Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-04-18


have large property in public lands, yet
Ihus far not dollar has been realized from
them Had these public lands fallen into
the hands OF a sing e individual possessed
of business habits, it is probable that some
disposition o. them ere this would have
been made, which at least would have given
a more immediate prospect Of their beco-
ming a source of profit The people of
the Territory in their governmental capa-
city, should actin reference to their future
pecuniary interests, with as much discre-
ton and foresight as an individual busi-
ness man. Nearly a million acres Of land
are now the property Of this Territory
4G, $50 acres have been granted by Con-
gress for the establishment Of Unver-
sity. That these lands through the neg
lect of the Territory, were not located in
proper season. is matter generally ac-
knowIedged: had proper economy been
exercised in making an early selection,
many thousands Of dollars would doubtless
have been saved to the Territory. Con-
gress has also granted 1.-THE Territory eve
ry 10th section Of land or one hirty-sirM
part of the lands in the Territory, for the
support Of common schools, amounting TO
over 500, 900 acres. These lands have as
yet proved no source Of revenue, it is time
that some portion Of them were made avail
labl9 in helping to sustain our common
schools. Congress also granted III 900
acres Of laud for the construction Of ca
nal. But what has become Of this vast do
nation in lands, and where is the canal
BY profigatc management, no benefit has
been derived to the Territory-a few Of
the lands were sold; the purchasers were
dupcd and deceived; a few monopolists
pocketed the profits, and the Territory is
probably the worse off for this grant Of
Congress.
That wise and economical policy has
been pursued with respect to the portion Of
the public domain which has been given
to US by Congress. will not be pretended
by any one. Would we not be more likely
to exercise more strict regard to our fu-
ture pecunary welfare and make the pro-
pcrtv committed to US turn 10 some profit
able account were our pecua;ary depend
ence upon the General Government sew
cred and we obliged to husband our own
means, and commence supporting ourselves
upon our own resources? As long as We
endcavor TO gain scanty subsistence year.
lv from Uncle Sam, we are less likely to
work for ourselves, and lay the founda.
tons for the future supper. of our govern
ment, and the education Of the rising gen.
GRAFTON. The analogy between territory
and young man Of dependent minority,
is not without force: the latter does not
bring the energies of his mind into active
exercise. with the view Of laying the foun-
dations Of his future prosperity, while he
leans to his parent or guardian for sup
port But when thrown upon his own re-
sources, he lays his plans Of life and exc
cutes them accordingly.
In addition to the amount Of lands we have
already received from Congress, we are
entitled to 100000 acres more upon our
admission into the Union. In a country
settling as rapidly as this, it is not Wis
onsry calculation to estimate that the diff
ference ia locating these lands now or six
years hence, would not be less than half
a million Of dollars. This is certainly no
trAing consideration to the people.