The Russellville Democrat., 1877-09-06

ernment. with interest calculated to January |, 1878, in bonds held by the United States, is $l,757 ,986. Now for the payment of this debt. In the first place let our members of the newt Congress pass law to ena- ble the State of Arkansas to reclaim the swamp lands within her limits. In pursuance of an act of Congress passed Tn 1850, and subsequent acts confirming all selections made and reported up to the present time, and provide indemnity for all lands dis posed of by the United States since land grant; provide the manner of taking proof, making it simple and easily accomplished, and give cer- tain number of years III which to make other selections under the swamp land grant. The State is en- titled to indemnity for all lands sold by the United States which were selected and reported to the General Land Office. Let the proceeds of lands confirmed by the act of Con gress in 1857 and afterwards sold by the United States be paid to the State. Something over 100000 acres of unimproved swamp lands were sold for cash by the General Govern ment for nearly $200,000 and 100000 acres or more were located with war rants and scrip. Two hundred and fifty thousand acres selected by the State and afterwards certified to railroads by the United States, and say 230,000 acres Of unapproved swamp lands which does not conflict with any interest. The General Government has disposed of about l,OOO,000 acres of lands selected as swamp lands which Arkansas IS en- titled to or pay for the same. The right of the State to many of those lands is not affected as they were confirmed to the State by act of Con gress. These lands are in the Batesville, Little Rock, Helena, Campagnolle, Fayetteville, Washing ton and Clarksville districts, and many thousands acres of swamp lands in those districts yet to be selected. This interests every tax payer in the State. Now what we want is a far settlement with the United States Government, and whatever is due the State of Arkan- sas on account of swamp lands and any and all other land grants and on account of the five per cent fund re- tained by the Government upon the sale of fpublic lands. Let us find out how much this all amounts to, prin- cipal and interest, and apply the entire amount as credit on the debt due the Government. Let all the lands that the State is entitled to under the swamp land grant be confirmed to the State, and then put all the swamp lands of the State at a fair price upon the market, and as fast as the lands are sold let the pro ceeds be applied to the payment Of the debt or sufficient amount to pay off the debt.
 II these claims are property au- justed and judiciously managed the State will realize very large amoupt-perhaps> quite enough to liquidate the entire debt, without the necessity of issuing new bonds and imposing tax to pay thls old debt, contracted thirty five years ago.
 This is matter which claims the immediate attention of our members of Congress. Let the necessary laws be passed for an adjournment, and let it not be delayed. The people are tired of hearing this old debt story, "bonds and bondholders," "repudiation," scaling process, etc., and no settlement made, and nothing accomplished. Let us go to work at once and have settle ment with the Government, and pay off this claim, and stop that part of the old State debt. Our Represents tives in Congress will no doubt give this subject their immediate and earnest attention.
 JOHN CRAWFORD.