The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-01-08
LAND OFFICE MATTERS.
The Investigation Continued How thu
state Has Been Euchred Out

The Investigation Continued How the
state Has Been Euchred Out
OF Her Land.
The Legislative Land Office Committee met
last night. Present: Senator Robertson and
Representatives Peralta and Tremoulet; and
absent, Senator Landry and Representative
Drury,
Mr.. o. II. Brewster, Of the United States Land
ONCE, was called to the stand and stated that he
was desired from his Office relative 10 the lands
donated to the State by
THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT
under the act.
Mr.. T. J. Tully, clerk in the United States Land
Office, was sworn, and upon being questioned as
to Irregularities in the State Land Office, stated
In substance that his business called him there
frequently; he went there often, and was
accorded permission to examine the books, but
under no consideration would they permit him to
make any memorandum, the reason given being
that the memorandum or any needed informa-
ton would be furnished by the Office, and for
which fee would be charged; he had COM
planned to the Register (Mr. draham). in regard
70 the matter. and was told that it was matter
LEFT WITH THE CLERKS,
and would have to see them.
Was not refused access to the books, but was
not permitted to make any memorandums. Had
to pay fees himself for persons in the country
who sent to him for information concerning State
lands. Sometimes made four or five entries
day. Know that large quantity Of land sold
under the gradu stion act at 1871 cents per acre
for actual cultivation were purchased for the
purpose Of securing the timber only. The lands
were unfit for cultivation and could not be cul-
tivated, from the fact that they were swamp
lands. The parties purchasing or renting knew
it at the time they made their afidavits. knew
1t from the maps. In such cases the purchaser
gets perfect title when he pays the 121l cents
per acre, but the law is such that ne is not COM
PEELED to settle upon the lands.
Have been in the land Office business for ten
years for the state and general government. and
have made many entries in which afidavits GER
tilted to have been filed. Know of many Of these
afidavits being received with jurats attached by
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
or other officers supposed to be authorized to adj
minister oatbs. when there was no certificate
from any clerk Of court or other official to show
the party attaching the jurat was authorized so
to do.
Parties complained to witness frequently that
in the State Land Office fees were charged that
were not authorized by law.
Knew OF Q large amount OF land in the State
1849 80, which the general government claimed,
and in some Instances had sold. One instance
was in st. Martin parish, where one entire town.
ship, 23 COO acres ~ south, east, had been en-
tered as United States government land, which
formerly belonged to the State. The same land
had once been sold by the State to John Slidel,
and came under the swamp act. Knew Of con-
siderable lands in the State that would
IMMURE TO THE STATE,
say 100 900 acres, IL the State had that which
verted to it under the acts OF 1S49.50. and this
only include that which had been surveyed. 1t
did not include the lands which had not been
surveyed, such as the e. shallow lake lands.
In one instance knew Of q large quantity which
reverted to the state under the ac's Of 1S49-50,
and by an act of 1856 was given to the New Or
leans, Opslousas and Great Western Railroad;
that subsequently, when the charter Of that road
was forfeited, the lands were claimed by the gen.
eral government, and had been 80 held since
then.
Adjourned until Thursday at p. m.