The Arkansas banner., 1844-10-30
PRE- -EMPTIoN RIG ITS AND REDUCTION
 OF THE PRICE OF THE PUBIC LANDS.
LANES K. pOIk.S c0nRsF


 We have aIraa ly shown, that on the mo- ment Gov. Polk entered public life. he has been the constant and unwayering supporter of the policy granting the rights ot pre-emg- tion to the settlers on the public lands, atlow and moderate rates.
 When he was first elected to the Legisla- ture of Tennessee in 1923, there was DOT ton of the country, within the constitutional limits of the State, lying south and west oi what was called the Congressional Resefya- ton Line, which was vacant and unappfepri- ated The title to these lands was held by the United States. They consisted o ihferi- or tracts which had not been appropriated to the satisfaction of the N forth Carolina land warrants issued 10 the soldiers of the Revou- tion, and portion of them was occupied by settlers.
 Gov Polk brought forward the proposition in the Legislature to procure relnquishment of them to the S,ate, and to grant to the set tiers upon them the right to pfe-emptions as securing their homes. On motion made by him, select committee was appointed for the purpose of entertaining the subject, of which he was chairman. On the 27lh November, 1923, he made report as chairman, accom- panied by memorial to Congress prepared by himself, asking relinquishment of these lands to the State of Tennessee and setting forth therein that the actual settlers should be secured in the right to their respective homes.- See Jownal, 1893, pages 23 aud 329.
 In the Legislature of l84l, committee of the Senate, consisting of the members of doth political parties, when referring to the req sonable claim of Tennessee to these lands, UNANIMOUSLY AWARDED to Gov. Polk the merit of having first brought the subject to the attention of the Legislature and Congress. In their report they said
 ''ln the year 1923, her (Tennessee's) claim was asserted and explained in an able report and resolutions of instruction to the Tenncs- see delegation in Congress, drafted and re- ported by the present Governor of this Slate James K Polk, then member of the Leg islalure. ."-Senate Journal, Jan. 29, l84l, page 503.
 In 1925, Gov. Polk was elected to Con- gross. Al the following session he brought this subject forward, and as chairman of inc committee of the House, he reported a bill embracing he pre-emption principle, and Se- curing to the occupant his hoaae at c reduced rate. The bill did not pass at that session. The proposition WITS repeatedly before Con- gress afterwards.
 In 1928, bill to cede these lands to Ten nessee, and to grant pre-emptions 10 the set tiers upon them, was before Congress. On the 18th of April, 1928, Gov. Polk made a speech in support of the bill, from which we quote the following passage:
 He said that sbutan inconsiderable portion of these lands ever would be appropriated at the most reduced prices; that portion of them winch would be appropriated at the low price of twelve and half cents per acre the price proposed by the bil) would be either by hte poorest class of citizens 10 secUre for hem- selUes and families Their Hnlc homes, or by the owners of adjoining lands to keep off in trusion, for outlels,n &c.
 During this long and arduons career in Congress, Governor Polk voted for and ad- vocated the humane policy of granting pre- emptions to settlers, not only on the public lands in Tennessee, but on all the public lands held by the United States.
 Io proce this, it is only necessary to refer to the Journals of Congress.
 On the 29th of May, 1890, pre-emption bill was before the House. We quote from the Journal of Congress as follows
 .''The bill from the Senate No. 191 entitled san act to grant -emption rights to settlers on the public lands,' was read the third time as amended, and the question was stated. shall the bill pass''
 s.And after debate thereon,
 s.'Fhe previous question was movedby Mr. Taylor, and being demanded by a majority of the members present;
 1.-The said previous question was put, viz shall the main question be now put:
 s.And passed in the aiiirmative.o
 JAMES K. POLK VOTED FOR THIS BILL his name is recorded on the Journal in the aAirmative.-[ Journal of lS39-30, pages 377S-9.
 Under this law hundreds of the pioneer