The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-24

The HALF.AND-HALF HOMESTEAD BnI-RI-
vERs AND HARBoRs.-We published yesterday
from the National Lnteiigencer, a synopsis Of
the Homestead bill, in the transmogrifed form
in which it passed the Senate the osher day. 1t
ia funny specimen of bill, "neither fish,
fefh, nor good red herring" but a dish of SAL
nagundi made up of all three. 1t compre-
bends three or four great principles, to wit: =
l. A reduction or graduation of the prices
Of Che public lands.
2. Presumption rights, giving the first right
to the States respectively in which the public
lands may lie, to the whole Of them, at the re-
duced and graduated prices.
Presumption grants of land to States for
railroads and canals, at the reduced aud gra-
dnAted prices.
Presumption rights to hold good for FIVE
years to actual settlers, heads Of families, for
one hundred and sixty acres each, at the lowest
reduction Of twenty five cents per acre, or
twelve and half cents for such lands as may
have been in the market over twenty years.
Upon the whole the bill is admirably framed
for the benefit of the railroad land ioJbers, and
Spectators generally, and for the delusion of
the poor squatters; for while the actual settler
is limited to one hundred and sixty acres, the
speculator may buy ten thousand or ten mil
lions of acres, according to the funds which he
may be able TO command.
The BILL as thus modified by the Senate. has
yet to be concurred in by the House and by the
President before it can become o law. Its very
likely the House will concur, If they are not too
much pre-occupied with patent monopolies and
special stcckjobbing land grants. Quite like
ly, too, the President will checrfully sign the
bin, If passed in its new shape, because the doc
trihe OF reducing and scaling the prices of the
public lands was approved by Gen. Jackson,
recommended by James X. Polk, and advo-
Gated by Captain Tyler himself, if we are
not mistaken; and by other orthodox demo-
cratic authorities, to say nothing of the Balt-
more platform. The great object Of the Senate
in this matter, appears to have been a compro-
mise with the candidates aud advocates Of free
farms on the one side, and with the admins
tration on the other; and if the adjustment
which they have passed is satisfactory to both
parties, it is great achievement. unqucstiona-
bly,. We are inclined to submit in patience to
tile action of the House upon this free-farm ques-
ton; but upon another luhjcct-that Of rivers
and harbors-we are somewhat concerned. The
Executive has warned the Senate, through his
organ, of the folly of passing the appropriations
for our rivers and harbors; and we shall not
feel perfectly secure of the independence of the
Senate until they have passed the bill, in spite
OF the threats of a veto.
Meantime, we suggest to our reporters and cor
respondents at Washington the eypediency OF
giving at least brief synopsis or explana ton of
the provisions of every important bill, particu-
larry as it may be passed by either branch Of
Congress. AS We approach the close Of the ses-
sion it becomes necessary to keep vigilant eye
upon the proceedings OF our spoilsmen at Wash
ington. We desire to inform the people
especially Of all the spoils conspiraces and
projects against the treasury and the public
domain, as they may be brought in or carried
through either house. Let us be fully posted
up ~ we 90 along.