New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-08-15
LETTER FROM MR. FOOTE.
Notrr CLIxsS.. fMch.l August .


r.
sR Your communication 81 July reached ~ the
3st This delay was ceussd By yGp non pqua ksnee
w1h my pdsfoffce addressSl0d solicit my signature
D. your Pledge and iul exposition OF my views upon
tn question OF Land Reform. With the hrst request
cordially comply and AifiN - the Pledge my humble
name But with the second multiplied calls with
which am daily complying Tor lectures on Land and
other Reforms, will not permit me TO comply. mere
synopsis must suffice. ] owe an acknowledgment 10
vOur Association for first calling my attention 10 the
question of Land Reform. 80 absorbed was with the
greatest OF all wrongs imposed upon our colored
brethren that had given but little thought 10 the ques
ton That place shall Htg occupy, when they are dis
epthrallcd - The National Reformers called my atten-
non 10 this question by urging on my consideration the
righteous caim-the HOLY RIGHT OF our landiess ehiis
brethren 10 an inheritance on the bosom OF our common
mother earth thank them tor this You suggest that
a knowledge of nv views may affect considerable num-
hers of National Reformers. Alas feel that know
ledge OF my views viii lead not few National Reform
ers 10 despise me see the mOurniul position OF VIM
Wait OF Illinois in refusing TO suffer- DIS name 70 run
on the same ticket with Gerrtt Smith-Heavens an.
nonted friend of the pOora refusal that mas efaced
his name from a monument more durable than brass
It is with hope OF securing the sufrages OF those VINO
have no higher views or sympathes tnan those OF WI
liam ; Wait that make for your disposal. the follow
ing brief state ment of the views entertained and ncu
Gated by myself hold, then
t. That men cannot property in the soil First
Because general rule, It has no value in its pri
mve or virgin state The labor Of clearing and sub
DUNG IT, quite equals its value when ready for service
The property, then, Is in the Improvement and only
there second, The Creator OF the world aihrms the
land 10 be mis- Levitt 81 and its inhabitants but
tenants Al MS will denied the right 10 Qutclaim
ded Not until men can present bill of sale from the
Almighty. then, can they claim property IN the soil
H. Human government Is the agent servant, or mi
Mister OF the Divine Government, Rom. xiii holding
the uuoccupied soil in trust for the benefit OF the land
less-born. and unborn and 10 prevent usurpatons.
This Arrangement of trusteeshp originates In human
necessity.
III Every man has natural, and consequently a
moral right to occupy portion Oh the eartns surface
This natural right has three-tod foundation-one-
ness of origin, nature and necessity.
These three propositions being true, 1t follows, OF
necessity:
desire IT, farm.
p That this Farm or Homestead cannot be alenated
10 lquidaie debt. Il is sacred.
3 Government transcend their right, and become
usurpers when they make sale OF unoccupied land 70
nor. residents ane land specustors
The following propositions cherish, and hold 10 De
equally as true and righteous As the preceding;
T. Having proclaimed Liberty throughout all the land,
70 all the inhabitants thereof LEV. XIV lO Govern
ment should furnish the amplest means 10 the emanci'
pated peasantry emigae 70, and settle upon such
uortous of unOccuped coil may best suit their pre-
ference This should be done. not as boon on the
part Of the Government but As sinofering Tor pro
trscted and highly criminal neglect Of duty.
H. The many thousands OF poor families aud persons
in our large cities and other parts OF the land whose
strength Is hunger bitten Dob xviii l2) DESTROYS OF
farms should Government aid in removing TO and set
ding upon those farms so long and 50 cruelty withheld
Nor should this be regarded a charity but as re.
Enumeration ia part OF the governmental wrong OF
withholding from these poor their natural right 10 land,
ON which ~ live and move and have their being.
M All unmarried women over eighteen years Old,
90 desiring should Government furnish with small
bio, OF the richest and most easily cultivated land IN
rs trust so should they have an honorable heahfuL
ana more certain means Of livelihood than the many
Thousands Of unmarried females in our own factories,
cite. and large towns The pastoral lives OF Rebecea
and Rachel-the agricultural lives Of Ruth and the
Msidens of Boaz honorable and bright examples Of
such mode OF livelihood.
For the attainment OF these most desirable ends, II
.ha be- mine 70 labor by seeking the ascendancy OF that
usrtv which will not only unfetter the soil but which
vii nufs,fer MEN a0-thst party which goes for ALL
POLITICAL RIGHrEoUsSEss. close with the inquiry
WHY should National Reforr1ers be in favor OF Free
soil and not 10 favor OF tree men 20 occupy Il
Yours etc CHARLES C. FOOTE.
pledge
The gned csnodae for the oics OF Fce-pre
.den Al The comag eecuon DESTROYS Of restoring % Man
IL natural rehf 20 land viii hereafter al my influence
whether In or out Of once, 70 rreven - farner franc IA
Inc Public Lands Of the United States aud 70 cause he 70
- aid out In farm. and u limited quantities. for tue free
az rO- sp-s