The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-10


amendment familiarly known as the "Loan
State. in many respects, has become an
interested party in the several Land Grant
Railroads; and how to get out of the diffi.
culties in which she has become involved,
has been the primary question before your
committee.
Several propositions or plans have been
offered for the consideration of the Commits
tee, having for their object the final settle
ment of this question, and in such manner
as to secure the building of some portion of
the roads, but all of these propositions, were
alike in one particular feature, they require,
directly or indirectly, that what was here
tofore only loaned, should now be given as
a bonus, which condition, your committee
thought, could not at this time meet with
the approval of the people of the State
Your committee confidently believe, that
within short period of time, the attention
of capitalists will be drawn to the generous
grant of about 6,OOO,0O acres of land made
by the Congress of the United States to the
Territory (now State) of Minnesota, in aid
of the construction of certain lines of rail-
road, and which will be sufficient consid-
alton to ensure the building of all the lines
of road contemplated, as fast there will be
business enough to pay the running ex.
penses of the same and your committee
also believe that Congress would extend the
time of completion, and that the expecta-
lions Of the people oil the State will at last
be realized, and that without placing the
people Of the State under the grievous
burden of taxation for the next twenty five
years.
But another question How to dispose
of the outstanding minnesota State Rail-
road Bonds?" and all the questions con.
sidertd by your committee, this one at this
time, is the most important; and after due
deliberation, your committee would suggest
that theonly manner of settlement thought
proper to be entertained, was that of some
equitable rule, by providing for the taking
up of the outstanding bonds, by the issue of
new bonds of the State in an amount equal
to the equitable interest in cash, that the
bona fide holders of such bonds may have
had in the same on the first day OF January,
A. d. 1860 and your committee would
recommend that commission be created by
the Legislature to examine and ascertain
such equitable amount as aforesaid, and
all facts connected Herewith, and report the
same to the next Legislature.
Believing that it is the earnest desire of
the people of this State, that no further
issue of minnesota State Railroad Bonds
should be made, your committee would also
recommend that the Legislature propose an
amendment to the Constitution for publica-
and submission to the people, which amend
ment shall abrogate and expunge from the
Constitution the amendment to section ten
of article nine, adopted by the people, April
Is, 1858, saving and securing all rights
that the State may have under and by virtue
of that amendment.
Your committee would respectfully submit
for the consideration of the Senate, bill
proposing such amendments as are thought
necessary to carry out the suggestions of
your committee.
L.. X. STANNARD,
SOCRATES NELSON.
The report and the bill were ordered to be
printed.
A motion to take from the table the me-
mortal of B. Pringle, President of the Cedar
Valley Railroad, was negatived.
A similar motion was made to take up the
memorial of citizens of st. Paul, and lost.
RESOLUTIONS.
By Mr.. STEVENS of Mcleod:
WHEREAs-Ch Charges of corruption have been
made from different sources, that in the distri.
button of the Railroad Grants of the State of
Minnesota by the Extra Session Ct the Legisla.
ture. And
WHEREAs-It has been alleged that bribery
existed in the $5,000,000 loan bill. Therefore
be it
Resolved-That Committee of five be ap-
pointed by the chair to investigate these charges
and report at an early day, with power to send
for persons and papers.
On motion of Mr.. CLARK, the rules
were 30 FIR suspended as to allow the reso-
luton to be considered at the present time.
Mr.. McLAREN said he objected to the
adoption of the resolution, because he be-
lieved it was too late in the season to make
such an investigation thorough and complete.
More important matters were pressing upon
the time of the Senate just now. But little
had been accomplished, and be was in favor
of speedy transaction of business and an
early adjournment. He believed that such a
committee, if appointed, would find plenty
of material to work upon-that if they
prosecuted their duties fearlessly and boldly,
they would be able to show up one of the
blacklist records that ever disgraced the
annals of any State. He believed all the
charges which had been made were true
that corruption and bribery had been used
at the so cSlled extra session, and so tangi>
BILE were these things, that he was only sur.
prised at the incredulity of those who did
not believe those charges. He moved to
amend 80 that the committee should report
within twenty days. .,a
The same was accepted and the resolution
. was adopted as amended.
The President appointed as such commits
tee Messrs. Stevens, Kennedy, Holly, Hodges
and Taylor. 'a t,o.'f W. -
BILLS PASSED.
An act providing for notice of las pendens.
To amend Sections and l6 of Chapter
154 of the Compiled Statutes.
TO amend an act &c. relative to Free
Schools in the city Of st. Paul. TSection
II of this bill provides that the Board of
EducationIshall, whenever in their judgment
additional means may be necessary, for the
support Of free schools in the city of St.