The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-06-02
RAILROAD LAND GRANTS.


"Alenation of the public lands" bids fair to assume
the dignity Of party question in the next Presden-
Nal campaign. The Democracy have shown gene
raj disposition to incorporate opposition to t into
teir local platforms, and Whatever the ultimate
tult may be, it is more than likely that sufficient
hostility will be generated in the minds OF the people
TO put decisive check upon the previous policy OF
Congress in this matter The Northern Pacific Rail-
read is probably the last OF those great comperoial
enterprises which will receive such magnificent
proof OF the nations liberallty
Now we do not pretend to say that all IN cases the
public lands which have been ''slenated" have
been disposed OF in the most judlcous way; we are
prepared to concede, even, that many OF the land
grants made by Congress are open to very serious
objections, but at the time we believe that the
general policy, especially as regards railroads, has
been, on the whole, sound, sagacieus, and prodta-
bic TO The nation and, as much Misrepresentation is
likely to be INDUCED In, it may be well to sum up
the results OF experience This s very ably done by
Senator Pomeroy his recent speech in the Sena te
which has been circulated largely throughout the
country; but elaborate as is the argument there
presented, its pth and substance may be put into
very few words
In the first place, then, 1t should be reoollected
that in making these land grants only the alternate
sectens" within certain limits, are given to the
railroad, the others being retained by the Govern
ment The public lands thus retained, which pre-
vfous to the commencement OF the road could be
price to $3.50 per and at this price sold far
more rapidly than any other lands In the Govern
mems possession; that the nation not only makes
an actual gain from its gift, but reaps the perma-
nent advantages Of that increase Of wealth, popus
don, and industry which never failed to follow upon
the construction of a railway. This, would seem
is complete and ample win iicaton from the stand
point Of economics, but few facts will add en-
phasis 10 the conclusion.
Not many years ago Congress endowed the Illi-
nois Central Railroad with land grant Of 2595 900
acres, which have since been sold by that corpora
tion for between twenty FIVE and thirty millions OF
dollars. A great deal Of money was no doubt made
by those who built the road, and its stock brings
higher prices than any other In the market; but the
Government also received very handsome su N for
its own adjacent lands, and 1t cannot be questioned
that the Central Railroad has not only contributed
enormously to the wealth OF Illinois, but has done
much as any other agent in the development of the
entire West. The same is true Of Minnesota. A few
million acres OF unsaable lands were used in build
ing railroads. and rapid has been her consequent
growth that her school lands brought average
last year OF nearly seven dollars an acre.
And, to take a final and crownng instance, the
same may doubtless in few years, be said Of the
Northern Pacific Railroad whose land.grant ia very
much the largest and most valuable yet given to a
private corporation. This grant will not only build
cur second great highway across the continent, out
will make the Northern Pacific one Of the wealth.
will bring from $3.50 100000 to $780, OOO, ,O0e, while the
total cost OF the road will be comparatively small;
but then the Government will have fifty million
acres more, which will be taken up first at $3.50, and
the whole Northwest-the finest unOccupied region
In Amerca-will be opened up to habitation and
commerce. Much Of the company's land grant will
be used to the benefit OF the nation in stimulating
immigration; already when the road is just com
menced, population is hurrying to the adjacent
region, prosperous settlements are being formed,
and lands rising in vaue yet we doubt IT, before
the Northern Pacihc.enterprlse took definite shape,
the whole immense track which constitutes its dowry
could have been sold for million In cash.
great railroad, as we have said, is itself most
potent creator of wealth. and 1t is a short-sighted
conception OF national economy which would be-
grudge 1t assistance which 1t really pays to give.
1t will not be many years before the people viii con-
Sratulate themselves that our Pacific railroads got
fairly under way before the present reaction set in
That the time has come for dscontnuing the policy
OF granting public lands to railways there is pro-
baby little doubt but that this policy has already ac
complished great results in developing the vast nte
rior of our continent, and adding to the wealth OF
the nation, is equally certain"