Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-12-14

W 30 tulvnFk n result. NJ VIII
afford me sincere satisfaction .
In some sections Of the country most of
the public lands have been sold. and the re.
gisters and receivers have very little 10 do.
II is a subject worthy OF inquiry whether in
many cases, two or more districts NAV not
be consolidated, and tho number of persons
employed in this business considerably re.
duced. Indeed, the time will come when il
will be the true policy Of the General Cows
eminent, as to some of the States, to transfer
10 tbem, TOR a reasonable equiv alent. all the |
refuse aud unsold lands, and to Withdraw the |
machiuery Of the federal land offices alto
gether All who take a comprehensive view |
oil our federal system, and believe that one of |
It's greatest exccllencies consists in interior
ing as little as possible with the internal con-
Germs OF The States, look forward with great
interest 10 this result.
A modification OF the existing laws in re-
speci 10 the prices OF the public lands, might
also have favorable inf1ueace ON the legis.
latisn OF Congress, in relation 10 another
branch oi the subject. Many who have not
the ability to buy at present prices, settle on
those lands, with the hope OF acquiring from
their cultivation the means Of purchasing un-
der prescription laws, from time TO time pas
sed by Cengress.-For this encroachment
on the rights OF the United States, they eX>
cuse themselves under the plea of their own
necessities; the fact that they dispossess no.
body, aud only enter upon the waste domain;
that they give additional value to the public
lands in their vicinity, and their intention
ultimately to pay the Government price. So
much weight has from time 10 time beon at>
tached to these considerations, that Congress
have passed laws giving actual settlers on
the public lands right Of presumption 10 the
tracts occupied6ythe al the minimum price
These laws have in all instances been retros
spective IN their operation hut in a few ear
alter their passage, crowds of new settlers
have been found on the public lands, for SIM
liar reasons, and under like expectations,
who have been INDUCED with the same pri-
vHege. This course Of legislation tends 10
impair public respect for the laws of the
country. Either tie laws TO prevent intru-
sion upon the public lands should be execut-
ed, or, u that should be impracticable or in J.
exPedient, they should lie modified or re-
, Peaied III the public lands are 10 be con
sdered as open TO be occupied by any, they
should, by law, be thrown open TO all. That
WHICH 10 intended, Ia all Instances, 70 be ls-
galized, should at once be made legal, that
} those who are disposed TO conform to the
laws may enjoy at leasi equal privileges with
} those who are not. But il is not believed 10
ne the disposition of Congress to open the
Pu"i'S ia"n" e. ~~~"f.ncv without regular
entries and payment of the uO.---s-a,,
} price, as such course must tend to worse
evils than the credit system, which il was
found necessary TO abolish. Ii would seem
therefore, 10 be the part Of " isdom and sound
policy TO remove, as far as practicable, the
Causes which produce intrusions upon the
public lands, and then take efficient steps 10
prevent them in future Would any single
measure be so effective in removing all plau-
sible grounds for those iRiruSions as the gra-
duation OF price already suggested? A short
period Of Industry and economy in any part
Of our country would enabls the poorest citi-
zen 10 accumulate the means TO buy him q
home al the lower prices, and leave him W ith>
oul apology for settling on lands net his ow n.
u he did not, under such circumstances, he
would enlist no sympathy in his iavor and
the Jaws would be readily executed, without
doing violence 10 public opinion.
a large portion of cur citizens have seat
ed themselves on the public lands, without
authority, since the passage Of the last pre-
empiien law, and now ask the enactment Of
another To enable them TO retain the lands ocA
| cupied, upon pay ment Of the minimum Gov :
ernment price. They ask that which has
= been repeatedly granted before. If the Iu-
lsre may be judged OF by the past, little harm
can be done TO the interests of the Treasury
by yielding TO their request. Upon critical
examination, IL 10 found that the lands sold at
the public sales since the introduction OF cash
payments in 1920, have produced, on an ay-
erago, the melt revenue of only six cents IN
acre more than the minimum GSyernmsnt
priCe. There is no reason TO suppose that
future sales will be mere productive. The
Government, therefore, has no adequate Pc
cunisry interest TO induce il to drive these
people from the lands they occupy, for the
purpose OF selling them 10 others
Entertaining these views, | recommend
The passage OF pre- emptiOn law for their
heneht, 10 connection with the preparatory
steps towards the graduation of the price Of
The Puoiic lands, and further and more effec-
tuaI provisions 10 prevent intrusions hereef-
ter. Indulgence TO those who have settled
on these lands with expectations that past
Legislation would be made rule for the fu-
ture, and ut the same time remove the most
Plauoible ground on which Inirusions are ex-
cuSed, snd adapting more efficient means 10
prevent them hereafter, appears TO me The
most Judicious disposition which can DO made
ofthis difficult. subject. The Limitations and
restrictions TO gusrdagainSt abuses in the ex-
ecutIon OF presumption law, will necessari-
~ attract the careful attention OF Congress;
but under no circumstances is 1t considered
eXpedieDi te authorize floating claims in any
shape. They have been heretofore, and
doubtless would be hereafter, most prolific
sources OF fraud and oppression, and instead
! OF operating 10 confer the favor OF the Gov
eminent on industrious settlers, are often
used DOLLY 10 minister 10 spirit OF cupidiiy
at the expense Of The most meTiiorious Of
that class.
he accompanying report of the Secretary
OF w ar VIII bring TO your view the state OF
The Army, end all the various subjects conf |
ded 10 tho superintsndsnce of thai Office.
The practical part of the Army has been |
concentrated in FIori6a tSitb , ,;o =, ,1d IN |