Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1836-09-28

pu, into quiet and peaceful operation. Self pre-
seryatio is the first law OF nature, ana IL Woud De
a, least hazardous experiment 10 attempt to strip
whole communities Of their possessions, and 10
break down all distinctions Of right and wrong,
by bestowing the property of one man upon anoth-
ar II is scarcely conceivable that Judge Ewing
and his could have seen the full effect
and bearing of the proposed measure-it would be
discredi,able to them to make such supposition.
II would be, however, stretch of charity to impute
to Mr. Ewing, any benevolent intentions towards
the western people, because wefind him at anothef
time in the senate chamber, giving notice OF ms
design to bring in bill raise the price OF puDhc
lad. 90 go pc. acre. i gss cne of the wrongs
complained Of by our forefathers, in that memora-
bic instrument, the Declaration of independence,
that the British crown had attempted TO preveat the
settlement, of these states, by fbidding emigration,
and by raising the price Of public lands. we can
safely venture to assert, that tho British crown OF
ministry never devised a measure towards nor A.
erican Colonies, better calculated 10 prevent tneir
settlement, retard their advancement and blight
their prosperity, than the two plans OF Mr.. Ewing,
proposed in the senate of the United States ior the
disposal of the public lands, the one rehtiy called
.sthe secret spectators bill' and the Ser If cor
rectly named, will be entitled, 'an Act to orb'd
the settlement and improvement Of the scestern
states-to check emigration from. the east TO ne
,rest, and to prerent tie too rapid increase Of tie
soealt and Population, strength and property q
the eoadatry.''
We take great pleasure, however, in observing,
that the s'secret speculators GA' did not meet the
appreciation of majority of the body 10 whom it
was submitted-and we have sufficient confidence
in the justice and wisdom Of congress, to feel as
sured that the proposition increase the price OF
the public lands, will meet with the same fate.
A report with accompanying bill, was made
to the senate last winter, by Mr.. Walker, of Mis-
sissippi, chairman of a select committee OH public
lands in which the rights and interests of the wes-
tern people, and the correct policy Of the governs
ment set forth with array offactsA strength
of argument, and perspicuity of language, that
| commend it 10 the attention. of the American peo-
pie. This bill proposes that the sale of nds at
public auction, should be abolished-that in all
cases personal application must be made to the
register-that preference liz the purchase shall be
given to the first occupant-that person shall
enter more than one section, and that, only upon
making affidavit that it is for himself ard for settle
ment, occupancy and cultivation by the applicant;
that no patent shall issue until it is e;,abshed by
the oath of two credible witnesses, that the appli-
cant has occupied and cuti aed the land for three
years pre- .iously-that any sale Or lease OF said
land issuing of the patent, shall be void,
and operate asa forfeiture of the original purchase
/ money, with other pros isions of Ike iute-and
the bill also provides for the gradual reduction Of
the price of public lands. The general provisions
of this bill seem to meet the just expectations and
requirements of the west; and Mr.. Walker, the
able author of the report and bill, deserves the
thankssand gratitude OF our citizens for his exar-
tions in their behalf-Theretorc,
Res0lred, That we consider it essential to the
peace and tranquility, and to the permanent inr-
posement of the western country, tina. an act OF
congress should be speedily passed, securing to ac-
tua settlers on the public lands, their possessions
upon their paying to the government the minimum,
price.
4 Resoiced, That the laws regulating the disposal
of the public lands, should be framed with a spa-
cial reference to the settlement and improvement Of
the country, and therefor they should provide fo
selling the lands, only to those who purchase 10
the purpose OF actual and immediate occupancy
cditiv walton and implo. ement, and to them merel,
in limited parcels.
hesorec, That the two propositions InaGe b,
J Judge Ewing in the Ua.ted ;.iates senate coal,
have efnanated onty from weak mead o. ba.
heat. iie may haze the credit OF being ignor AM
OF the full extent OF the wickednessthat he would
| perpetrate, but we cannot relieve him from this
stigma OF beng actuated by deep rooted hostility
to western people and western interests. 90
I Resoltec, hat the thanks OF this meeting, o
the western people, and Of all true patriots every
where, are due to Mr.. Walker, OF Mississippi, 70
his able and luminous report, upon tie subject o
tho public lands.
II xtcs0lIed, That it be recommended to the PEG
pie OF the west generally, by holding public meet
ings, by memorializing congress, by legislative in
structios, and by urging their representatives 10 in
creased yigiience and activity, to exert themseiye
in favor OF the passage of a presumption law, a
the next session OF congress-
; kes0ircd, That the legislative assembly of th
territory, when elected and ened, be requested
10 memorabilia congress upon the subject 0t thu
pubic lands, and 10 aid far as lies in their
Oh, in securing the settlers in their rights, and il
, preventing the great body Of the public lands ii
this territory, from falling into the hands of specu
! latois.
licsolced, That in the opinion of this meeting
congres ought relnquish sll the proceeds ariein,
: rom the sale Of iownlots in Du Buque, Peru, Bell
view, Burlington, Fort Madison and Mine. al Pom,
alter deductlng necessary expenses and the mini
mum price to the said towns, respectively, for hi
purpose ofsiding in improving their streets and har
oors, and that 1t be recommended that memorial
o that effect be signed and forwarded to our dele
gate in congress-
Hesolced, That the proceedings Of this meetin
DO published in the Du Buque Visitor, and in al
papers friendly to the general principles herei
coatended for, and that copy be ofwarded 10 MI
Walker, of Mississippi, and 10 the chairman of tn
committee OH public lands, in the senate and hous
OF representatives Of the United States.
FRANCIS GEHON, Chm.
WARNER LEWIS, Sec,y.
| At a nesting of tho democratic citi
zens of Du Buque county, convene,
cUronah1x, r., ,,,,ll;o ro<;oo ~ tho ,oo,,tj