Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-05-30

Proceeding. Of Yesterday Afsernssn.


In THE SENATE, yesterday, after we went to
press. Mr.. Brown presented petition from resi-
dents and property bolders in the Seventh Ward,
In the city Of Washington, urging an appropris :,
ton for the improvement of ct. :, ~
Mr.. johnson, of Ark, from the COMMITTEES on
Public Lands, asked to be discharged from the
further consideration of the resolution ipouirfnp
into the expediency of ceding TO the States re-
spectvely all the public lands within their limits
remaining unsold for five years after the price has
been graduated to the lowest standard; which was
agreed to
dir Brown, from the Committee on the District
of Columbia, to which referred the memo
rial OF citizens of the District of Columbia ask
ing that Boundary street may be opened and its
name changed to Minnesota avenue, submitted an
adverse report thereon
Also, to be discharged from the further consid.
GRAFTON OF the memorial Of citizens of w ashington
corporations in the District from issuing notes Of
any kind may not become law, and that IL be
referred 20 a select commit.ee ~
Also, from the same committee, TO which was re-
ferred bill (Senate No 1851 concerning convey
ancs OF places OF public worship in the District Of
Columbia, reported II without amendments and
asked its Immediate consideration; but objection
was made.
Also, from the same committee TO which was
referred House bill TO incorporate East Washing
ton Library Association, reported it with an
amendment
Also, from the same committee. reported back
House bill directing the conveyance of IA lot Of
ground for the use Of the public schools Of the city
of W Washington, with an amendment, and asked
It's Immediate consideration; which was agreed
TO, and the bill as amended, passed.
MIR. Fitzpatrick introduced bill for the estab-
hsimenf and authorization Of wills In the District
of Columbia, which was read and referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
MIR. Hunter said lie would Yield the floor to the
honorable senator from Louisiana, who desired to
address the Senate on a question personal to him.
self.
The Senate then proceeded TO the consideration
OF the bill To repeal the second section aud other
portions OF an act passed the I'd day of June 1885,
entitled An act to provide for the location Of
taln confirmed private land claims in the State OF
missouri, and for other purposes and also to
provide for the final settlement Of certain pr vate
land claims In the State of Louisiana
MIR. Slidell made Some remarks i'm reference to
his own personal connection with the Houmas
land grant in Louisiana. He said that in the
yeer 1885 he became purchaser Of a certain tract
81 land there, paying one seventh cash down, and
the remainder In six annual nstalments; the cost
of the whole was something over $1,000 He
alluded to the action of the Senate and the House
on the conflicting claims to these lands and stated
tnat In all this matter be had not had the lghtest
agency, direct or indirect. In the course Of his
remarks, he alluded to Hon. Miles TAYLOR, and
thought that gentleman had countenanced as
saults upon him (Mr. s. in presses with which
he was known TO have close atiliation Since
the matter had been before the Senate he had
scIupulousiy abstained from con versaton about Ii
with any member of the Senate or House, his col
League lMr Benjamin) alone excepted
Mi. Benjamin gave a minute history Of the
original ownership of these lands and traced the
title from the original posseSsors down to the
present day. He argued strenuously against the
injustice OF forcing people whose grandfathers
We're born on the lands they now occupy to bring
suit against the Government and prove their
tie, or, in default of doing, have their lands
tIken away from them and considered as public
lands
Mt. Toombs replied, defending the report of
the Select Committee, accompanying the dill in
reference to this subject now before the senate
He exhibited map Of the tract in dispute TO ex-
plain the subject.
Mr.. Pugh also discussed the subject at consid
cradle length, susta lining the report of the Select
Committee.
Mr.. Wigfall said that although il was rather
late, yet as the Senate were about to take vott.
on the bill, be wished TO give the reasons that
would govern his vote. We cannot west vested
rights, and he was opposed 10 reopening the sub
Ject Vast Improvements had been made on tie
land, and II has been I'm the continuous possession
OF the present occupants and their predecessors for
more than fifty years.
Mr.. Bayard rose to address the Senate but gaye
way and, without taking VOTE the Senate ad-
journed. .r..
In THE HOUSE, the Pacific railroad bill after
discussion on the various amendments was To-
gether with the amendments, recommi,tet to the
select committee on the Pacific railroad by vote
any further business Of importance, the body ad1