The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-04-28
Fer the Pioneer
For the Pioneer.
ur. ,. Ross Browne and his Accusers

Mr. EDITOR 1t is to be regretted that
some of the papers of this city have taken the
view they have Of the report of Mr.. Browne,
in respect 10 the sale Of the Military Reserve
Mr.. Browne came here on the part Of the Gen
eral Government to find ont The truth with re-
gard to certain public matters, of which there
had been conflicting reports, and upon which
the Administration could not, with the lights
before them, come to any satisfactory conclu-
sion. Anxious, doubtless, TO act right in the
premises, and fearful, without further examin-
alton, it might do injustice to the parties con-
cerned Mr.. Browne was sent out to collect
such facts as he could consistently with the
nature Of his commission, and which might ell
able the Department concerned to act under
standngly and justly. Mr.. Browne came on,
and was received by Our citizens with the at
tention and respect which his position as an
officer, entrusted with the confidence of the
government, deserved. He took upon himself
no airs, did not hesitate TO make it known that
he was sent out by the government to get
correct view of Territorial affairs so far as the
General Government was responsible and in
every way conducted himself as a modest and
unassumng gentleman, only anxious to do the
duty which had been deyOlved upon him. The
press complimented him, many Of the citizens
invited him to their houses. the y Dung Mems
Literary Association of this city. invited
him TO deliver lecture before them and in
every way he was regarded and treated, as
long as he remained among US. with consider
alton and attention.
Well Mr.. Browne, after all these civilities,
and after having done nothing to which, as
long as he tarried with us, anybody could take
exception, returned to Washington, and made
his report in regard to the sale Of the Reserve.
This report, it seems, does not meet the appro-
baton of some of the papers published in this
city, and forthwith he is denounced as Il spy,
lar, an eares-dropper, agarbler of private con-
verSatiOn, &C., &c.
Now, Mr.. Editor, it appears to ruc, that all
tulo dDUSc 10 WTUilS anu uuuc6eifCu' Ni.
Browne has done no more than any body
else would have done under the same circum-
stances. He may, as anybody else might, have
erred n respect to some Of the particulars
about which be reports; but in regard to the
main points, have yet to learn that any citi
zen sincerely denies them.
How far the investigation into all the facts
Of the sale OF the Reserve, which he recon-
mcnds would al this hate day under the action
which has already been had by the General
Government. eventuate in any good either to
the United States or the claimants interested
it is not for the writer to determine. But it
seelns to him that even should no Investigation
take place, the history Of this Reserve sale,
ought to show the general government that here
after the very best and only honest policy which
can be observed with regard to all such land
sales is the policy which it has endeavored to
carry out and that is to only dispose Of them
to the highest bidder. BY only such course
does the writer believe that the best interests
of tie Territory viii be filrthered, and tempt
ations to evasion Of law and illegal speculation
avoided. AN AMERICAN CITIZEN.