Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1832-12-06

North and South Carolina, aud Georg,, granted their
vacant soil for the uses for which they had been asked
AS the lands may now be considered relieved from
this pledge, the object for which they were ceded hay
ing been accomplished, it in the discretion of Congress
10 dispose OF them III such way best 10 c0nduce to
the quiet harmony and general interest of the American
people 10 examining this question, all local and sec
uohai feelings should be discarded, and the whole United
states regarded as one people, interested alike in the
prosperity OF their common country.
IL cannot be doubted that the speedy settlement of
these lands constitutes the true interests of the ReDub
The wealth and strength of country It's population
and The best part OF that population the cuvatos of
the SOIL Independent farmers are every where the basis
OF society," and true friends of liberty.
In addition to these considerations questions have al
ready arse and may be expected hereafter grow out
OF the public lands which involve the rights of the new
states ana The powers OF the General Government; and
unless liberal policy be adopted, there is danger
'hat these questions may speedily an Importance
not now generally anticipated. The influence of great
sectional interest, when brought into full action will be
ooAa more dangerous to the harmony and union of the
States than any other cause Of discontent and it the
part OF wisdom and sound policy foresce approaches
ana endeayor It possible to counterfeit them.
oi the various schemes which have been hitherto pro.
posed IN regard to the disposal of the public lands none
mas yet received the entire appreciation OF the National
Legislature Deeply impressed with the importance ofa
speedy and satisfactory arrangement of the subject. /
deem my duty this occasion to urge il upon vonr
consideration, and, to the propositions which have been
nefeofore suggested by Others contribute those re-
nechoas winch have occurred to hope that they
may ASSIST You IN your future deliberations
II seems to me to be true policy that the nuhic
lands shall cease practicable to be sorce Of
revenues and that they be sold settlers in limited mar
GELS at price barely sufficient to reimburse to the fJu
oa'es me expense the present SYSTEM and the cost
arising under our Indian compact. The advantages Of
accurate surveys and undoubted titles now secured 10
purchasers, seem TO forbid the abolition of the present
SYSTEM because none can be substituted which will more
perfectly accomplish these important ends 1t s desir
PIE however, that IN convenient time tins machinery be
wthrawn from the States, and that the right OF soil aud
the future disposition of be surrendered 10 The sts
respectively in which it lies
The adventurous and hardy ponul,tion of he W..
besides contributing their equal share Of taxation s@l
our mpost system have, the progress of our Govern
ment tor the land they occupy, paid into the Treasury
large proportion OF forty millions of dollars and of the
revenue received therefrom, but small part has been
expended amongst them When, to the disaiyan,,e nc
their situation IN this respect add the consideration
that is their labor alone which gives real value to The
lands, and that the proceeds arising from t,ey cole or
distributed chiefly among States which had not original
~ any claim to Them and which have EMPLOYED tie IN
divided emouments arising from the sale of their own
lands, 1t cannot be expected that the States will re-
main longer contented with the present policy afcr th
payment of the public debt. To avert the
which may be apprehended from this cause to mt an
end forever to all partial and interested legislation on The
subject and to afford to every American citizen of enter
prise, the opportunity OF securing independent free
hold seems 10 me, therefore, best abandon The idea
OF raising future revenue out of the public lands
In former messages have expressed my conviction /
." me constitution does not warrant the application OF
the funds OF the General Government to objects Of IN.
ternal Improvement which not national in their cha
racer ana both as means of doing justice all inter
ests, and putting an end of legislation caIcu
yea 70 destroy the purity OF the Government, have urged
the necessity OF reducing the whole subject to some
and certain rule. As there never will occur pero ~
maps, more Proplous than the present to the accom-
again upon your attention.
Without some general nd well defined PRINCIPLES as
ssrtaning those offsets Of insrn w...