The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1855-03-31
For the xinnesottan.



olaims and claim jumpers.
MrssRs. EprroRs :--In the Minnesotian, Of
March 10th, observe two short articles on the
subject of Claims -" CLAIM JuxrMa.-We are
sorry to learn that this disgraceful business is
still going on extensively over in Dakota coun-
ty," 80. Again-"THE HONEST CLAIM JUMP
ERs.-Some .ofeths loudest DISCLAIMERS against
the railroad fraud, are now carrying out their
principles ~ by attempting to steal their neigh
boris property through the disgraeefal' and dis
honest business of claim jumping" go. As to
these loud declaimers against the railroad
fraud, have at present little to say, except
that in my opinion they acted either from mis-
taken views, or selfish motives, and in charity
would ascribe 1t to the former. But this
dumping claims" or stealing their neigh
ber's property" appears to me quite differ
ent business. That to take, or attempt to take,
from your neighbor land or other property to
which ne had legal or just claim, would be
dishonest business. none will deny but is it SO
in regard to those Claims! Are those claim
ants the legal and honest owners of those lands!
Or, are they not trespassers on the govern
ment, or what might justly be called land-pi-
rates. seizing on all the most desirable loca
putting up comfortable buildings, cultivating
the soil, and thus adding to the improvement
prosperity and wealth of the country, but fol
the purpose of taking money from the pockets
of the poor, but honest and Industrious, who
may emigrate to the Territory to make per
manent residence,-who, by their industry will
make tho barren wastes productive, supplying
those who may follow them with the necessa
ries of life, and eventually add their mite in en-
larging our commerce. One such man in a
new country is worth more than five hundred
land spectators. What have these gentlemen
claimants done to entitle them to the sympathy
of the citizens of st. Paul or Minnesota Terri
tory. Where are the forests cleared off, farms
opened up and put under cultivation by those
claimants - l think, echo must answer
"Where!" Or what have they done to entitle
them to the ownership of those lands? Have
they paid for them! No. Is there any law
that vests title in land upon merely making
claim! ESQ il ought in my opinion to be re-
pealed as oppressive and unjust to the honest,
laboring class, aud injurious to the best inter
ests of the Territory. Under my present views,
consider the land Spectator perfect drone
and curse to any country. They were so in
the settlement Of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana
and Illinois, and will continue to be so long as
the law and public opinion will countenance
the system. Hundreds have made themselves
fortunes, and some Of them princely ones, by
this Ito the country ruinous, and, permit me
to add, villainous system Of land-grabbing, by
stepping on to the best lots and calling it
theirs. Now, it appears to me, that the hard
listed laborer, who will seize these lands and
wrench them from the grasp of the greedy spec
ulator is the man who deserves the sympathy
of the citizens Of Minnesota. What would the
ofSt. Paul and the surrounding coun-
try be at this day if this land speculation had
not been entered into! Without pretending to
be a prophet, or the son Of . prophet, will ven
ture to predict that there is not one hundred
and sixty acre lot of good arabic land, within
fifteen miles OF the city, but would have been
now improved. And who would not be pleased
to see this fact realized?
Such are my views Of this subject. If crro-
neous, would be pleased to have them cor
rected. My object in penning this is not to mould
public opinion but in hopes that the subject may
be taken up and discussed by ADLER pens, as 1t is
one that will cause strife and contention over
large portion Of tho Territory. Although diff.
fering in opinion with the Editors on this sub.
ject, have no doubt that they are willing tha,
those holding q different opinion should be
heard, and in conclusion would say, this is the
only subject of public nature that have seen
discussed in your paper, in which l did not
heartily concur with the Editors.
In these remarks, Il do notintend to include the
claimant who has improved his claim and made
it fit for home. 1t is the speculator, who has
done nothing but claim,
MORE ANON.
White Bear Lake, March FL, 1855.
EDITORIAL NorE.-Our worthy friend of White
Bear appears to have entirely misconstrued our
81 H.