Mr. Sloan.—This bill will enhance the value of lands adjoining. It will be a humane act.
Mr. Jackson.—I rise merely to state a fact I have just now learned. There are at this very time men waiting for the passage of this bill, who are ready to give six dollars per acre for much of the very land the bill contemplates.
Mr. Holland.—Some small tracts only may sell for six dollars. We bind the purchasers to plant the first year 9,000 plants, and 3,000 annually after.
Mr. Morrow, of Ohio.—I rise only to reply to the gentleman from Virginia, (Mr. Jackson.) I never seek for information in the lobby, nor the gallery, nor Pennsylvania avenue. The gentleman is misinformed.
Mr. Jackson.—My authority is an honorable member near me—an authority at least as respectable as any the gentleman from Ohio can have.
The question was taken—50 for striking out, 51 against it. The committee rose, and the House considered the bill.
Mr. Crowninshield.—There is no interest to be received. I have made a calculation that, considering the want of interest to the time of the last payment, we now get only ninety-seven cents per acre. I move to strike out two, and insert three dollars per acre.
The motion was lost—44 only for it.
Mr. Crowninshield.—There are in a section about 23,000 acres, making about 46,000 dollars. I move to insert six per cent. interest till paid.
Mr. Nicholson.—Public lands are sold without interest for a certain time. If the money be not punctually paid, I am willing the debt should be on interest after.