1ST SESS.] Mineral Lands. [JUNE, 1846. Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Reuben Chapman, | to 1829, covering a space of twenty-six years, Yost.-120. NAYS.-Messrs. Abbott, Ashmun, Bell, Blanchard, Milton Brown, Buffington, William W. Campbell, Chipman, Cocke, Collamer, Cranston, Crozier, Culver, Garrett Davis, John H. Ewing, Foot, Giddings, Grider, Grinnell, Hampton, Harper, Herrick, Hilliard, Samuel D. Hubbard, Hudson, Washington Hunt, Daniel P. King, Lewis, McGaughey, McHenry, McIlvaine, Marsh, Moseley, Pendleton, Julius Rockwell, John A. Rockwell, Runk, Schenck, Seaman, Severance, Truman Smith, Albert Smith, Caleb B. Smith, Stephens, Strohm, Benjamin Thompson, Tilden, Toombs, Trumbo, Vance, Vinton, and Young.-52. So the bill was passed. Mineral Lands. The House resolved itself into Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, (Mr. MCCLELLAND of Michigan in the chair,) and resumed the consideration of the bill directing the President to cause the mineral lands in the States of Illinois and Arkansas, and in the Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa, to be exposed to sale; and of the amendments thereto pending. Mr. DODGE said he had a few facts which he wished to submit to the House before the vote was taken. He felt a deep interest in the passage of the bill for the sale of the mineral lands so called. It was a measure for the passage of which a large portion of those whom he represented had been anxiously looking for the last six or eight years. He would appeal to members, and ask them if, in disposing of the public lands, they would discriminate between the States and Territories? If they adopted the amendment of the gentleman from New York, (Mr. Rathbun,) which provided a minimum of five dollars, they would do so. The mines of Missouri had been worked since 1723, having been opened at that time, as was stated by the gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. McCLERNAND,) by Renaut for the Royal India Company. They became ours by the acquisition of Louisiana in 1803, from which time up of leasing them was observed. During seven- This Such JUNE, 1846.] Post Office Appropriations. enhanced, because of the obstructions which | the "rapids" interpose to the navigation of the Upper Mississippi, and by the shorter period of navigation, by reason of the low water in the summer, and the closing of the river by ice in the winter, reducing the whole duration of safe annual navigation over the rapids to about six months. In Missouri, timber, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of lead, was much more abundant, the climate milder, and navigation unobstructed during the greater part of the season-advantages which all, who know any thing of the working of mines, cannot but see are very great. The Government of the United States, (said Mr. D.,) according to the official statement from the Commissioner of the General Land Office, have reserved and withheld from sale in the State of Illinois, on account of its supposed lead mineral character, 242,409 acres of land; in Wisconsin 242,880 acres; and in Iowa, 285,136 acres; making in the total 770,415 acres; an area, in superficial extent, greater than that embraced by the State of Rhode Island, by 2,415 acres; a State having two Representatives on this floor, and two in the other wing of this Capitol. And upon this vast extent of country there are estimated to be at this time thirty or forty thousand inhabitants, with a voting population of ten or twelve thousand; and, with the exception of two or three town sites, and a few other tracts of land that have been sold, there are no freeholders within the districts: and the people residing within those districts might truly be said to be tenants at will of this Government. Could any American legislator contemplate the situation of things existing in that rich and desirable region of country without regret, and without admitting that it is contrary to the spirit and genius of our institutions? [29TH CONG. mineral, dug a number of pits and holes of greater or less depth, according to circumstances. Sometimes, but seldom on the first trial, he succeeded: if not, he tried other spots again and again, with no better success, until at last he abandoned the project in despair, or for the want of funds: and numsummer's work has been employed without being bers of instances have occurred when a whole able to make a discovery of mineral. In fact, not one in fifty has succeeded. When fortunate enough to do so, it was the invariable practice of the Spanish Government to compensate him by the grant of part (four arpens) of the land, including his discovery." Mr. D. said that no grants, no bounties, were conferred by the bill now under consideration. It was carefully drawn, and was almost an exact copy of the Missouri law. He hoped that it would pass, and that the miners and farmers would have an opportunity to purchase, and to become the owners of the lands upon which they have made their locations. IN SENATE. MONDAY, June 8. Independent Treasury Bill. Mr. LEWIS, from the Committee on Finance, reported back the independent treasury bill, with sundry amendments. not be very well understood by the reader un[The amendments are numerous, and could less given in connection with the original bill. The specie clause is not to take effect until the 1st January, 1847, and another allows all disbursing officers having at present credits in banks, to check on the same until the 1st of January next, giving the public creditors the option to receive the pay from the banks in specie or notes.] TUESDAY, June 9. Post Office Appropriations. The Senate resumed the consideration of the bill making appropriations for the service of the Post Office Department, for the year ending June 30, 1847, when Mr. NILES withdrew the amendment submitted by him a day or two ago, appropriating $25,000 for steam mail service to Liverpool, England, and submitted the following: Mr. D. said that gentlemen placed entirely an overestimate upon the value of those mineral lands. And if they were valuable, they should remember that it was the miner that had made them so. It was by his skill, his enterprise, and his labor, that these mines had been opened. In looking at the public documents that Congress had published in reference to the Missouri mines, he had discovered amongst them a letter from Judge John Rice Jones, written at the request of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, in November, 1816. Judge "And the Postmaster General is hereby authorJones was a gentleman of extensive informa-ized to apply twenty-five thousand dollars of the tion and most accurate observation, and what money appropriated for mail transportation for a he said of the maner in which those mines were discovered was so much to the point, and so well expressed, that Mr. D. said he would read a short extract from his letter for the information of the House. Judge Jones says: line of mail steamers from the United States to Bremen, and a further sum of twenty-five thousand dollars for a liue of mail steamers from the United States to Liverpool, in England; but no further sums shall be directed to any other objects than thể transportation of the mail within the United States." "All, or at least most of the mines now known, were discovered by private individuals, at a great expense and fatigue, in nearly the following manner: A man, and sometimes a company of men, in partnership, went into the woods, and, having fixed on a spot which, in their opinion, might containment. Mr. N. then said that he would request the attention of the Senate to a few remarks which he had to offer in explanation of the amend 1ST SESS.] Post Office Appropriations. [JUNE, 1846. Mr. DAVIS requested the honorable Senator | men the great mart in which the staples of this to state the general terms of the contract. country would be exchanged. Mr. NILES replied, that by the terms of the With regard to the other route, every one Bremen contract, twenty trips were to be made was aware that the trade of the United States annually to that port, touching at Cowes, at with the port of Liverpool was very great, and $350,000 per annum for a term of four years. the course of that trade would be accommoThe contractors were to furnish four steam- dated a good deal to this line of steamers. The ships, each of a tonnage of fifteen hundred tons. most valuable merchandise was now transported The contract, in contemplation for the convey- by these steamers, and the whole benefit of the ance of the mails to Liverpool, embraced five transportation accrued to Great Britain. There steamships, making the same number of trips was an urgent necessity for some legislation on as to Bremen, each ship to be of two thousand that subject, and he had had the honor of retons or upwards. The Senate would under-porting a bill to meet that desideratum. Letstand that these contracts depended on the ac- ters sent by these steamers were subject to a tion of Congress, and that the appropriation postage of twenty-five cents, and all letters was intended essentially, if not entirely, for the conveyed in private ships were subject to a purpose of giving the sanction of Congress to ship postage of six cents. The United States the contracts, as the money would not, in all received nothing of that postage. They had probability, be wanted till next year. The no law for taking any postage on letters going Postmaster General considered this of great to Europe or coming hither from Europe in importance, and was not disposed to proceed private ships. In addition to all that, it was further without having thus received the sanc- to be borne in mind that the United States tion of Congress. Altogether independent of were thus maintaining, by their money, ships its bearing on the general interests of the coun- which in time of war would be turned against try, the project was of great importance viewed them. They were public ships, at least they as an indirect means of securing to the Govern- were designed to become such at any time ment in time of war the use of a steam navy. when it was deemed necessary. They were If any thing was to be done, he was satisfied under contract to be taken into the public that action must be immediate. The Cunard service when occasion required. And it was, line was about to be duplicated, the trips to be therefore, intended that the ships to be emmade alternately from New York and Boston. ployed by the United States in conveying the That addition would, however, probably depend mail to Europe should be liable at any time to upon the fact whether the American line were be taken into the public service at the valuation established or not. It would appear to be of three competent appraisers. Whether they somewhat uncertain whether the Cunard com- viewed this matter, therefore, with reference pany would proceed in duplicating their line in to the various matters connected with it in case of the establishment of the line now con- time of peace, or as connected with the defence templated by the Postmaster General. He had the country, it appeared to him that by delay a word or two to say with regard to the im- they not only abandoned a profitable enterprise portance of this line; and he hoped that he to a rival people, and neglected to avail themwould receive a little more attention from the selves of a useful means of defence, but actually Senate than he had been so fortunate as to maintained that which was at any time liable meet when he addressed it on the same subject to be turned against them. In every view of the other day. In a commercial point of view the subject, it was one of the highest importhe line to Bremen was not, perhaps, so im- tance. The danger of delay was manifest. If portant as the other; but there were connected the ground was not speedily occupied, it was with it numerous political advantages. To the probable that very soon it would be impossible people of Germany and Prussia the enterprise for them to enter upon it with hope of success. was one of great importance. The Prussian He therefore hoped that the sanction of Conminister took a deep interest in it, and a special gress would be given to this project. He had agent had been sent from Bremen for the ex-stated the other day that it was the opinion of press purpose of aiding in the completion of one of the contractors, Mr. Collins, of New this work of commencing a direct communica-York, a gentleman of great experience and intion between the United States and the German telligence, that the cost of constructing one of States, which would so materially enlarge the these steamships would not exceed the sum of commercial and political intercourse, and ex- $500,000, whereas those built by the Governtend the relations of both countries. Bremen ment, and less serviceable, cost $750,000. was rapidly increasing in commercial impor- was also estimated that the annual expense of tance. Its commerce had doubled within the keeping up a steamer of this magnitude would last year. It was the terminus of many rail- be about $70,000-making an aggregate of roads which extended to various parts of Ger- $350,000 for the five steamers, which it was many; and it was supposed that the business proposed to employ-about the sum designated intercourse of a large portion of Germany and for this service. So that these steamships Prussia, embracing a population of forty or fifty would be undoubtedly much cheaper than if millions, with this country, would centre at the Government undertook to construct them, that point. That would of course make Bre-even supposing that there was no return for VOL. XV.-36 It the service. But he had no doubt that when the system was once in operation it would be found to be attended by no expense whatever-that the revenue would meet all the expenditure. That was his opinion, formed after the best consideration which he had been able to give the subject. Mr. ÅLLEN then rose and said, that sensible of the importance of this subject, he had turned it over in his mind with some care. As they were now at the starting-point of a system, the end of which no one could foresee, he thought that it was very proper that they should examine the ground with no little caution. It was proposed to carry the United States mail between New York and Liverpool. He had yet to learn that there was any United States mail between New York and Liverpool to be carried. He knew of no such thing in existence as a United States mail between Liverpool and New York, New York and Liverpool, or between any other ports. The foundation upon which this new system was based, was that of creating quietly, and under the general power to regulate the post office, a steam navy, with a view to the defence of the country, by patronizing particular companies of men in the construction and navigation of steamboats. Let them look at this project a little more closely. In order to be profitable, it would be necessary to remove competition. Was it likely to effect that? Our inland mail transportation is a monopoly. Yet we are likely soon to have the post office expenditure saddled on the general treasury. It was, then, absurd to suppose that in the ocean they could carry on the business profitably. The honorable gentleman then went on to argue against the injustice of en- | dowing a line from New York to the exclusion of other ports. Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans, and all the chief cities on the coast would be petitioning for the establishment of mail lines to Europe. And then, again, looking at the other end of the line, Liverpool would not satisfy the merchants. They would demand a line to the East Indies, to Buenos Ayres, and so on. It was unjust to those of our citizens in the interior, to turn a deaf ear to their calls for additional post offices, and bestow this immense patronage on lines to Europe. The farmer had often fifteen or twenty miles to travel to the nearest post office, thus losing a day's work. Why not establish post offices for the accommodation of their people in the interior? Besides, he was opposed to the Government engaging in joint-stock concerns, which had already inflicted such evil on the country. He wished to keep this Government clear of all manner of connection with human combinations-especially moneyed combinations. The example of Great Britain had been pointed to. That was one reason why he would avoid the project. Mr. A. proceeded at some length, and with much vehemence, to oppose the whole project of establishing the [29TH CONG. proposed steam communication with Great Britain for the conveyance of the mails. By Mr. DAYTON had only a few words to say: and although not affecting a full knowledge of all the details, yet he could correct certain errors in point of fact of the Senator from Ohio. The matter did not appear to him (Mr. D.) to call for great excitement. It was a simple matter of business. The Senator had said he did not know of any law recognizing a United States mail to Liverpool. If that meant any thing, it meant that the Government had no right to send a United States mail to Liverpool It was too late to make such an objection. the act of March, 1845, the Postmaster General was authorized to contract for sending the mail to Liverpool. But the Senator said it was giving bounties to companies to override the energies of individuals. That was talking without the book. Did the Senator forget that this very contract was made with an individual by public advertisement? But they were told that they were about to give bounties to enable companies to compete with the British lines. Again: the Senator was talking without the book. Had he forgot that the postage was now enormous? And yet he talked of the cheaper postage" of the British lines! Instead of increasing, they would diminish the postage to which American citizens were now subjected. Great Britain got about forty cents on every letter sent to this country, and the United States got nothing. That was what the Senator in his loose language called the cheaper postage of the British lines. The Senator spoke of a joint-stock partnership. How? Did it arise from the permission to take, if we wished, the steamer at a valuation? That was altogether optional. The Senator had been altogether mistaken as to the matters of fact. Mr. D. then went on to describe the contract of the Government with Mr. Mills, for the purpose of refuting the allegation of the Senator from Ohio, that the contract was equivalent to a joint-stock partnership. He then spoke of the vast advantages which would accrue from the establishment of the proposed line of steamers. It was idle to say that this and that point would need the same accommodation. The line united two important points in the two continents, from which the mail would be distributed in the most extensive manner possible, not merely as a matter of post office revenue, but in view of the great and obvious commercial advantages which would flow from it. The proposed measure was one pre-eminently worthy of the favorable action of Congress. Mr. HUNTINGTON remarked that the amendment had a double aspect. Under existing laws, it might be doubtful whether Congress had the power of controlling the Postmaster General in the contract for the conveyance of the mails to Bremen. Not a word was said in the law about submitting the contract to Con gress for its approbation. He had made the contract as authorized. Though he (Mr. H.) thought the line to Bremen would be a failure, yet he was for carrying it into effect, if the contract was obligatory, having been fairly made. He would not hesitate in authorizing it by making the appropriation. He hoped the time would never come when the United States would refuse to fulfil its contracts. Whatever individuals and States might do, he trusted that the faith of the nation itself would never be disgraced and broken by a refusal to comply with the obligations of a contract. He wished the subject brought fully before the attention of Congress in that aspect, particularly. He thought that the line to stand was that between the two great commercial emporiums of the world-New York and Liverpool. He was opposed to the line to Bremen, on the ground that it would be attended with sundry disadvantages, which he pointed out. To the Cunard line they were paying the enormous tax of from a million and a half to a million and a quarter of dollars annually in postage and freight. That line had made money, and had prospered so greatly that a duplication of the steamers was contemplated. Not only as a matter of expediency, but of profit, the establishment of the proposed line was demanded. He made these remarks with a view of discovering whether they would establish two lines or one. Mr. Dix said he was unwilling to trespass on the attention of the Senate, and yet he could not consent to have the question taken without making a few remarks. The policy of contracting for the transportation of the mail to foreign countries, under the direction of the Post Office Department, was established by the act of the 3d of March last. He should take that act for his starting-point. He would not go beyond it for the examination of any question of power. It authorized the Postmaster General to contract for the transportation of the United States mail between any of our ports and a port or ports of a foreign power, whenever, in his opinion, the public interest would be promoted. All such contracts were to be made with citizens of the United States, and the mail to be transported in American vessels, by American citizens. The act also contained a provision, by which the Postmaster General, or Congress, were at liberty at any time to discontinue or terminate any line which might be established. Under this act the Postmaster General issued his advertisement for proposals for carrying the mails on various routes. Here Mr. D. read from a report of that officer, stating that, though authority was given to make private contracts, it had been thought best to adopt the usual mode, by public notice. Under the advertisement a variety of propositions had been received, and one, made by Mr. Edward Mills, of New York, had been accepted. Mr. Mills proposed to run a line of steamers from New York to Bremen twice a month, [JUNE, 1846. touching at Cowes, with the privilege of going alternately to Havre. If the line was run regularly to Bremen, Mr. Mills was to receive $400,000 per annum for conveying the mails; if alternately to Havre, $350,000; and it was understood, if the arrangements should be concluded, the alternative would be adopted. After the time limited by the advertisement for receiving bids or proposals, Mr. Edward K. Collins made a proposition to run a line from New York to Liverpool. Mr. D. here referred to the Postmaster General's report, and read Mr. Collins's propositions, as well as a recommendation from that officer to Congress in favor of it. Mr. Collins proposed to run his vessels, which were to be of 2,000 tons burden, with engines of 1,000 horse power, to Liverpool, twice a month for eight months, and once a month for the other four, for $385,000. Mr. Collins was one of the most active and intelligent merchants in New York; he was a man of large capital; he possessed, in an eminent degree, the confidence of the commercial community; and whatever he undertook would be executed. Mr. D. said he would now look at the respective advantages of these two routes, for the purpose of seeing what probability there was that the Government would be remunerated for the money to be paid in the performance of this mail service. Bremen-Haven was at the mouth of the Weser, which furnished an access into the heart of northern Germany. It was the chief outlet for the maritime commercial communications of the Zoll Verein States. The vessels on this line would touch at Cowes, carrying letters as well as passengers to England. They would go alternately to Havre, carrying letters and passengers to the continent. So far as passengers were concerned, the Government had no interest in the matter. There were considerations connected with the public defence which he would not overlook. The Government had reserved, by the act of the 3d March, the right to take the vessels on these lines at an appraisement, if it should want them for war purposes. Great Britain covered the ocean with war-steamers, constructed and supported at her own expense. She had arrangements with companies for carrying her mails, putting afloat others which she could command in case of war. France had also a large number of steamers. She had some, he knew, in the Mediterranean-warsteamers of the first class, constructed and supported by the Government, but carrying the mails, and even carrying passengers to repay her the expense of keeping them afloat. We proposed, by paying for mail service to be performed, to offer an inducement to individuals to build steamers at their own expense, which might become war-steamers. They might be regarded as a substitute for public armed vessels. We might thus have a steam navy prepared for us, in case of emergency. We should save the outlay for construction, save the an |