Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1837-12-13

graduation be accomplished 10 this way,
and the objections which have hitherto
been urged against it avoided! h would
seem to me that such a step, with re-
striction Of the sales. to limited quantities,
and for actual improvement, would be free
from all just exceptions.
BY the full exposition Of the value of
the land thus furnished and extensively
promulgated, persons living at distance
would be informed of their true condition,
and enabled to enter into competition with
those residing in the vicinity; the means
of acquiring an independent home wouI1
be brought within the reach OF many who
are unable to purchase at present prices ;
the population Of the new States would be
made more compact, and large tracts
would be sold which would Otherwise re-
main on hand not only would the land
be brought within the means ola larger
number of purchasers, but many persons
possessed Of greater means would be con-
tent 10 settle on q larger quantity Of the
poorer lands, rather than emigra!r farther
west in pursuit Of a smaller quantity Of
better lands. Such a measure would al
so seem to be more consistent wiGh'the
policy of existing laws-that Of convert
ing the public domain into cultivated
farms owned BY their occupants. That
policy is not best promoted by sending
emigration up the almost inrerminab!e
streams Of the West, to occupy in groups
the best spots of land, leaving immense
wastes behind them. Sni charging the
frontier beyond the means of the Govern
ment TO afford it adequate protection; but
in encouraging it to occupy, with reason
able denseness, the territory over which
it advances, and finds its best defence in
the compact front which it presents to the
Indian tribes. Many OF you will bring
to the consideration of the subject the ad-
vantages Of local knowlenge aud greater
experience, and all will be desirous Of
making an early and final disposition of
every disturbing question in regard to this
Impor.an; interest. If lhcse Suggestions
shall in any degree contribute to The ac-
compIishment Of so important result, it
will afford me sincere satisfaction.
In some sections of the country. most Of
the public lands have been sold and The
registers and receivers have but very lit
tie to do. 1t is a subject worthy OF enqui-
ry whether, in many cases. two or more
districts may not be consolidated, and the
number OF persons employed in this bust
ness considerably reduced. Indeed, the
time will come when it will be the true
policy Of The General Government as to
some ofthe States 10 transfer to them, for
a reasonable equivalent, all the sold and
uusold land and to Withdraw the mac hine-
~ Of the general LAND offices altogether
All who take comprehensive view Of our
federal system, and believe that one Of the
greatest excellencies consists in interfering
as little as possible with thu internal con-
Germs Of the State, look forward with great
interest to the result.
A modification Of the existing laws in
respect to the prices Of the public lands.
might also have favorable influence on
the legisls ton Of Congress, in relation to
another branch of the subject. Many who
have not the ability to buy at presen,
prices, settle on those lands, with the hope
Of acquiring from their cultivation the
means of purchasing under pre-emption
laws, from time to time passed by Con-
greSs. For this encroachment on the
the rights of the United States, they ex-
cuse themselves on The plea of their own
necessities; the fact that they dIspos"ss
nobody, and on Y enter upon the waste
domain; that they give additional value
to the pubic lands in their vicinity, and
their intention ultimately to pay the Gov.
eminent price. So much weight has from
time TO time been attached to these con.
silerations, that Congress have passed
laws giving actual settlers on the public
lands right Of pre-emption 10 the tract:
occupied By them at the minimum price
These laws have in all instances been ret
respective in their operation; but fe"
years after their passage, crowds of ne"
settlers have been found on the public
lands, for similar reasons, and under like
expectations. who have been indulgct
with the same privileges This course
Of Legislation has tended 10 impair public
respect for the laws Of the country. FL
Their the laws 20 prevent the intrusion up
on public lands should be executed, or
; that should be imPractitable or inexpedi
en-. they should be modified or repealed
J If the public Ian Is are to be considered a
. open 10 be occupied by any, they should
by law, be thrown open to all. Tha
which is intended, in all instances, to b
legtlized, should at once BE- ruade lcga'
that those who are disposed to conform /
the laws may enjoy at least equal priVle
l ges with those who are not But it is nc
believed. to be the disposition Of Congress
to open the public LANDS to occupanc
;, without regular entries and payment
! the Government price, as such cours
e must tend TO worse evils than the cred
n system, which it was found necessary
s abolish In world ssa,D therefore, to