of Robt.
Machan and DR.. Packer, ex-Minister TO
China. He withholds portion of the cor
rcspondence, on account Of pending negotia-
tions.
A bill was passed to advance Hiram
Powers " 800 for statuary.
The Sesate went into executive session,
and on the opening Of the doors, adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.-SssArE.-The
Senate met at noon. Reading Of the jour
nal occupied upwards Of half an hour.
Various memorials were presented mostly
asking Tor pensions
On the joint resolution to adjourn from
the 23d OF December to 9th January, Mr..
Foote called for the yeas and nays. The
resolution was adopted. The following
Senators voted against it: Chandler, Clark
Clipgman, Collamer, Dixon, Davis, Doolit-
tie, Durkee, Fessenden, Fitzpatrick, Foote,
Foster, Gwin, Jones, Hamlin, Hammond,
Ilamlin, johnson Of Tennessee, Reid, Rice,
Wade, Ward-22.
Mr. Rice Of MINI, offered bill which
was read twice and referred to the Com.
mittee on Territories, TO organize the Ter
ritory Of Dakota.
Mr. Crittendon moved to take up the
French Spolation bill, for the purpose OF
arranging some day for its consideration,
and gave notice that he would call it up on
January 6.
The Pacific Railroad bill came up as the
order Of the day. The following il the sub
stance Of the bill which was introduced by
Senator Rice on the l4th inst, read twice
and referred to the Committee on Public
Linds. 1t is entitled "a bill to aid 10 the
construction Of certain railroads to the Pa
cfc to encourage settlement on their lines,
aud tor other purposes Section first au.
thorizes the President TO cause public lands
to the extent Of 40 miles on each side of the
routes hereafter mentioned, to be surveyed
aud the Indian title cxtinguished, the lands
20 be subject TO pre- ornptlon by actual set
tiers At the rate OF ten cents per acre.
Section second provides that every alter
nate section, for ten sections in width on
each side Of said roads and branches, be
granted to the States and territories upon
the lines OF the proposed roads, viz: From
Lake Superior 10 Pugets Sound. with q
branch 10 the payigahie waters of the Co,
lumba from the western border Of the
state OF Missouri 10 san Francisco also
from the western border OF the State OF
Texas to san Pedro. or san Diego.
section three. The said lands so granted
to the States aud Territories shall be subject
To the future disposal Of the Legislature
thereof for the purposes above expressed
and for no other.
Section fourth defines the conditions OF
sale Of the said lands; that 800 sections
may be sold along every twenty continues
miles of the road as completed, bu, il such
road be not completed within twenty years,
all unsold lands shall revert 10 the | nite,i
E States.
/ Section fifth requires that the Uni,e,l
States mail shall be transported Over the
sand roads at prices 10 lie fixed by Congress.
the President being authorized 10 tx the
price temporarily, until fx,d by law
Section sixth provides that the govern
meut shall have the priority right Tor all
purposes OF transportation.
} Section seyenth sets aside the sixteenth
and thirty SIXTH sections for chool pur.
poses.
Section eighth avs the President shall
/ determine tie ,ermini. with the coossui Of
+ the States and Territories in which stu.