The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-12-14
Mr.. Branch made no reflection on the

Branch what was the meaning of minimum.
Mr.. C0chrane rose to question of order.
Minimum is Latin word, and the business
Of Congress is required to be conducted in
the English language. Laughter. a. u q
After further proceedings the bill passed.
I provides that the word minimum be con-
strued according to the land graduation
act, so as to apply to alternate and reserved
sections of land granted for railroad or other
International improvements, and in favor Of
actual settlers, and not to mean one dollar
and quarter per acre, as now officially con-
strued. GAGS ~
The Speaker appointed the following
special committee, under Mr.. Boteler's res
olution, to consider questions connected with
the perilous condition Of the country :
Ohio, Corwin, chairman Virginia,
Milson Massachusetts,, Adams North
Carolina, Winslow New York, Hum
phrey: South Carolina, Boyce Pennsyl-
vapia, Campbell Georgia, Love Con-
necticut, Ferry Maryland, Davis, R..
Island, Robinson Delaware, Whitley !;
New Hampshire, Tappan New Jersey,
Stratton Kentucky, Brystow Vt, Mer-
rill Tennessee, Nelson Indiana, Dunn {;
Louisiana, Taylor Mississippi, Davis !;
Illinois, Kellogg Alabama, Houston |;
Maine, Morse Missouri, Phelps Arkan-
sas, Rust Michigan, Howard Florida,
Hawkins Texas, Hamilton Wisconsin,
Washburne Iowa, Curtis California,
Burch; Minnesota, Window; Oregon, Stout.
The speaker desired to say that the parli-
amentary usage was to name on the COM
mittee the mover of the resolution under
which the committee was organized to be
formed. He had omitted the name of Mr..
Boteler, of Virginia, at that gentleman's
own request. He had endeavored to ap.
point the committee to the best of his judg-
ment, and at the earliest period, in view of
the important business with which the
committee was entrusted.
Mr.. Hawkins, of Florida, said "Last
Tuesday begged to be excused from vot-
ing. and for similar reasons 1 ask to be ex-
cused from serving on this committee. 1
have consulted with older members as to
whether it is voluntary or not for men,
Der appointed on a committee to serve,
and have been informed that he is
compelled by the rules of the House
to serve unless excused, and that if
he does not serve he subjects himself to
something like rebuke or reprimand on the
part of the House. Now as long as am a
member of this body am anxious to respect
all its rules, and am unwilling to draw upon
myself rebuke or reprimand. I therefore
ask the House to excuse me from serving
as a member of the committee. If I am
compelled by the rules or custom to serve,
l will be very unimportant and not an
efficient member. I know l cannot act with
all the committee. As to the idea of GET
ting up committee with unanimity, peace,
and in union saving manner, I have been
opposed to anything of that kind in the
first, and am now, believing that the time
for compromise has passed forever.
MI. John Cochrane, of New York, said
that be had heard with great deal of re-
greet his friend asking to be excused from
service on the committee. 1t has well been
said here to-day, in the chaplain's prayer,
that the grey shadow of the dark wing of
desolation has been extended over our House
and country, and so deep is the gloom that
we can scarcely discern one CLEAN of light
to enable us to transact the ordinary bust
ness. Mems minds have been devoted
for some weeks past to the all
absorbing topic of controversy which In
terests all thoughts, and demands of every
individual his best exertions and his purest
emotions. 1t is of Importance to the issue
that the republic should command exertions
and efforts of all its citizens. I believe now,
in the midst of this crisis, with the perils
impending over the country, that there is
no reason why this House, representing the
patriotism and wisdom of the country,
should excuse the gentleman from Florida.
believe that from all parts of his state,
where the people are looking with solicitude
on passing events, and with anxious eyes,
if the voice ofhis constituents could be heard,
it would be in tones beseeching, and appeal~
ing to their Representatives to stand for
ward in this issue, and assume the brunt of
the controversy. he did not believe with
the gentleman that it was important to the
welfare of the country that there should be
unanimous report on the subject referred
to the committee. However, God grant it
may be. Applause in the galleries, &C.
compsnied by cries of "order" on the floor
God grant that it may stamped with the
unanimity which patriotism demands, 1.-THE
country is not to be saved-if patriotism is
not sufficient to command this glorious
result, it is due that the people of the
United States should know it. 1t is due
to the benighted regions of the country that
the fact should be impressed on the mind,
and ignorance no longer be pleaded as ex-
cuse for the acts which have brought US to
the fearful precipice. five are not to have
unanimous report to save the country
from the pangs and agony of secession, let
| US know what demands are made by one
section of the country from the other, and
let US feel what is, the pulsation of the
country, and let US answer the examinatory
inquisition that comes from every portion
of the land" Watchman, what of the
night" clearly and conclusively whether
storms ard madness rule the hour, whether
there is a harbipger of peace, or whether
there is one CLEAN of morning in which we
may yet discern the stars and stripes float
ing from yonder dome.
These remarks were greeted with ap.
plause. 5 oa .to.1.. iae Is -,
Mr.. Garrett hastily arose, saying, I trust
in our grave deliberations the Chair will
stop applause, whether on the floor or in
the galleries. l willlgive notice-(here he
was interrupted by Kisses from the galleries.
/ now move that the galleries be cleared.
(Renewed hisses) The disgracefal black
r,,,o,dc x,,b, viola 70 ~ a -, los If &ho uorco