The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-03

The PEOPLE PIUNDERED-PUBIIC LANDS GIVEN
AWAY TO SPEcULAroRs-AN HONEST MAN IN
CoNGREss.-The HERALD has from time to time
called the attention of its readers to the gigantic
sch, mes of plumber which are now connecting at
Washington. 1t has exposed the method by
which laws are pressed through Congress, giving
away millions Of acres of the public lands to
private corporations; how they originate, how
they are managed in committee, and Struggled
through the House. At last We have response
from the right quarter. Virginia is aroused.
Mr.. Letcher, a member Of Congress from that
State has come to the rescue, and his speech is
worthy Of the closest attention and the highest
praise.
The public lands are the property of the pee-
pie they form vast domain, out Of which, as
the country progresses was to be carved the
cheap and fertile possessions Of the Industrious
poor, the homes of the emigrant and the asy-
lums of the exile.
But speculative cupidity is at work to defeat
this noble policy, SO worthy of the republic aud
70 favorable TO humanity. Corporations for the
construction Of railways are rising up in
every quarter where these lands lie, and,
by an adroit manipulation, the most nefa-
rious projects are CARRIED on under the
sanction of Congress. II appears from the
speech of Mr.. Leteher, that the system is so well
contrived that it is hardly possible TO resist it,
Pills reported by committees, giving away mil
lions Of acres, rarely, if ever, printed are read
hastily from the Clerks desk and passed by the
force Of the previous question, almost without
notice.
II is urged that the lands thus given away to
railway companies benefit the alternate sections
which are reserved, and that the treasury Is
argely gamer by the process So far from
this, il is found in practice that the land Offices
upon y rise taking place, are frequently closed
or, If not, the SPECTATORS, who have obtained the
grants, rush in and secure what Is left For this
they Immediately demand the largest prices, and
the emigrant finds himself unable to purchase
In some OF theee Congressional grants, IL Is true
a price is fixed for those government lands which
reman but IL Is an advance of one hundred per
cent at the existing valuation. Very strangely,
too, the very men who have always been guard
ing the public lands as public treasure,
are now mysteriously in favor Of parting
with thcm TO build up monopolies thousand
times worse than the United States Bank ever
was, and who at the same time approve every
veto which destroys an appropriation for the re-
moval Of distractions In public rivers nayigated
with equal freedom BY all the States.
Mr.. Letcber exposes the effects Of these grants
with earnest truth, and points to the disastrous
consequences which will result and are already
resulting from the enriching Of these unscrupu-
lous and powerful corporations
Already the Illinois Central il beginning to
show is hand. In the carrying Of the mails Il
begins to consult the interests OF the towns II Is
building up at the expense of all Others II "a
complained that Dubuque is beginning seriously
to feel its influence exercised in favor Of rival
town-Dunlcth; and with lis immense resources.
~ numerous dependents, and it, political power.
it already menaces the independence Of the state
government itself
We have seen something here at home, Of the
power Of these companies We. too, know what
Is the strength Of a Central Railroad power, a,
Albany and in the halls Of legislation. We have
secn our great system Of canals endangered by
railroad interests, and system Of spoliation ia
vorsd through the medium Of contracts aud en-
Engagements whenever railroad influence chosc to
widen IL own track or benefit its favoritcs.
The speech Of Mr.. Lctehcr exposes the reckless
and corrupt schemes which are now sweeping
away the public lands and we hope he will find
himself supported and sustained in his opposition
~ Spartan band who, though not numerous.
will, in good cause be triumphant. az they de-
serve 10 be.