The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-17
HBonnett's Land BILL
Mr.. Benefits Reply to Colonel Be,,tol

HOUSE. OF REPREsENrATIvEs,
WAsHINaToN, December 10, 1851.
To the Editor of the Republic:
Sir: Senator A. C. Dodge, of Iowa, and Colonel
Benton, Of Missouri, have recently published let
ters denouncing the bill "to equalizs the grants of
land to the several States, called by them "Ben-
nett's bill,' in most unmeasured terms. Their
letters contain many errors and misstatements,
and are intended to create prejudice against it.
Such attempts made by leading western men, in
this manner and at this time, compel me- as the
author and advocate of the measure, to reply; and
rely upon the justice of editors who have published
their letters to publish the answer also.
1t is evidently the object of these distinguished
letterwriters to claim the public lands for the e.
ciusue benefit of the neip States, and to deny an y
share to the old States My bill consequently falls
under their severe condemnation.
But to the letters; and Colonel Benton 10 of course
entitled to precedence. He starts by announcing
what he used to hear wise men (such MIR. Ma
con) cay when he fret went to Congress, namely
"That public lands were CURSE" &c. Govern
ment of course should rid itself of "curse" as
soon possible; and the extract from his Jackson
speech (appended to his letter) shows how this ma
be done, viz: By granting the lands to the Western
States. They will kindly take the "ands" for
their own, and the course" upon themselves. Like
Doctor Elnatban Todd, who. to prevent the school
children from eating too much, emptied their din
ner baskets into his own mouth! On the same prin-
oiple. the States hereafter consent to take
the public money, for wise men have said that
"the love of money is the root of all evil" This is
good authority for the maxim against "money'
that against Gland Its wisdom is as great,
and its antiquity even greater.
This bill grants to the old States i'm land war
rants (so that one State shall not hold lands within
another State) 29,25O,0o0 acres, and This
ia exaggerated by Colonel Benton into st, 900 900
acres, worth $72 100000. He also says nearly
100 900 900 have been ken for soldiers war.
rants; when the letter from the Land Office, pub
lished with his, shows the whole amount issued and
to be issued is about 40 900 900 acres This has no
connection with the grants to the States; but show
The proneness to exaggeration.
Colonel Benton ia astonished that this bill passed
the House under the operation of the previous
question. He knows very well it was the only
way il could have been acted upon during the ses
sion; if placed upon tho calender, under the rules
of the House, il could not have been reached Be-
aide the subject Of the public lands in almost every
form-involving the principles of this bilI--appli
cations for western railroads, SC, had been dis
cussed and debated for months, to the delay of oil
other business, and until the House and the coun
try had become weary of il. Under this state Of
things, the previous question was moved and sus
tanned. Colonel Benton pronouncos this action Of
the House Of Representatives a "Hagrant abuse"
In fact, no other bill excited 30 much intcrest or
was better understood. From the 9Th to the Goth
of June, each morning hour Of the session de-
voted to this BILL and votes by yeas and nays were
taken upon it during its progress more than TWEEN
ty times.
II is said the new States are given mere "pit-
lance" by this bill. and on most unequal terms"
So far from this, the new States with population
of over 7,0O0,0O0) receive 81 ,2l9 900 acres, and
the old States with population of Is 900 900
receive only 90 $50 900 acres that is, the States
receive more than twice much as the old States,
in proportion to population, to say nothing Of for
mcr grants to the Western States and Territories
of over So 0oo,0 900 acres, almost as much ne has
been sold, and not an acre granted TO the old
States Including former grants. the new States
are given more than sir times rs much az the old
States