The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1870-11-19
The Public Domain-Po Politics, & R. R. Grants

The attention of our readers and Con-
gressional and State Representatives is
called to the following from the Chippewa
Falls (Wis) Herald, which we endorse
Within the last year, it has become fash
inonable for political conventions to pass
resolutions III which the "sacredness" of
the ''pubic domain is touchingly alluded
to, and resolutions passed denounclng the
Appropriation of lands for building railroads
a swindle. 1t is also a noticeable tact that
the localities wherever such kind of fconven
tons meet, are generally ones that have
been the recipients of railroad benefits Sc
cured through these very grants OF land.
1t has often been remarked that one of
the noticeable traits of a politicians char
acter is perfect willingness in perpetualy
holding himself ready to kick away the lad
der by which he has climbed up to prom
inence and fame. That peculiar eccentrl-
city is now beginning to be exhibited III
CERTAIN communicative passage of just
such resolutions as we have alluded to
alone being complete proof.
But is it right? Is it just? Are these
lands so valuable that the taking of them
forraroad purposes is speculative robbery !?
We think not Most of them lie in places
where, without the iron track, they are
perfectly valueless. They only become an
object when the railroad passes through
them, and the government really makes
money in granting alternate sections to any
company that will thus open them up to the
market OF the world.
The Chippewa Valley contains immense
tracts of public lands that would be worth
ten times more ii a railroad was IN cOnve-
nient proximity. On the route between
Chippewa Falls and Superior City, on Lake
Superior. there are valuable tracts Of land
which, at the present time lay hidden, just
as ice remains cOngealed III the spring,
when in shady place. But once let the
iron horse 90 travelling through, and pres
to, what a change! A desert springs in
TO thrifty farms bountltul soil, which
, has idlv sucked in the rain and refreshing
dews for wears, becomes infused with ener-
cv, while thrift and prosperity watch with
emotion the rich harvests and plethorlc
, store houses; where now the air rings with
: the melody of the denizens Of the forest,
!. there would be the
i -"low of cattle and song Of BIRDS"
+ and stately houses would plough the air
n with their sloping roofs; instead OF the
sturdy pine or Ieaty maple.
. These would be some OF the benefits de-
t rived from railroad. Without that
;. th. ugh, the land continues to be unlnhab
d liable, and the government is minus the
nH money which it would otherwise bring.
And so, while conventions are pratln2
% about the 'sacreoness" of the public do
1t main" would it not be well for the mem
a. bers to ask themselves the question, shave
o ace ever been benefited by land gran
v railroad" and ''iS 1t not really better ano
ct more profitable for the government to give
or alternate sections to any corporation tha
as will open up country where the balance
!, can be sold at a good price?
h. We are confident that the people vii
Il. answer in the affirmative, and rebuke tn
a petty attempt of cheap demagogues t
us make capital out OF such tiimSy economics