The Hawk-eye and Iowa patriot. (Burlington, Iowa) 1839-1843, 1841-03-04
p r E-E pTIONS s.,

Die, ana one that would secure 10 the i'm
migrant who had expended his all in NOV
ing to the country . suitable home, which
he could call his own. In looking over
the bill now before Congress no fault can
be found with It's simplicity. All can
understand its provisions. Taking for
granted that the spirit and intent of the
law is simply to secure home for the
settler and prevent the rich Spectator
from receiving any Of its benefits, we are
somewhat surprised not to see some pro-
vision in the bill that would secure such
result. Instead of this it seems to us
that door is left open that absolutely en-.
courages the defeat of any such benevo-
lent intention. As the bill now reads the
richest and most grasping speculator-the
most extensive property holder here or
elsewhere may, according to the provisions
OF the first and most important section 90
into any part of the Territory. select the
most valuable quarter section, throw ND a
few logs which he may call log cabin,
and the very next day claim his right Of
leave the country and no
one can ever disturb his title. Or he may
sell his claim thus obtained and 90 on
securing prescriptions to valuable tracts
either i'll this or other land districts, for
aught we can see. II one rich man NAV
have this privilege, so may all; and in
this way all the most valuable tracts NAV
be secured by spectators. Each one
will interpret the terms settle .slog cab
in ''improve." ''inhabit,'' &c. as it NAV
suit his interest and swear according to
such erpretation-swear, no: the pro-
visions of the bill do not require him to
take any oath that we can see. As far as
the actual settler is concerned we do not
perceive that this bill is actually so bepe.
fetal as the conventional or neighborhood
laws now In force, and which have always
been respected by the settlers. They re-
qulre bona fide improvement and settle
mentnpon the land. Whatever may be
said in praise of this bill, of Mr. Benton's
we think the provision proposed by Mr.
and against which Mr. Benton
coted, much less liable to objection, and
much more in accordance with the laws
and wishes of the settlers themselves.
That our readers may have both PROPOSE.
tons before them at the same time, we
here re-insert the plan of Mr. Cri.ten.
den -
10 grant to actual bona fide settlers
upon the public lands the right of pre-
emptlon to any quantity thereof, not ex-
;eeding one half section, or $40 acres.
the place of settlement, at the
price of $l,25 per acre, with
such provisions as shall limit this right off
settlement and presumption to actual bona
lde settlers. whose estate at the time of
settlement shall not exceed the value Of
81 900; and, furthermore, with such pro-
visions as shall efectuaIly exclude the
reaihier spectators from all benefit I'M
Ter this law, and. shall prevent them from
Interfering with, or participating in the
and right of settlement and pre-
'mption, which are hereby granted and
Intended for the sole advantage of the
leedy and honest settlers and cul,ivators
# the soil.
The evident object of Mr. Crittenden's
proposition seems to cover. to consider 5
''le extent, the very case we ,hink should {
e provided for, namely, of securing to
hose who really need it, the arm of Gov. :
protection extended in their be-
alf. 1t certainly holds out as much en-.
engagement to immigration. as the bill
ow before the house, and not only q
ecures home for the poorest settler, but
lost effectually bars the door against
lose whose wealth should deter them
ON becoming the benefciaries of Gov. r
These are in our opinion the
rlncipal objects to be obtained: thew
ever can, they never will be obtained bv ,
If Benton's Bill; and we again say that
ad Mr. Benton the true interests of the
ettlers at heart-had he really been more
ltent In promoting their welfare, than
insisting upon the passage of his dar- ;,
ng bill, stripped of all Wing amend
'ents. he would have acceded 10 that mart
Mr. Criltenden's amendment which we r
ave quoted. Q
If the bill passes both houses and be- :.
ONES law in its present shape, its de- i
'cts will soon become visible, and The II
cry effects that we have anticipated will ,
e produced. 1t will he found to be far
ss favorable TO the settler than the nre.
ent conventional law, and instead Of [
ecOmlnr as its Trainer .n,;o;n,,ol r