Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-09-01

provisions OF which are substantially
tho same with the present equitable
land system. BY The new bill the un.
appropriated PUBLIC lands were required
to be laid of into sections, and hall
sections, containing $40 and $40 acres
respectively, so that the monopoly was
destroyed. and the poor man, with the
moderate earnings Of his industry. wa.
enabled 10 enter into competition with
the most wealthy capitalists, and SECURE
for himself and his family . comfort.-
bic home.
The effects Of this most important
measure we're soon visible in the &C
celebrated advance Of the western coun-
try in the march Of improvement. A
flood Of emigration poured into the
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and cities sprung
into existence as II by magic--the hum
Of industry was heard throughout the
land--and in few years, eight great
States. Gneiuding Michigan) were adj
ded TO our confedcraey.
This single act should. Of itself. en-
title its author to higher honors than
were ever awarded 10 conquering
hero. for Of what value are he blood
stained laurels Of the successful soldier,
when compared with such On enduring
monument of the wisdom and patriot
ism Of Harrison, n is found in the
happiness Of the millions OF human
beings who now inhabit that widely
extended domain
This important service Of Mr.. Harri-
son was gratefully acknowledged by
the people of the Territory, and petit
tons, signed by thousands, were pre-
sented 70 the Executive OF the u. s.
praying his appointment to the Office
Of Governor Of the Territory. But as
his friend. the veteran St. Clair, was .
candidate for the station, he modestly
declined being brought into competi-
ton with him for II. Shortly after
wards, however, in consequence Of the
division Of the Territory and the or
gapization Of Indiana into separate
government. another opportunity was
presented to the people, 10 testify their
affectionaie confidence in him, and he
accepted the Government Of that Ter
ritory.
His post was one Of danger, as well
as Of great labor and responsibility.
His jurisdiction ;ncluded all the coun-
try now embraced by Indiana. Illinois,
and Michigan, and the whole Of Lou.
isisna from its purchase in 1903, until
1906. The population YVES thiniy
scattered along the water courses, and
continually harrassed by the hostile
incursions Of the Indians. The great
est energy, tempered with due de-
gree Of caution and. forbearance, was
necessary On ell occasions TO repel these
assaults without Involving the country
IN q bloody and destructive war. Ye,
the prudence and firnness Of Gov. III.
were fully equal 10 the occasion, and
while throughout his administration, be
rr aintained the honor Of his country,
and afforded efficient protection to itI
citizens, his fame was never sullied by
a single act Of cruelty, or military vio-
lence. The popularity Of his admins
tration IL best aitested by the fact tina,
at each expiration Of his commission,
he was recommended by the people
for reappoiptment, and continued &c
hold the stallion during the successive
administration Of Jefferson, Adams, and
Madison.
Upon the first organization Of the
Territorial Government Of Indiana, the
powers Of Governor Harrison were a.
most unlimited. In conjunction with
the judges, be had full authority "a
adopt such laws as he might deem ex.
pedient, end he was sested, moreover
with the exclusive right Of appointing
all the officers Of the Territory, civil OF
military, below the grade Of genera
officers cf militia. He was also EN-.
powered 70 examine into, and reject Of
affirm, all equitable claims TO tracts OI
the public land. All these important
end complicated duties were discharged
by him, 70 the entiss satisfaction Of the
public, and without creating even I
suspicion Of any improperly o. con.
duct. Many men would have aVaile6
themselves Of the opportunity for spec
ulation, which bis situation afforded, 4
amass splendid fortunes; but Harrison
with q nsble disinterestedness, prefer
red poverty with a spo,less reputation
70 boundless wealth, acquired 81 sh'
expense of his country.
When the Territory was ready 4
enter into tae second grade 81 govern
ment, Gov. Harrison was one Of ih'
warmes; advocates sf the change, 81
though he knew at the time, that Ih'
effect would be 90 take from himself I
large portion Of bis power sud patron
eye, end 30 transfer u 70 The people
Ills whole history indeed Is rare ans
illustrious example Of forbeaFance. ans
. dispoaiion 10 advance The interest
Of his county. without reference Il
bis own aggrandizemens, which shouls
afford an Instructive lsston TO tbos'
selfish political InanGuyerers who infes
and district our county BY intrigue
Ter their individual promotion a th
expense u the people.
Il may not Be improper here 70 "a
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