Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1854-12-06

proportion Of every quality, except the swanPs,
which are disposed of by the act OF lSoo, leaving
like proportion Of those remaining uiisolu tpa'
lands Originally of little value for cuiuvauon, ~
increase of settlement become valuable lot stone,
land gravel &c, or because OF iachues IN Trans
porting its products 70 marAel anu nenie ana,
lapse Of time renders laha more uesH1pie' nis'eau
Of reducing its value.
II il shown that complaints heretofore made, Of
the partial working of the land system, ground
less that this system was devised by Jefferson and
his compatriots of the revolution, when the adj
vancement of the public interest was the only OBJ
ject sought.
The basis Is assumed, that the average Of the
population of the old States has been three fold
more numerous than the new that the tariff, as q
tar, bears more equally upon the whole population
than any other; that as far as the tariff has been
relieved by the proceeds Of the public lands, the
benefits have flowed In like manner equally to ALL
AS consequence, the old States have been bene-
fitted by three-fourths of the proceeds OF the pub
lie lands that the bounty lands for services In the
revolutionary war, and that of 1912, and one-half
Of that Of l847, have flowed to citizens OF the old
States who were also benefited by the amount
actually paid to the old States, Of the surplus rev.
onue under the act of l84l.
That the new States have been benefited by
grants for schools, colleges, public buildings inter
nal improvements, &c, by the ., 8, and per cent
fund, and by the portion OF the surplus revenue
actually paid them. On those bases II is shown
that the old States have been benefited in lands
and money, estimating the lands at 81 20 pei
acre, to the amount Of STAG, 1885, Gal, and the new
States to the amount Of $94 344 1871 thus showing
that the proportion Of benefits has been about
equal, or, if there was any advantage, it was moi
sufficient to induce discussion between sires and
sons, as it was oil in the one great family.
II III suggested that the true policy of the gov
eminent il to encourage the settlement Of the
public lands, by extending every facility TO pre-
empsors to secure their homes in reasonable time
without competition and to aid in the construction
of railroads, and other means of communication,
by grants Of alternate sections, with judicious
strictions where applications are made for such
grants by the States.
It is shown, that since July, 1882, there have
been sold in Illinois, along the line of the Central
Railroad, 2,377 ,994 acres, for which there were
received, in warrants, estimated at 81 20 per acus
equal to $2,005, 8Ol
aud, in cash, 1884, l29
and hence, that this system is alike beneficial t.
the government, the States, and the people,
The report winds up with reference to the
Pacific road and the suggestion that it can only BE-
constructed in this way--for the reason that 1t Ii
of too great magnitude for individual enterprise
and that no State can accomplish it, as none can
go outside Of its own limits.
The report also referees to the recommendations
made last year, and renews them In general terms.