The New York herald., 1875-12-28
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.
WASHINGTON, Dec. %, 1875.

WASHINGTON, Dec q, 1875.
DECISIONS OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTE-
R1oR REGARDING PUBLIC LANDS.
copp's Land Gunner for December reports decisions Of
the Secretary of the Interior establishing the following
principles
Houesteads-The possession Of executor or al.
mnistrator is under the Homestead law the possess
OF the heirs devsee Subject 10 the right Of ad
minstration vested the Officer and the time allowed
by Court for the settlement Of the estate must DO
counted for the heir or devsee N making inal proof
The provisions OF section 229l o the Revised stat
substantially complied with by continual culti
walton for the period OF five years hv the heirs de-
vsee personal residence not being required IN their
At bearing to determine the Abandonment in the
Of the deceased homestead claimants certified
copy OF the Will and other matters connected herewith
may be introduced.
Presumption "A mortgage unsatished at the date OF
proof and entry defeats pre-emption claim
Also decisions OF the Commissioner Of the General
Land once to the effect that soldiers in the reg
uar army may, under section 2, 293 Of the Revised
Statutes, perform the preliminary acts relating to
homestead entries therein mentioned
Timber Cuiure-The planting of seeds cuttings IS
compliance with the Timber Culture act, but the
General Land Office does not inquire how the required
trees are produced. II seeds cuttings produce
healthy growing trees the law Is complied with.
A timber culture settler may relnqush portion Of
the land embraced in his entry and hold the re-
malnder.
SAT- Springs-The existence Of salt spring n
tract of land wilhdraws from the operation Of tho
Homestead and Presumption laws, vide sections 2aS
and $50 Revised Statutes hearing for the purpose
of proving the agricultural Character Of such land ~
allowed.
Mineral Lands and Raiirodd Grdnts-The question,
Can lands containing valuable deposits Of MICA
ing II agricultural to the Union Pacific Railroad. he
patented under the Mining law was answered :First
lands containing valuable deposits Of mica may be pat
ented under the Mining law Of May 10, 1872; second,
all minerals except coal iron excepted from the
grants to railroads
Secretary Chandler has reversed the decision Of tho
Commissioner OF the General Land once the ~
Swift against the California and oregon Railroad, hold
ing that the right Of the company attached TO the lands
in the MarysNille District claimed by Swn upon the
fling OF the survey OF its road, in 1867, and that
Swirs entry cannot be sustained, he having gwen
mortgage on the land which unsatised at the
Of proof and entry.
coSsULs RECOGNIZED.
The President has recognized Jose Pergnat Vice Con-
sui Of Spain New York and Fredcrico Granados Yca
Consul OF Spain at Savannah
WORK OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE CONF
MITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS.
The subcommittee Of the House Committee on Ap
Point Academy and the Consular and Diplomatic appro
pration bills ready report the reassembing Of
the House OF Representatives.
A CALL UPON THE NATIONAL BANKS FOR A RS
PORT OF THEIR CONDITION.
The Comptroller OF the Currency has called upon tho
national banks for a report showing their condition az
the close Of business Friday, the 1th Of December
THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE CLOSED DURING THn
HOLIDAYS.
The Executive oaice viii be closed general visitors
until Monday January 5.