Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-08-21

trees, which, in the language of the
Geometer, are Loci. Nothing less than
the total destruction of all these Loci
through widely extended space, can
secure effect to the malicious design.
Very few disputes as to limit or bounda-
ry can arise. 1t is subject Of regret
that the spirit of this system was not,
at an early day, adopted by Kentucky,
Tennessee, and several other states.
1t has been said, that, probably, as much
money is annually expended in those
states in land title litigation as would de-
fray their taxes for the support of the
severest war. What contrast between
the occupant Of land by doubtful title
and the purchaser from the United
States! The latter has a consciousness
of security--his labors, his improve
ments, are for himself and not for
anothey--he plants his orchards with a
cheerful heart--he knows that his pos
tcrity enjoy their fruits.
To furnish the materials for an easy.
certain, and precise definition, FIVE prin-
cipal meridians have already been de-
SlSnated ana marked.
The first commences at the conflu-
ence OF the Great Miami and the Ohio.
This meridian, extended to the north
boundary of the United States, is $50
miles III length.
The second principal meridian COM
mences on the west branch, at a point
five miles south OF the confluence of
Little Blue River with the Dhio--this
meridian, extended to the north bonn
dairy Of the United States, is $50 miles
in length: it is crossed, at the distance
OF 80 mikes from its commencement, by
a base line or parallel to the equator,
which has been extended through In
diana and Illinois to the east branch of
the Mississippi.
The third principal meridian COM
mences at the confluence of the Ohio
and Mississippi-when extended to-
wards The northern boundary of the
United States, it will reach the south
shore of lake Superior, at the distance
of 700 miles from its beginning.
The fourth principal meridian was
run for the purpose of surveys for milf
tary bounties for the soldiers in the late
war. 1t commences at the confluence
Of the rivers Illinois and Mississippi;
when EXTENDED towards the north bcun-
dayy, il will strike the south shore Of
lake Superior at the distance of $40
miles from its beginning. This meridi-
an, al the distance OF 70 miles from its
beginning, Is crossed by base line or
parallel to the equator. Five ard a
half million acres between the Illinois
and Mississippi have been surveyed
from which have been selected for boun-
ties, three and half million acres of
land, s. lit for cnllivation"-the W hole of
which has been located and patented.
The fifth principal meridian begins
at the confluence Of the Arkansas and
Mississippi rivers---it is crossed by a
parallel to the equator, or base Inc, at
the distance of 90 miles from its be-
ginnng.-Township So north of that
base has been surveyed. This meridian,
extended to the north boundary, will be
$50 miles in length; and if continued
southerly, will strike the coast of the
Mexican Gulf, at $50 miles distance
from the mouth of the Arkansas, at a
point on the coast of the Gulf, in latitude
% degrees 80 minutes north, and in
longitude IA degrees west of the Capi-
tol--its whole length will be 1910
miles, equal to twice the length of the
of France.
Between the west boundary of PENN
sylyania, and the FIRST meridian above
described, are
81 ranges.
Between the first and second IS do.
Between the second and third q do.
Between the third and fifth 16 do.
Between the fifth and the west
Missouri s23 dc,
25rangesor
$50 miles.
The principles of this system have
governed the public surveys in Alaba-
ma, Mississippi, and Louisiana; and
will unquestionably, be adhered to, un.
til the public surveys shall reach Asto-
ria, at the mouth of Columbia river, in
longitude 48 degrees west of the Capitol.
1t has been said that oman brings
down the Heavens to the earth, for his
convenience. A few geographical po-
sitions on the map Of the public surveys,
being accurately determined by astro-
nomical observations, it is obvious that,
with very little difficulty, the longitude
and latitude of every farm, and of every
ioC- hut and court horse NAV he ascers