The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-12-23
THE WEEKLY PIONEER AND DEMOCRAT

Duluth to take testimony in the case, the
testimony to be taken previous to the LIST of
January, and to report to this House by
the seventh Of January, and to receive for
his services the per diem and mileage allowed
to Representatives. $50
Mr.. NETTLETON said he was willing
to submit his claims to the decision of the
committee on the evidence before the COM
mittee.
The committee not being present no &C.
ton was taken upon their report by the
House.
JOINT RESOLUTIONS.
Mr.. STEVENSON submitted a Joint
resolution on the recent insurrection at
Harper's Ferry.
Mr.. SECOMBE submitted a resolution
proposing an amendment to article 6, of the
constitution of the State.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr.. ACKER presented bill to punish
frauds and other crimes committed at cleo
lions.
Two or three other bills presented of a
local character, were read first time
NOTICES OF BILLS.
A large number of notices were read, the
most important being by Mr.. STEVEN
SON, for an act to prohibit Treasures from
receiving State Orders for taxes; and an
act to prohibit counties from issuing orders
as evidences of indebtedness and an act to
amend the act organizing the Legislature of
the State. Bills were presented by other
members for an amendment to the mechanics
lein law; an act to prevent Indian tribes
from committing depredations against white
settlers in Minnesota and for amendments
to various chapters in the revised statutes.
DON'T WANT PRAYER.
Mr.. SHREWSBURY offered resolu.
ton that in accordance with time honored
custom, Chaplain ought to be elected !;
and proposing that the House proceed to
the election of Chaplain on the 2lst inst.
The resolution was defeated.
HOMESTEAD RESOLUTION.
Mr.. PURDIE'S joint resolution, asking
our Senators and Representatives in Con-
gress to use all honorable means to secure
the passage of homestead law, was taken
up, under a suspension of the rules, and
passed final reading by unanimous vote.
FIVE PER CENT. ON PROCEEDS oP PUBLIC
LANDS.
A bill to authorize Ex-Governor to secure
to the State tie FIVE per cent. of the net
proceeds of the sales of public lands of this
State, and providing for the application of
the money received only upon works of inter-
nal improvements, was carried to third read
ing, under suspension of the rules. and
then referred to the committee on internal
improvements.
MILEAGE OF MEMBERS.
The Committee on Mileage reported upon
the number of miles Travelled by each men,
Der.
The amount of mileage allowed was 1903
miles, making total expense of 81 1854. 80.
The report was adopted, and the mileage
certificates, as per resolution of last Satur-
day, will draw SeUen per cent. per annum
until redeemed by the Treasurer.
TIE RAILROAD QUESTION.
Mr.. ROBERTSON submitted a resolu-
ton instructing the Judiciary Committee to
inquire
lst. What is the precise nature of the
consideration, and the legal significance
of the term in the amendment of tie Con.
stitution.
I'd. What is the precise nature of the con.
ditions of the acceptance of the railroad
loan by the Railroad Companies.
Sd. Is it necessary for the Companies to
provide the consideration and complete the
conditions before the obligation of the
State attaches for the redemption of the
Bonds.
4th. If answered in the affirmative, have
theCOmpanies given the consideration and
complied with the conditions necessary to
bind the State.
9Th. If answered in the negative, to give
their opinion whether the State can or can
not be made liable for the bonds alread
issued to the Companies.
After explanation by Mr.. RoBERTsoNy
the resolutions were laid upon the table to
be printed.
OFFICE OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
A bill having previously passnd to a
third reading, abolishing the Office of
Prosecuting Attorney, was referred back to
the Committee of the Whole, and an amend
ment to retain the Prosecuting Attorney,
and abolish the Office of District or County
Attorney, was made, and after dicussion on
the amendment, was lost, and the bill re-.
ported back to the House.
The bill was then passed finally by yeas
81, nays Is.
The House adjourned till ~ o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr.. ABRAHAM offered resolution di.
recting the Judiciary Committee to inquire
whether tho State A uditor hoo NOT hv h;o