TWENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS, 1841-1843. 221 



States, in stocks of States, bearing interest at the rate of not less than 5 per centum 

 per annum, which said stocks shall be held by the said Secretary in trust for the 

 uses specified in the last will and testament of said Smithson, until provision is made 

 by law for carrying the purpose of said bequest into effect; and that the annual 

 interest accruing on the stock aforesaid shall be in like manner invested for the benefit 

 of said institution. 



Mr. Fillmore asked that as the bill contained no appropriation, and 

 needed not therefore to be committed, it be put on its third reading 

 then. 



Passed. 

 September 3, 1841 — Senate. 



The bill from the House of September 2, 1841, to repeal the sixth 

 section of the act entitled "An act to provide for the support of the 

 Military Academy of the United States for the year 1838," etc., was 

 read twice; and, on the question of reference coming up, 



Mr. A. H. Sevier said this bill was one of a most extraordinary 

 character. It was to repeal existing contracts, and to violate treaty 

 stipulations with the Indians without their consent. He moved to lay 

 the bill on the table. 



Mr. W. C. Preston appealed to the Senator to withdraw his motion. 

 He was disposed to entertain a similar opinion of the bill, but thought 

 it more respectful to the House to refer it to a committee. He would 

 therefore move to refer it to the Committee on Finance. 



Mr. Sevier said, if it was to be referred at all, it ought to be re- 

 ferred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. 



Mr. R. J. Walker concurred in this view. 



Mr. Levi Woodbury made some remarks to the effect that the bill 

 could be only prospective in its character, and would have no effect on 

 existing contracts. 



Mr. J. C. Calhoun said this bUl involved questions of an important 

 character, which it was very evident would require more time for 

 their consideration than could be devoted to them at the present ses- 

 sion. He would therefore move to lay the bill on the table. 



The motion was negatived. 



Mr. Sevier then moved its reference to the Committee on Indian 

 Affairs. Lost. 



The motion of Mr. Preston was then agreed to, and the bill referred 

 to the Committee on Finance. 

 September 4, 1841. 



Act of Congress to appropriate proceeds of the sales of public lands 

 and to grant preemption rights to States, enabling them to pay interest 

 and principal of the State bonds held by the Government. 



Included Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Missouri, MississipDi, 

 Louisiana, Arkansas and Michigan. 



(Stat. V, 453.) 



