The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-26

lot heretofore conceded to be in the posses
sion--by what title we do not know, unless the
lot belonged TO the Leidvdorf estate----of Capt.
Folsom.
The open violence on the occasion, The sum-
mary punishment attempted to b. inflicted, 10
but the beginning OF what may be anticipated
as the result Of the decision of the Supreme
Court, in regard to land titles, and yet the JUS
tice aud correctness of the decision receives tho
sanction and concurrence of the clearest legal
heads of the State. That one man Possesses al
good IA title as another to much of the land sur-
rounding San Francisco, and many Of the lots
in the city, is All undeniable fact but that rea-
son or law will justify the practice so extended
for the past three weeks, of locating upon every
unoccupied piece of land, is quite another ques-
ton. Much of the domain attempted to be
seized and appropriated by squatter possession,
is in the hands Of innocent holders, who have
purchased it. in many instances, at enormous
rates, and who should protected in their rights,
by force of arms, if necessary, within the range
Of lawful authority. Their title, ia fact, may
not have that basis and form of legality which
is demanded in older States, where record set
ties the point definitely, but ut least they have
us good right to possession ms those who
would appropriate the land to their own pur-
poses and superadded, is the fact, that they have
honestly purchased, and been conceded prOprie-
torship, even though they have not had literal
possession by erecting cabin, or driving stakes
We are no advocates of lawless violence on
any occasion, having entire confidence in the
power of the law TO right all wrongs, even
though they be suffered for a time; but we will
be frank to say that we have an equal abhor-
renee of the prevalence Of such attempts TO
make show Of title, as originated the difficulty
of yesterday morning, and which came so near
terminating disastrously. We repeat, violence
is Objectionable, but we have far more respect for
the man who boldly and determinedly defends
his rights, than for that sneaking midnight oper-
alton which shuns the light of MONDAY, and
which should mantle the checks of those en-.
gagged in them with shame.
The only apology for these proceedings is the
decision of the Supreme Court, that certain land
titles are not valid because of informally MS
compared with custom regulating such matters
under our own government, and, per conse-
qnence, these lands must fall into the hands Of
any body who chooses to run a brush fence, or
erect a cabin even though another has paid full
value. BUTT might with the same propriety be
claimed that cargo of goods that had been pur-
chased and paid for by third party, were sub
ject to be laid under contribution by whoever
pleased because they had passed the customs
irregularly. There is justice in everything, and
although our course would be to appeal to the
laws for protection where wrong was attempt
ed, we cannot but respect the man who is deter
mined enough to deliberately fire upon the mis-
creants who would despol him of his rights,
with the only apology that he coveted the pos
sessions of another.
We trust that there is sufficient moral senti-
ment in the community to prevent resort to vio-
l1nce upon such occasions, in any future time
but we confess we are not without fears for the
result of all this lawless business Land for
the landess, and home for the Homeless" are
the dictates of wisdom and humanity, and so
long as it is confined within proper bounds,
where there is none to interfere who have not
the show of title by purchase or descent, it is
sound policy, but when men get 80 bold as to
disregard, in their rapacty, the rights of others,
where they have not even shadow of any
themselves, we can hardly anticipate that the
peace and quiet of community will remain un.
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