The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-10-07
TO THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA.

On my return home, learned that seve-
raj prominent Republicans from other States
were here, erdeavoring to induce the people
to believe that l had opposed the passage OF
the Homestead Bill. These same gentlemen
have said to our citizens that if they wish
for homes for the homeless" they must
vote the Republican ticket.
A few facts will, trust, show the insin-
cerity of those who have travelled so far to
enlighten the people of this State. The bill
came up in the Senate upon three occasions.
1t was first called up by Mr.. WADE, of
Ohio. Gen. SHIELDS and myself both voted
for taking it up. This was on the 18th day
of February last. On the 26th of the same
month, Senator DooLITTLE moved to post
pone the Cuba Bill and take up the Home
stead Bill. This was late at night, and at
time when every Senator knew that the
bill could not be reached. Appeal after
appeal was made to Mr.. DooL1rTLE to with
uIaW uIo uoIiOu III piOOl vi WulCu l. uldhC
the following extracts from the Globe:
Mr.. JOHNSON, of Tennessee wish to call
the attention of the Senator from Wisconsin to
single point. He knows that have been the
early and consistent friend of the homestead
proposition | advocated that measure when
it had but few friends; | have advocated it
since it has had many friends. We struggled
with it through one branch of Congress, and
we have it now before the Senate for action.
| wish merely to suggest in this connection,
that while am for it, and intend to vote for it,
and speak for it until am really satisfied that
1t is either to be postponed finally, or to be-
come the law, hope the Senator, in the pres
ent state of affairs, with another question be-
fore the Senate. and Senators willing to speak
upon it, and all prepared to vote upon it, will
withdraw his motion. 1t is not worth while to
antagonize with the pending question, when it
actually weakens the proposition, and certain
ly cannot advance 1t. l am as much for the
measure as the Senator from Wisconsin can be,
and was almost going to say that am more
for it than he can be. hope he will withdraw
his proposition. and let US have action on the
subject now before the Senate. The course
which ne is taking cannot strengthen the home
stead measure. 1t will give It no votes, and in
the present state of affairs and business before
the Senate, | am satisfied that there are many
Senators who are in favor of the homestead
bill who will vote against postponiDg this bill
at the present time. trust then, he will with
draw his motion, and let it be understood that
SO soon as the Cuba question is disposed of. we
shall make one common ana united effort to
bring up the homestead bill and procure the
action of the Senate upon it.
Mr.: DOUGLAS. i had only word to say,
and the Senator from Tennessee has said that
in about the form that should have done.
think it is unwise in the friends of the home.
stead bill to occupy time by crossing motions
in this way and thus defeating the bill. when if
we will consider one question at time, We
shall have ample opportunity to dispose of
both. The right way now to pass the home
stead bill. and the only chance it has, is to
stand by the Cuba bill until We get through