The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-04-24
Land Sales-Maks Ready.

ceived in this city for lnterment.-St.
Louis Republican,.
Land salss-Maks Ready.
"WAsHINGToN, March %, 1853.
"The President has authorized public
sales of lands at Lecompton and Kicka-
poo on the 9Th and 10Th of July next"
The above announcement is an impor-
tant one to the settlers in Kansas. Those
who have taken Claims must pre-empt
and pay for their lands before the sales or
they will lose them. The announcement
comes at an unfortunate time for our peo-
pie. Numerous petitions had been sent to
the President to Withhold the lands of
Kansas from public sales and allow them
to be taken by pre-emptors exclusively,
so as to prevent large tracts from falling
into the hands of spectators who will do
nothing for the country" Letter writers
and persons who have called on the Pres
ident in relation to the matter, have led
the settlers to believe that the public
sales would be postponed, until October
or November, or perhaps till next Spring
Settlers, consequently have ventured to
put all their ready means into extensive
and permanent Improvements, relying
upon the proceeds of next harvest for
means to meet the payments for their
lands. Of course hundreds if not thou
sands will feel embarrassed and he placed
under the necessity of hiring money at
the present exorbitart rates of interest,
or lose their claims What is to be done?
The true wealth of country, is not in
its quantity of vacant lands, but the num-
Der of productive acres and density of
population. There is very little money
in Kansas at present. Land warrants are
abundant, but dealers demand very high
rates for them, and require gold in pay
ment. Almost every available dollar in
the Territory has already gone into the
land Office, or will soon go there. Mer-
chants everywhere have been disappoint-
ed in receiving cash from their customers,
but their customers are daily becoming
more responsible and rendering their
debts more secure. The money pressure
is now squeezing Kansas, but the latter
will come out all right in the course of
six months. Heavy investments were
commenced last season, by emigrants,
but the uncertainty supposed to exist in
relation to political affairs and the tardi-
ness of emigration this season, have ''dis-
appointed the calculations " of many.
The announcement of the land sales will
wake up the people of the East as well
as the South, who will now step in with
their surplus cash. Already the call has
gone forth to friends and aquaintances in
the Northern States, to hurry to Kansas
and take claims at $1,25 per scre; and
the fact that in less than ninety days
hence the man who has the most money
can buy the most lands, will call from the
Southern States hundreds of wealthy
men, whose available means were not af-
fected by the late panic. In less than
ninety days money will be as abundant
in Kansas as it was last Spring. Money
is abundant in the Eastern States, and
commands there only five or seven per
cent. per annum. Here five to seven
per month is freely paid and none to be
had at that. Owing to the hard times,
thousands who expected to come to Kan
sas this Spring, have been obliged to defer
their settlement till Fall. A large pro-
portion of such will now bestir them
selves and hurry hither to pre-empt.
What with spectators and emigrants,
and the return of many of our absentees,
the low rates of money at the East,
and the immense speculations involved
in the approaching sales, it is probable
that within ninety days more than mil
lion of dollars will be brought to Kan
sas for investment.
We are aware that large proportion of
the settlers are opposed to nonresident
spectators. 1t is detrimental TO a coun-
try to have large tracts of land in the
hands Of such men but after all it is
better for the people at large that the sales
take place, than longer endure the diff
culties, vexations and disappointments at
tending the transaction of business at the
land offices, under the presumption law.
Thousands of wealthy men will become
permanently interested in Kansas lands,
and by taxation contribute to the general
welfare and prosperity. If large tracts
| fall into the hands of few individuals,
| it can be only in the unsettled portion of
the Territory, and even there our own peo-
pie can break up such tracts, by purchase
at fair prices. Every foot of land in the
present most available counties, will be
bought up at the sale. Let all Uho hare
claims perfect their pre- emptio',s as soon as
possible-for no dependence can be placed
upon securing lands in the Kansas Valley
by private entry after the sale. Let all
settlers who have friends in the States
advise them to come at once, or send
funds for investment. Give a welcome
and cordial reception to all new corners.
Have confidence in the future. Go ahead
with all Improvements. Doubts and
fears must be banished. Assist and sus-
tain each other whenever assistance is
necessary. The money pressure is about
over. A few weeks will set US all right.
Teetmseh Settler.
Bridge over the Kan as River AT Tecunaseh.
We are pleased to learn that the Messrs.
Butcher, Aud & Co., of this city, have
haan awarded the contract for hniIdino