The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-07-14
HON. THOMAS 4. HENDRICKS.
The Complimentary Banquet Of
the Common Council and
Citizens to him
Last Night.
FULL REPORT OF THE AD-
DRESSES AND PRO-
CEEDINGS.
From the Daily of Thursday.

2
From the Daily of Thursday
The complimentary supper riven to
Senator THOMAS A. HENpRloKs by the
Common Council and citizens, last night
at the International, was an impor-
tant and interesting occasion, both in the
views expressed, by the speakers and the
pleasant nature of the attendant exercises.
About one hundred guests sat down at
halfpast nine O'Clock, to the finest sup
per that ever graced the boards of the In
ternational. Col. BELorE seemed to have
spared no pains or expense in its prepara-
ton. j. But we must cut shortb our notes
on this part of the banquet, and turn
to the intellectual entertainment which
followed. 1t was opened by the Hon.
JOHN 8. PRINCE, who rose and addressed
the company as follows: seb = r"1 -
REMARKS OF MAYOR PRINCE. g"I
GENrLEMEN 81 havethe honor to introduce
to you our distinguished guest, Hon. Senator
Hendricks of Indiana, gentleman who, as
Commissioner of the General Land Office, and
subsequently as United States Senator has
proved himself to be the warm supporter and
advocate of the interests of our State. With q
just appreciation of the commanding geographic
cal position of Minnesota, and of her other
great natural advantages, he has generously
labored for her benefit, and we are assembled
this evening at the invitation of the City Coun-
Gil to welcome him as visitor among us, and
to give expression to the grateful recognition
of his good offices which we all entertain. His
name will be associated with the history of
Minnesota as one of her best and truest friends.
Senator Hendricks on rising was greeted
with much applause, and spoke, in substance,
as follows: ...., 80 - 49, ..-
SPEECH OF SENATOR HENDRICKS.
Mr.. Mayor add Gentlemen: ~.
To satisfy his own judgment and conscience
is the first desire of an honest man upon whom
public and responsible duties are devolved-
but next, and second only to that is priced the
approval of the people whose interests are Of
fected by his conduct. ..,..
In the resolutions of the Common Council
honoriDg me with the Inequalities of this city,
mention is made of my former connection
with the General Land Office, and of my pres.
ent position In the Senate of the United States
and the Council were pleased to say that
had labored for the interests of Minnesota and
her beautiful Capital. '.'.,!n
The prophecies of this occasion will not al
low me to speak of the estimate put upon my
official conduct when reviewed in the forum of
my own judgment and conscience, but am
allowed to say that your approval and the
! fattering manner in which it has been ex-
pressed Is the cause of profound qualification.
At the time l entered upon the duties Of
Commissioner of the General Land Office, In
| 1855, the immigration into this State was very
large. The settlements were not in particular To-
calities, but we're largely diffused over the more
accessible and desirable portions ofthe state. In
that respect the settlement of Minnesotawas pc
cuiar, andcalled for great activity in the prose-
cutiOn of the public surveys, so that they
might be in advance of the demands of the
settlers ard that each settler might know the
exact boundary OF his claim under the pre-
emptiOn laws, and that the conflicts growing
out of the tapping of claims. SO hurtful 10 :.
new country, might be avoided.
Next in importance to the SURVEYS was the
early examination and prompt decision Of the
claims made by the settlers, and the adjudica-
ton of conflicting claims, so that rights should
be fixed and known: for Improvements can
not advance-the farmers cannot have courage
and enterprise, when the titles OF the lands are
not settled.
In the presence of gentlemen of your expe-
rience, need not speak of the importance OF
correct decision in the case of each claim so
bllab Iutcut WHtil Dc
evidence OF certain aud unimpeachable right.
If the survey were Ed correctly made, and so
accurately described, and the claims of the set
tiers so promptly and rightly decided, that you
have but few prctracted and doubtful land
cases In your courts, then it may be claimed
that the administration of our admirable land
system was creditable TO those having it in
charge, and blessing to the country For
myself, would only claim that was Animal
ed by the sentiment that the public domain
should be 80 managed as to furnish homes for
the people, and not allowed to become the
subject of monopoly and speculation.
did not think it enough that Congress
should provide for the survey and sale of the
lands but thought aid ought to be given to
try. 1t is the settler, who, by his enterprise
and labor, gives value to the public lands.
Every farm that is Opeued-every church and
school house that il erected, and every county
and neighborht yi rad that is constructed up-
on the frontier GIVES value To the unsold lands
of the United Staies. 1t is common senti-
ment of equity tiat owners of large tracts of
land should aid in the construction of works
of general improvement which enhance their
value. for it is hardly fair that they epioy the
benefits without aiding to bear the burthens.
Then, as large proprietor of the land, why
should not the Government aid in such great
works of improvement as are necessarily be.
yOuO tuO AuCsA&io VI ZIG cCttlSI6 ID ont q
wise disposal of a portion of her lands there.
by enhancing the value and bringing into mar
ket the residue. which clearly may be done un-
| der the provisions of the constitution.
| 1t is not now questioned that Congress NAV
encourage commerce by a survey of the coasts.
| the erection of light houses and the improve.
ment of the great harbors. Why, then. shall
it be questioned that In aid of agriculture Con-
gress may, by granting portion of her lands,
assist in the construction of works of inn
provement of national importance, and thus
contribute to the development of this great
Western country? Guided by this view,
have felt it my duty to support the policy of
granting portions of the pnblic lands to the
States and Territories in aid of important rail-
! road enterprises and after being assured of the
probable success of the work, supported the
grant to this State to aid in the constitution
OF that road which Is to connect the waters of
the greatest lake with the waters of the great
est river in North America. The pleasure of
my visit to your State and city has been greatly
increased by the assurance that the work Is
now about to be commenced, and its early
completion may be anticipated know not
when may be in Minnesota again, but hope
to have the pleasure of joining you In the cele-
bratiOns that will attend the cOmpletiOn of