, 1862-03-20
so LAND ron sEcEssIoNIsrs.


We copy from the Oregon Statesman the fol.
lowing circular, which has been sent from the
Land Office, at Washington, to Registers, Re-
ceivers, and SurveyorS.Gcneral The action in
this case is very proper, and such as none but
enemies Of the Government will cavil at:
GExERAL LAND OFFICE, Jan. 6, 1862,
GENTLEMEN This office has received coIumu-
nication dated the 81 inst, from the Hon. c. b.
Smith, Secretary OF the Interior, by which we
are advised that he Is in possession Of information
in which he places entire confidence, that many
persons in Oregon, and probably others in WASH
inston Territory, are claiming and obtaining the
benefit Of the Acls Of Congress donating lands
to actual settlers, who openly express sentiments
hostile 10 the Government whose bounty they
| claim, and adherence to and sympathy with the
existing rebellion"
The resources Of the Government, necessary
to sustain ITS credit in the future, and required
50 far as available in the present, to suppress
this rebellion, ought not to be squaudered upon
those aiding and abetting the treason, which it is
the great object Of the Government to destroy
and eradicate.
| The Acts Of Congress granting donations Of
land restrict those donations to citizens and who
have sOlcmnly declared their intention to become
citizens, before the Judicial tribunals. The spirit
Of these Acts, therefore, confines the grants Of
lands to persons loyal to the United States, and
to such only.
Your Office and the local Offices Of the Land
Department, should refuse to execute and deliver
certificates and evidences Of claims to dSiuyal
persons. whether they have aided and assisted
the existing rebellion, or are plotting to render it
assistance in tho future.
The Act Of Congress Of March Sd, 1887, (sec.
~ in tf
provide for the punishment Of certain crimes
against the United States" recognizes the right
Of the Commissioner Of the Government Land
Office to issue orders regulations, and inStruc-
tons respecting the public lands, and the author
| ity Of the District Land Offices tO administer oil
onths required by such orders, regulations or
instructions. The Act Of Congress Of August,
1861, requiring an oath Of allegiance aud to sup.
port the Constitution Of the United States, has
prescribed form Of oath, which, under orders
Of the Executive, has also been administered to
pensioners and persons having claims against the
United States; and which, in my opinion, it is
proper to cause to be administered TO all persons
claiming certificates VI donations Of lands.
These remarks, it will be observed, apply with
equal force to ali persons claiming presumption
rights, which are special grants Of preference and
,aVOr conferred by the Government, and by it
restricted TO loyal prrsOns. DBL ..
In accordance with these views and pursuant
to instructions,
!. "Ar persons claiming pre.emptions or do.
nations OF lands are required to take the oath ol
allegiance above designated Qorm hervwitL) be.
fore obtaining certificates from tue local land
Offices" ~
2. These certificates have already been issued
aud the patents IN these classes Of cases FeInsin
under the control Of this Office or the local Offices
1 h.