Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-01-24
FOR PRESIDENT,
WIN. HENRY HARRISON
VICE PRESIDENT.
JOHN TYLER.
TIE PUBLIC LANDS.

attention. 1t cannot be that there is any
want of interest in the subject, for the
people of this State are not unmindlul of
what concerns their interest. 1t cannot
be that the public lands arc considered as
a small affair, for truly it is momcntous
interest. Unjust arise from the fact that
it has not been brought intimately to the
knowledge of the people, and that from
this circumstance, they have not clear
conception of it.
The history of the public lands is full of
interest, and places the character of the
first founders Of our constitution on cnvi-
able ground. The war of tho revolution
was closed, the first attempts to form a
national compact had failed, the pressure
that had bound these germs of States to-
gether being removed, the elements of
order were dissolving, and the most dread
full state imaginable seemed TO await them.
In this state of fear and anxiety, and dark
torcboding, the project Of our present
constitution was started by the great men
of that day. But strange as it may seem,
it did not command the assent of all
some hcsltatcd, some doubted, and some
opposed. All had made common cause
in the rcvolution-thcy had given their
sinews and their blood. 1t was thought
that all should share equally in the bcne-
fits as well as the glories Of the rcvolu-
ton. But it was forcsccn by the poor
states, and by those who had no lands
beyond the Allcghanies, that some of the
states would be great gamers by the adop-
ton Of the new government. 1t was per-
ccivcd that those unmcasurcd wastes be-
yond the bounds Of civilization, would soon
become valuable and pour into the treas
urcs Of the great states mcounted mil
lions, and they dcmurred. 1t was then
the spirit of genuine patriotism burst
forth, and the conduct OF the great states
has given them a claim to admiration that
should never be forgotten. With promp-
titudc that showed they were in earnest,
they executed conveyanccS to the United
States of their countless acres to be held
by the United States in trust far the benc-
fit Of all the states. 1t was glorious
deed, and willie it filled up the measure
of the worlds admiration, it secured the
adoption of the constitution.
Ii is in vain to speak particularly of the
value Of this national treasure. Its acres
cannot be numbcrcd-its value cannot be
appreciated. 1t is the richest treasure
that any nation on the earth can boast
1t is the patrimony held by the Union for
the hundred states that will cluster around
it at 1.-THE end ofthis century, giving protcc-
ton, security, and happiness to one hum
dred millions OF souls. Is it to be matter
of debate whether this trust fund is to be
preserved, or whether it is to be squander-
ed in the purchase of inordinate power ?
There is but one answer that can honestly
be given. We arc not only false to those
who created this trust, but false to our
selves, and false to our country, by allow
ing it in any measure to be diverted from
the use of the whole Union. Every man
who considers national faith as binding
on him, or national character worth pre-
serving, should be ready to shoulder his
musket to defend this domain from the
hands of spoilers, come from whence they
will. What then are we to think of those
who are not only ready to rob the nation
ofits jewels, but pursue it by a systematic
plan that in the end must corrupt those
on whom the bounty is avisled. lie who
is false to his friend is branded as infa-
nous; and has the time come when a
public flnctionary can be allowed to es-
cape with impunity for the high handed
robbery of the nation? 1t cannot be
the nation will not allow it
Vermont has direct and great interest
in this matter. Situated as we are, in
the interior, we cannot expect great out
lays of public money for national works
but if we are permitted to receive the
share to which we are justly entitled from
the sales Of the public lands. we miohl