Speech #460056790

Now. we have the full definition by rhe Supreme Court of the United States of what this compact means so far as it relates to the public lands. .They say these compate are no more and iso loss than mere rtles andregulationts enacted by Congress for thedisposal of the public lands. That the Government of the United States has morally and equitably satisfied the demands of the people of aly State whatever when it has justly disposed of the lands to its people. And when. as in the case of Alabama. the "rules and regulations" which are provided in the original compact have been altered by Congress for the greater facility of immigration and settlement in the State. I do not understand that we have got a right to go into its Treasury and to get out of it money enough to compensate us for all.the suppositions advantages which might possibly arise in our imagination. or under our estimation of our rights. to compensate ins for possible losses. I do not understand that we have got any solid legal ground of right to stand upon. but that Congress has the right to alter these rules and regulations. being controlled in the exercise of that power by what is right and equitable and moral and just between all the people of this country.