The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-29

anon enjoyed by the national domain after deducting
ihererom all reservations and grants TO The several States
From the report OF the Commissioner OF the General
Land Ocs, IN January, ls49 appears that from the
beginning, 2S9 96 1854 had been proclaimed for sale
throughout the twelve land States prior to January lst
1919. VI this amount only 100000 500 had been
sold, producing, at 81 25 an acre. Si36, 777,077,
All these lands for sale and pat into the
market have been exempt from taxation But since they
were proclaimed al different periods, and also sold al diff
ierenl periods, far the have been sold, il is
necessary III order 10 arrive at the value OF this immu
nity to ascertain what the average period during which
the lands, after being put into the market have been
IN the possession OF the United States This we are
able 10 do from the Official returns OF the Land Office
already referred TO- Here is table, from which II APP
pears that OF the lands offered for sale during period OF
thirty years, large quanttiesin some cases than
hai-wsre still on hand at the expiration OF the Pc
rod OF the fourteen millions offered in Ohio during
this period, more than two millions still remained
while OF the nineteen millions offered in Missouri,
more than twelve millions still remained or all
the lands offered during this period OF thirty years,
these details, shall that the lands proclaimed
are not all sold till after period Of fifty years This
estimate Will make the average period during which The
in the possession Of the United States, and free from
alton, twenty tive years.
Applying this estimate we have the 2s9. 96 1854 acres
proclaimed for SALE absolutely free from taxation during
the space of twenty-five years, and yet during all this
period enjoying the protection OF the State with the adj
vanages and Increased value from highways bridges and
schoolhouses all OF which supported by the adion
ing popreors under the laws of the State without
slstance OF any kind from the United States.
Such Is the extent and character oil this immunity But
in order TO estimate its precise value is necessary go
step further, and to ascertain other element that
49, the average annual tax land III these States Tor
instance the land Of other non-residenls There
no Official documents within my knowledge by which
this be determined But after inquiry of gentlemen,
themselves andholders in these States, have thought
might be placed, without chance of contradiction, at
cent Probably is rather two even three
cents but desiring to keep within boands call il mere
ly cent acre. The annual tax $50, 76l 954
acres at the rate OF acre. would be 80 sos.
6l9. and the total of this tax for twenty-five years
would amount to s72,49o475 being the value Of this i'm
munity from taxation already enjoyed by the United
States if we call the annual tax two cents in
stead OF one cent we have the of $l44,-
$50. $780, OF which the United States may now be re-
garded the trustees in equity for the benefit of the land
States.
But against this large may be reminded Of
yatons and grants by the United States TO the different
Territories and States. These, however when examined,
do not materially interfere with the result From the
official returns OF the Land Office in ls4s, Executive
Doc Thrielh Congress, second session. II. No. Is,
learn the precise extent OF these reservations and
grants down 10 that period. Here is the exhibit: