The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-02-25

adopting the plan to strike OF the eight most
southcrly townships from Goodhue county,
the two westerly townships from wAba.
shaw, and the three northerly townships
from Olmsted, aud making new county.
The committee. however. do not recommend
tho passage Of the bill providing for this
new county. They think tho removal Of tho
county seat towards the centre Of the county
preferable to any division.
Tux HOMESTEAD bill.
The House. by suspension OF rules, took
up this bill, and proooeded To its considcra-
ton in committee. The committee had un-
der consideration several amendments 10
section /. and debate sprung up between
Mssrs. BACON, BAIGoNaE. McGRoRry.
RurAS, TArrKRsAil, BRADLEY and OrE.
The arguments advanced were the same IA
heretofore. Mr.. BAIcoNnK. having accused
the mcmbors from Ramsey county Of advo-
eating this bill. because il was intended for
the benefit Of 81. Paul particularly.
Mr.. OTIS replied s follows In re.
ply 10 the gentleman from Winona, ]
hope he will not be able to charge upon
the Ramsey county delegation any offence
more serious or disIaraging in It's character,
than that Of supporting u homestead bill.
As | understand the gentleman, he sccms to
misconstruc the object and inteut OF the law,
he seems 10 regard il ~ law exempting
certain amount IN ,dius only from exccu-
ton. This Is not my view Of the spirit and
intent Of n homestead Inv IL IL q law to
preserve sacred 10 the family tho home that
shelters and protects them. II Ii not its
value In money that gives II the sacred chnr-
acter that the law should protect il matters
not whether II bc tho costly pile Of brick,
spccious in extent, on some beautiful site In
u city. Preferred to by the gcntlcmanl or
Nh humble cottage IN the country; II Il
DO home, and u shelter 10 tn family, Il II
sacrc,l. and should b. placed beyond the
roach Of the creditor.
Again y limitation IN homestead law
tends 10 discourage improvements upon the
homestead. II h not right that tho cmbcl.
lishmcnts and improvements which the
thrifty householder may choose 10 throw
around his homestead, should furnish an ex.
cuse IN law Tor the creditors 10 seize II. No
limitation that You can fix upon. will be
eqnal and just In all caS~ An unlimited
law only viii carry out the objects and In.
tent Of homestead act shall vote against
the amendment
Several amendments were adopted IN
committee, and agreed To by the IIou@.
Mr.. McGRORrY offered MI amendment
providing that there should h. no exemption
from execution for clerks, laborcrs or mo
chanics' wages, which was adopted.
Mr.. BALCOMBE offered an amendment.
providing that the homestead should not cx.
coed In value the sum Of $4,000
The yeas ind nays being called on this
cmcndmcnt, there were yeas ~, nays 81, no
the amendment was lost.
An amendment providing that the prove
sons of this law should not apply TO debts
contracted before liz passage having been
passed, the question was raised and argued
by Mcsrs. Oris, kurAS and SrARKEY, that
the old exemption law being repealed by
this Inv, the debtor would not obtain the
benefit Of any law, and Mr. Stanley
moved reconsideration Of the vote NO as
10 allow tho section IN bo amended and,
pending this motion. motions 10 adjourn, 10
lay on the table. and calls OF the IIonsc were
had for some two hours. until the members
were lcss than q quorum.
A quorum having bcn found present, the
vote on the amendment wins rcconsderei
sitisPLAsTERs.
Mr. CHASE offered the following rcsou-
ton, which was adopted
Rssoarsd That Special Committee of three
be appointed by the Speaker 10 Investigate and
report TO this House whether there II not con.
tinual violation VI Law nj this tmr by tbs Or
culation Of certain sbihplastrrs and other Pic.
lures purportiDg 10 be bank bills, and siso
whether Il not sspediept 10 pass law limit
ing the rate Of interest upon discounts and loans
made by bankers and banks. aud that this ON.
mittee bAye power 10 send for persons and pa.
prrs.
The Speaker appointed Mesrn. Cn.sx,
BALcoaBE and RUTAs ar said committee.
The House then adjourned.
FRfUAy Feb 10