Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1852-03-04
Land Law Reform.

Would Congress establish in clear and permanent
cord high principle, much needed as landmark TO its
dim and unsteady legislation aud but conusedly UNDER
stood either within without its hasl Would the
representatives Of the people confer priceless benefit
scores OF thousands of homeless by elevating
them the best rank Of and sustaners OF the
national wealth. Would the patriotic guardians Of the
Union spread aar It's loving strength, and open TO Sec
tiona rivalry wide and common field for generous
uation and forgiving harmonyl
I'LL this is embraced in Just and rational reform IN
the laics for the sale of the public domain; and all this
Congress could effect in week if it would allow itself
that much respite from party abors.
! Our public domain acquired al The common ex-
pense for the common good This simple proposition
well known and undeniale. should be kept in
sight and should be the the direct Inference that the
property of the whole cannot justly he diverted to the
exclusive benefit Of any portion fragment Of the
family This principle is not the basis Of action in any
European monarchy for from its system OF construction
the throne privileged class with an army and
navy support il in Its assumed eminence and the
treasury Of this ruling class is levied from the industry
of the people they know not how. hn with believing
submission to the right divine. Neither IS i kept too
well in sight the bIllowy ocean OF our legislative
rhetoric vet this is the central pivot oil republican
tion. None of the rights the privileges the patrmony
of the whole should in any wise be monoPolsed by the
few; and If on his test being applied, the contrary ap-
pears he the result Of any legislative act that is
unsound in republican principle, though il may be with
in the formal letter Of the law.
When this principle is applied 10 propositions Of land
law reforms, opinion divides itself in channels
the question Of expediency One party holds this
mon domain, which all have helped to purchase, as
kind Of commercial speculation, and desires sell u
handsome profit for the benefit of the common trea-
sury.
Another party as distinctly insists that after paying
cost and charges shall be held in trust for the andless
in such form as shall be an advantage all popua
iion To one the other OF the points ell the endless
discussions the disposal Of the public domain resolve
themselves but there is yet another position partskng
Of both Sides yet thus Tar neglected by both that may,
in its turn, claim notice.
Why instead Of making haste to sec the end OF our
magnificent inheritance. should not the Union, like a
wise parent, use invest, and secure this immense
wealth a leave a permanent and sufficient revenue
for the maintenance Of the federal expenses forever
Without abating ot from the facilities which II Is
right and polite offer to landess who wish 10
possess and cultivate a free homestead without connu-
ing the present system for the encouragement o ggan
TIC gambling monopoes OF the public domain u IS pos
sibe. much possible than other things seem~
ed which this republic has done invest public lands
and make this government what ever was beoref
the head Of untaxed nation rich, denied, and pros
porous without laying single tax mPos, or burthen
upon the reop'e.
We have yet to learn more completely 10 order to
it consistently acted upon that the benefit Of the
whole not 10 be sacrificed TO the interests of the few
We have also vet to see practically understood that
each child Of great federal family entitled 20
home and employment out Of the wide waste OF his un
occupied patrimony and this way only can he he free
man and give back the fund the full value
what he receives from H..
As cheerful collateral with the operation OF these
principles it will stimulate excrtion in the workngmep
OF every State know that homestead IS before them
merely for the entering upon IT, wherever the domain OF
their Inheritance expands its Vie acres This
common hope and common domain is slight and silken
thread OF Union but as each State gathers ts spare
forces cultivate the general domain. il will feel that
has strong and loving ties with all the and this
silken thread viii strengthen to link Of unyeldng
iron.
| The absolute form and detail Of the mode Of opening
the public lands 10 actual settlers, whether small
hxed rent in long and easy credit in absolute do
nation to extent will find its adjustment when
he IL donf ri A
used principle. CORA MONTGOMERY.
Eagle Pass, january, 1882.