The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-12-17


ally brought into market by the government
With the view TO the sale and settlement of these
inferior lands, | recommend that the price be
graduated and reduced below the present mini
mum rate, confnng the sales at the reduced pri-
ces 10 settler and cultivators, in Limited quanti- |
tics If graduated and reduced in price for
limited term 10 one dollar per acre, and after the
expiration of that period for a second and third
term to lower rates, large portion of these
lands would be purchased, and many worthy ci |
zens, who are unable to pay higher rates, could
purchase homes for themselves aud their faml-
lies. BY adopting the policy of graduation and
reduction of prices, these inferior lands will be-
sold for their real value, while the States in |
which they lie will be freed from the inconyenl-
ence. if not injustice, to which they are sublec-
ted, in consequence of the United States cont-
nuing TO own such large quantities of rublicl
lands within their borders, not liable TO taxation
for the support of their local governments.
recommend the continuance Of the policy
of granting pre-emptons, in its most liberal ex-
tent, TO all those who have settled, or may here
after settle, on the public lnnds, whether survey
ed or unsurveyed 10 which the Indian title may
have been exlingushed at the time of settlement.
1t has been found by experience, that in conse-
quence of combinations of purchasers and other
causes, very small quantity Of the public lands,
when sold at public auction, commands higher
price than the minimum rate established by law.
The settlers on The public lands are, however, but
rarely able TO secure their homes and improve
ments at the public sales atthat rate; because
these combinations by means Of The capital they
command, and their superior ability to purchase,
render it impossible for the settler to compete
with them in the market By putting down all
competltion, these combinations of capitalists
and spectators are usually enabled to purchase
the lands, including the Improvements ofthe set
tiers, at the minimum price of the government,
and either turn them out Of their homes or ex-
tort from them, according to their ability to pay,
double or quadruple the amount paid for them TO
the government. 1t is to the enterprise and per-
severance of the hardy pioneers of the West,who
penetrate the wilderness with their families, snf-
fer the dangers, the prvalions, and hardships at
tending the settlement Of new country, and
prepare the way for the body of emigrans who,
in the course of few years, usually follow
them, that we are, in a great degree, indebted
for the rapid extension and aggrandzement OF
our country.
4 Experience has proved that no portion of our
\ population are more patriotic than the hardy and
brave men of the frontier, or more ready to obey
the call of their country, and to defend her
rights and her honor, whenever and by whatever
enemy assailed. They should be protected tiom
the grasping speculator, and secured, at The min
Imum price Of the public lands, in the humble
homes which they have improved by their labor
With this end in view, all vexaions or unneces-
sary restrictions imposed upon them by the exs-
La. should be reDpaIpd nj
modified. 1t is the true policy of the government,
to afford facilities to its citizens 20 become the
owners of small portions of our vast public do
main at low and lnodera' e rates.
}, The present system of managing the mineral
lands of the United States is believed to be ra-
ideally defective. More than million of acres
of the public lands, supposed to contain lead and
other minerals, have been reserved from saIe,and
numerous leases have been granted to lndlvldu-
ais upon stimulated rent. The system oI
granting leases has proved TO be not only un.
profitable 10 the government, but unsatisfactory
to the citizens who have gone upon the lands
and must, if continued, lay the foundation o
much future difficulty between the government
and lessees, According TO the official records
the amount Of rents received by the governmen
ior the years lS4l, 1912, lS43, and 1874, was
six thousand three hnndred and fifty-our dollars
and seventy-four cents, while the expenses o.
the system during the same period, including sa
Iaries of superintendents, agents, clerks, and in
: cidental expenses, were twenty thousand one
Y hundred and eleven dollars and eleven cents
: the income being less than one-fourth Of the ex
penses. To this pecuninry loss may be addet
; the injury sustained by the public in consequence
: of the destruction of timber, and the careless
and wasefu manner of working the Mines
S The system has given rise to much litigation be
: tween the United States and individual citizens
n producing irritation and excitement in the mine
raj region, and involving The government in beav,
: additional expenditures. 1t is believed thai 81
# mar losses and embarrassments will continue tt
d occur, while the present system Of leasing lhes,
!, lands remains unchanged. These lands are nov
+ under the superintendance and care of the Wa
o Department, with the ordinary duties of whcl
J. they have no proper or natural connexion. re
commend the repeal of the present system, ant
l. that these lands be placed under the superlnten
y dance and management of the General Lane
Office, as other public lands, and be brought int
c market and sold upon such terms as Congress il
+ their wisdom may prescribe, reserving 10 the go
Is vernment an equitable per centage of the gros
is amount of mineral product, and that tho pre-emp
ton principle be extended to resident miner
e and settlers upon them, at the minimum pric'
o which may be established by Congress.
r refer you to the accompanying report of th
y Secretary of War, for information respecting h
d present situation Of the army, and its operation
Il during the past year; the state of our defences
Is the condition Of the public works; and our rela
i tions with the various Indian tribes within ou
/ limits or upon our borders. invite your atten
d lion to the suggestions contained in that report
/, inreaton to these prominent objects of nationo
2 interest.
s. When orders were given during the past sum
% mar FIR concentrating n military Gorce ON th