Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-04-07
SOLDIERS MEETING.
Considering the Best Plan for Securing the
Benefits of the Soldiers Homestead Law.


Benefits of the Soldiers Homestead Law.
meeting of old soldiers convened yesterday
evening at the office Of E. H. Wood, on Bridge
square to discuss the question of homestead
claims.
There was good attendance considering the
short notice given and after some desultory
conversation as to the bearing of the law on
the subject, Col. Davidson was nominated and
unanimously elected to the chair.
Capt. Wood, having been appointed secretary
without opposition, proceeded to state, ny re-
quest of the chairman, the object with winch
the meeting had been called. He said the idea
of the movers in the matter was to get
the old soldiers Of St. Paul together
to discuss the provisions OF the solulers
homestead law, to hear what tracts Oh :, country
are open for settlement. and to get all the ue
tails and information that would be advanta-
geous to due understanding of the subject;
in fact, to bring together beneficial prellmln-
airy organizations. 80, i,
Capt. James starkey here questioned the
speaker as to the 1nOd.ts Operd10a OF the organl-
cation, and in reply, Capt. Wood gave 1t as ms
opinion that the organization would only be
temporary, but that, being assembled together,
they might agree upon plan to send delegates
to CLEAN information to suitable l0calltles
for settlement, thus saving much trouble ana
expense to the individual seekers
after homesteads. He regarded TINS
as merely meeting Of conference convened
to agree upon an economical plan OF locating
the lands in view, and concluded by reading
several extracts from the pamphlet issued ny
the general land Office on the subject.
The principal questions that agitated the
meeting appeared to be, first, whether I'M
mediate settlement was necessary upon taking
up claim; and, secondly, whether or no the
year necessary for residence on a claim under
the statute is continuous.
Messrs. H. l.. Mills, G. w. Anderson, and
some discussion the chairman gave it as his
opinion that, with regard to the perfecting OF
title to a claim, it really a
question for every mans conscience
the law distinctly requiring, that,
in order to perfect such title, man must
make declaration that he has resided on the
land for one year, and prove the same by two
reliable witnesses.
Capt. Wood then moved that committee OF
both as to the necessary affidavit, and the
question of continuous settlement, and also all
information bearing on the subject under dis
cussion. The motion was carried, and the
chairman appointed as members of such COM
mittee, with instructions to report at the next
meeting E. II. Wood III. H. Taylor, and G. A.
Wells.
A further committee, composed of M. >.
OConnor G. w. Anderson, and J. Starkey,
was appointed to visit the various railroad
land Offices, and investigate to favorable sit
nations for location.
Mr.. Wells having by request made a few re-
marks as to the capabilities Of the st. Vincent
country on the Red River valley, the meeting
adjourned till Saturday next at o'clock P. NJ,
when they hope to secure the old court house
for their place of assembly.