The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-06-24

had been entrusted to notify the settlers that
they would be charged 81 25 per acre for
the land, and 25 cents additional to cover
expenses Of every kind. This additional
sum was fixed upon by Mr.. Rice, after con-
sultation with many persons some Of whom
thought that as much as IS cents should be
the extra charge instead OF %; heard no
complaints by the settlers, but they oil seem
ed well pleased except one or two persons
whose claims Mr.. Rice would not recognize,
as their rights were disputed. Mr.. Hail.
the surveyor, received the money from the
claimants he was paid S20O::for his servi-
ces in the second sale $4,000 were paid
over to the Indian agents and So % were
paid for printing thinks that the settlers
would have to pay more than 25 cents ex-
tra which they did pay, if they had been
Obliged to to 60 to the land Office and prove
up their claim in the usual way. know of no
money, beyond 81 so per acre, having been
received by Mr.. Rice or by his clerks or by
any one else. for him or for them. The
Secretary Of War has not yet decided what
is to be the compensation of those employ
ed in making the sale but these and all
other expenses are TO be covered by the fund
made by the extra Is cents per acre. ln
each case the receipts given TO the settlers
showed that they had paid 81 % for the
land and "a cents for expenses.
w. X. MEIIAFFEY.
The following letters from Messrs. RicE
and PHELPS serve TO clucidate the method
of the sale /:
SENATE CHAMBER, june 3, 1888.
SIR From my long residence at Prairie
du Chen and at Fort Atkison, and my init.
mate acquaintance with the circumstances Of
the settlement of Fort Crawford reservation
in Iowa, together with the numerous appeals
had received from the settlers thereon TO
secure or aid them in securing titles TO their
claims, | was last April induced TO accept
an appointment from the War Department
as special agent to sell the said reservation.
While disclaiming all intention Of doing in
Justice TO the government, am free 10 con-
iess that my only object in accepting the mp
pointment was to aid the men who had in
good faith made their homes upon this land.
had no pecuniary interest in any part
lRlCoi- ut sulc III uhy, ioos' Va', aItSi
due notice, conducted in fair and open
manner; over 300 persons were present: and
! then and there informed all interested
that could not under my instructions, sell
any land claimed by actual settlers, and none
claimed by them was sold. AT that time |
notified the settlers that | would do all in
my power to procure their claims at the
lowest price, and that they must have their
money ready at any time to pay for the
same, that / might receive instructions to
sell within six weeks, and that, il &c. would
give them ample notice 80 that they might
be present. recommended that they should
have the land at 1925 per acre, but as
they would be saved all the expenses usually
incurred by entry under the pre- emption laws,
that they should pay the expenses Of the sale.
During the summer was IN constant cor
respondencc with the settlers. ] did not
until late in December last, receive instruc-
tions 10 sell ard in these instructions ] was
directed to sell, a. ] had recommended, at
81 % per acre. ! could put no other IN
depreciation upon the Instructions than that
should charge 1925 per acre. and an
amount sufficient TO cover the expcnss,
which. after carefully making an estimate !
put at % cents per acre. did cause n sur
vcy 10 bc made. ! did know the name Of
each claimant. the date Of his settlement. the
amount Of his improvement, and the quality
of the soil Every settler was On the ground
himself or be was represented there. did
send an express 10 inform them OF the time
| would meet them did employ a large
force TO aid in making out their papers
did paw all clerical anil nolarial iees, all ex-
rsnsea Of sursey. making maps &c; ] did
not sell any land which ! supposed to be in
contest: iid no, show any iayoriIism, but
labored day and night TO aid the claimants,
! had no other object in view; ] reported
all the facts To the secretary Of War, stat
ing tba, had charged sl.5o per acre for
the land. have thus given br'ef sketch
Of the transaction, knowing that my conduct
will meet the approval Of oil honest M n
who are conversant with thc facts, and Of
my own conscience.
With great respect, your olEieni servant
H. VI. RIcE.
Hon. JEVy'S DAyp,
Chairman Conmrti,, on NJ.ia,s dga"'.
IioUsy oY REPRESENTATIVE,