Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-01-09
Donation of Public Lands.

The distribution of the proceeds Of public
land sales was distinguishing doctrine of the
old wing party. 1t was claimed, and Justly
too that the public domain was the inalienabe
heritage of all tho States, that they had ex pend
ed blood and treasure in its acquisition, and
should be allowed the benefits resulting from its
sale. A distribution was at one time com
menced but the depletion of the treasury by the
democratic party led its leaders TO disregard the
act Of Congress, since which time our lands
have been given to soldiers or the proceeds of
what has been sold merged with the other re-
ceipts Of the general government
IL 70 1"i'- r-"h"'.i~ .L". ~~-.L-- l;-.-;L~.:~.
will never take place. In the meantime il does
seem advisable that while immense tracts of
land in the new States and newer Territories
ar" devoted to educational purposes, and for
which the government as well as the older
States receive no equivalent, at least small
portion of this almost boundle.s territory be
made available for similar purposes TO those
States by whose valor these acquisitions were
chiefly made. 1t is meet that the Eastern as
we'll as the Western States be allowed to par
iicipaie in the advantages arising from free gifts
of Landed properly.
Entertaining these views we are pleased TO
observe the movement made by our able repre-
sentative. in Congress in the introduction of
bill designed 10 secure this desirable result, and
we gladly lay it before our readers. The pro-
visions OF this bill fully meet our views, and
we most cordially wish it success II provides
for the wants Of the industrial classes of our
country for whose requirements, at least in the
n1f Statno tba
made by existing institutions. Each State and
Territory which may provide colleges for the
benefit OF agriculture and the mechanic arts is
TO receive twenty thousand acres for each mem
Der of its Congressional representation. Ac-
cordlng to this apporilonment, Vermont would
be entitled 10 one hundred thousand acres.
vision that those who till the earth and those.
engaged in developing its resources should be
partakers of'the benefits arising from our pub
lie domain. If those who fight the battles of
the country are allowed liberal donation in
recognition of their services why is i, not equal
ly appropriate that the farmer, manufacturer.
and miner, should also be made partakers of
similar gifts 1t will not be commended that
our prosperity and growth is more Dependent,
upon the soldiers than upon these more silen,
yet more effective aborers. The principle con-
tended for has been recognized by the general
government in the liberal donations made for
seminaries of learning in The States and Terri.
tories where portion of the public lands are
situated for the retaining of swamp land.
and for the building of railroads 1t is to be
hoped that 1t will be extended until al, e,asses
shall alike participate in this boon.
l.he provisions of the bill in question strike
us as very appropriate. The income alone can
be appropriated for the promotion of education,
while the principal will remain perpetual
fund from which perennial draughs of happi.
ness shall be drawn. The provision made for
reports OF progress and improvements will b
OF signal service in fostering spirit of invest
CATION, and encouraging scientific attainmen,
in the business preservatve of life and wbic'
naturally lies at the foundation of our happines
and prosperity.