The Montana post. [volume] (Virginia City, Montana Territory [i.e. Mont.]) 1864-1869, 1867-12-21
1IRGINIA CITY, MONTANA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2l 1867

fit especially of the Gazette, and inciden-
tally for all.
The recent act of Congress decreeine civ
IL and political equality Throughout. the Ter
ntones, practically cancels and repeals the
provisions OF our local statutes defining the
qualIhcations of voters and jurors. 1t Is not
my purpose at this time to discuss the wisdom
OF proprlety of shis measure, since discussion
would IN no wise effect the result. It's opera
ton has met With no opposition in the sever
al municipal and county elections where
prejudice and principle have been brought
lace TO face, the former being lost before the
mighty presence of the latter. The ordeal
though bitterly severe to many, has been gen
orally accepted cheerfully as one of the inev-
liable fruits Of great political revolution
As loyal citizens, we should hasten to render
legal obedience TO the national will by har-
lnonizlng cur legislative acts with those of
the general government.
The militia laws as at present existing
are pronounced inefficient. The ac-
counts for military expenses in 64-65
have not yet been paid State organi-
cation is recommended, and the popula-
tion claimed to be nearly equal that of
Nebraska. The following in regard to
mineral claims affects us equally with
Colorado.
Under the acts of Congress, approved July
20, 1866, the mineral lands of the United
States, surveyed and unsuTveyed, are laid open
60 pre-emption and occupation-pursuant to
certain prescribed regulations-by citizens of
the United States and those who have declared
their intention Co become such. Since the
passage of this act, a multitude of applica-
tlons tor government titles to mines have
been filed in the land office at Denver. but
the surveyor general having found no one un-
til n very recent date, who would accept the
contracf to establish meridian lines within
the mining districts, owing To the inadequate
pay allowed by law or such service, but one
final survey has been made. This first loca-
zion, by the filing of an adverse claim under
the provisions of section six of the Congress
IUnal act, which authorizes parties having ad-
verse claims TO file them at any time prior to
the approval of the survey, has been duly pre-
pared by the agents OF the general Govern
ment, and forwarded to the interior depart
ment TO be submitted test case, demand
ing such adjudication as will establish Il reli-
able precedent for the guidance of future de-
cIsions. This proceeding will necessarily sug-
gest by It's thorough investigation, beneficial
amendments to the law, which as it now
stands Is practically imperative in such cases.
When there are no adverse claims, Its opera
tion Is rapid and complete, but when compli
cations exist, arising from inaccurate surveys,
multiplicity OF local titles, or the causes be-
fore stated, the law does not clearly delegate
to any established tribunal the power to ad-
just them, or if it does, its meaning is so OBJ
scure TO obstruct most efectually every
step taken to the permanent and definite es-
tablishment of the rights of parties litigant.
the case now pending will doubtless develop
the hidden construction which is TO determine
future action.
The message is a highly creditable
and comprehensived document, and closes
by invoking the blessings of the AL
mighty Disposer Of human events and
ali earthly destinies. To rest upon and
crown their graat and noble mission"