Washington telegraph., 1853-09-21
The Railroad Reservation.

On the 9th day of October next, the re-
servation Of lands from sale along the differ
ent lines Of contemplated Railroads, IN the
State Of Arkansas, will expire by limitation
of the order and the lands will be again re-
stored to the mass Of public lands, and be
subject to sale at the different Land Offices
of the U. States.
From Washington City, we have inform
alton, from source so highly creditable,
that we deem it entirely reliable, inform
ing us that when the reservation ends. on
the 9th October next, H lriX not bc contin-
ned o. crtendca after that Peyiod. Much
surprise is expressed at the tardy action Of
the State Of Arkansas on the subject of
grant of lands for railroads. 1t is said
"that ample time has been afforded to the
State, to legislate on the subject and secure
the grant, and if she has willfully failed to
avail herself of it, it was her fault, and not
the fault Of the Government. That to
withhold such vast amount of lands longer
from sale, would be unjust both to the State
and Government"
We regret that the time allowed, BY the
order for the reservation of these lands.
has been permitted to expire, without any
action on the part of the State, to secure
the advantages of the grant. But, if our
correspondent was well posted up in re-
gard to the affairs in Arkansas, he would
not lay any Of the blame, in regard to this
great loss which we are likely to sustain, to
! the State Of Arkansas or to the people Of
Arkansas, but to the man, who, in an evil
hour, they chose to rule over them On
the subject of legislation. to accept and ap-
propriate this grant, there has been an
unanimity of sentiment among the whole
people, never before witnessed in the State.
in regard to any public question. That will
has been set at defiance, and the rights Of
the people spit upon, aud trampled under
foot, because the interest Of the people hap
pened TO conflict with the political designs
and private interests, of the Governor.
Why has the Governor acted the part he
has What excuse has been offered for or
by him ? Because. as we are told, first, the
Governor was waiting for the return of
company of New Workers, who were ex-
pectcd to come this way on their return from
| Texas. We presume the portion Of that
company who went back to New York,
went by another route. Our Governor was
700 slow man for them. Because, as we
are told second, these roads must all be sur
veyed by private companies to suit their
private interests and ends, and not by the
authority of the State, TO which the lands
were granted, for the benefit of the
whole people--especially, too, when the
grant contains positive requirement that
the lines of the roads shall be fixed by
the authority of the Legislature. Because,
third. it is said that called session
of the Legislature will cost $4,000,
when it has been shown that the interest of
the value of the grant at 6 per cent is worth
100000 year besides the value of our
roads for two years and the consequent ap-
preciation in value Of property of all kinds:
and, more than all. when it is known, that
by this delay, We lose almost all chance of
getting the Pacific Railroad through the
/ borders Of our State.
The people of Arkansas voted great
curse on themselves when they voted for
Elias n Conway, for Governor. They
were. TO some extent, warned of this curse,
before the election; but those who feared
most for the State. never conceived the evils
which would be brought on us BY Lis adj
mnistration- Here i q grant Of lands,
which, if properly managed would enable
the State to build all of her Railroads, and
by the selfshncss and assinine perversity Of
the Governor, it is to be lost Poor Ar-
Kansas When will brighter DAYS dawn
upon YOU Gazette g. Democrat.