The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-16

TCtel. Observation-Disclosures Alb
ry Of the United States Military District; the Ca
and Nova Scotia Refugee Land Districts and
.. ia Military Land District in the State of
o.. moving their present condition, q nd the
cbsTdl and number Of the claims to any Of these
lands, as far as now known.
Tie leaf mineral lands in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois
have been thrown open to entry the diff cu,tes here
moved and the saes heretofore made Of them adju-
dcated upon the principles Of justice and equity
He recommends that the copper mineral lands OF Mi
ctigsn Wisconsin, and Iowa be thrown open to entry
and pre- eRpions the ordinary minimum of 81 2S PEI
acre, and gives strong and conclusive reasons Tor that
He also pds the extension Of the pre-
empton privilege to ell lands which indian title
has been ex'ipguished, whether sur seyed not On
this subject he argues that this mertorous class of
citizens is entitled to special onsiteraon, ia
chic through their that the fruitful
valleys Of the West have been opened up to the n
terprse and industry Of the millions who people
them When we compare the condition Of these
young and hourshipg States with their condition so
or 40 years ago. and IemerbeT that Il was chiefly by
Of the sbor suferiDgs, and toll o. those hardy
pioneers and their defendants that the wilderness
has been transformed into fruitful fields, and cities
and built up where the beasts Ct the forest
won't to range 1t is certainly but small compensation
that they should be permitted to enter their homes at
the price hzed by the government without competing
wit the greedy speeuator for the fruits of their
labor. Certainly the government cannot desire to
incrsate its by the pttance that might be
obtained at public sale for the Improvements OF such
settlers; and as there improvements alone enhance
the yalre Of such lands those Of Ike quality ad
jaccnt that he should be permitted TO purchase his
lands at the same price rs unimproved lands would
SELL"
On the subject Of fchool lands, the report recon-
mends that where those lands are worthless, CO.
vered by private claims Indian reservations, that
the townthip be authorised to select ether lands in
lieu OF them; that the State of Louisiana be author
ised TO form general school fund from the proceeds
Of these lands and that additional grant be made
to each township for school purposes In this respect
he suggests that the seat Of the general govern
ment the capital of the country has been overlooked
Congress the constitutional legislature Of the dis
and to that body the citizans Of this District
turay look for the extension OF that lberaty which
has been 30 generally manifested elsewhere in regard
to the schoe, system.
Notwithstanding the heavy taxation to which the
citizens subject for proving and Identifying the
streets and thoroughfsres of the cities of the District,
and with very limited revenue, they have endsayor
ed with spirit worthy of the highest concentration,
TO secure 70 the rising generation the blessings Of
enlarged and general system of education. Such en-
deavors am sure. will find favor with Congress. by
whom special and liberal grants have heretofore been
made for benevolent purposes in all o. the nsw and
some Of the old States.
81 therefore earnestly recommend that Liberia mt
OF he made to tbr District in addition 10 all the
vacant lots In the city and county OF Wssh ngton,
which belong to the government, that fund may be
created, the income from which will be sufcie' to
sustain, apermsnent basis the common school sys-
tenn in this District
The report Dis that all the swamp lands bs
granted the States il which they le for the support
OF, education and internal improvements; and thai
whenever the quantity of public lands in sny State
shall be reduced belowcne million OF ecrss, that they
also be granted to the States.
n conclutiop the commissioner pays hisa and, q.
We know from personal observation, . well merited
eulogium upon the talents industry and character oil
the clerks IN his Office