Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-04-08
SOLDIERS MEETING.
Considering the Best Plan for Securing the
Eenefits of the SOldiers' Homestead Law

Considering the Best Plan for Securing the
BENEFITS OF the Soldiers Homestead Law.
meeting of old soldiers convened yesterday
evening at the Office of E. II. 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, by re-
quest of the chairman, the object with which
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 soldiers
homestead law, to hear what tracts of country
are open for settlement and to get all the de-
tails and information that would be advanta-
geous to due understanding of the subject
IN fact, to bring together beneficial prelimin-
airy organization.
Capt. James Starkey here questioned the
speaker as to the naodus operandi of the organi-
zation, and in reply, Capt Wood gave it as his
opinion that the organization would only be
temporary, but that, being assembled together,
they might agree upon plan to send delegates
to CLEAN information as to suitable localities
for settlement, thus saving much trouble and
expense to the individual seekers
after homesteads. He regarded this
as merely meeting of conference convened
the lands in view, and concluded by reading
several extracts from the pamphlet issued by
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
Others gave their ideas on the above, and after
some discussion the chairman gave it as his
opinion that, with regard to the perfecting of a
title to claim, it was really a
question for every mans conscience,
the law distinctly recurring, that,
land for one year, and prove the same by two
reliable witnesses.
Capt. Wood then moved that committee OF
three be appointed to procure information
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. Fl. Wood, II. H. Taylor, and G. A.
Wells.
A further committee, composed of NJ. J.
|OConnor, G.. W. Anderson, and j. Starkey
was appointed to visit the various railroad
land offices, and investigate as to favorable sit
uations for location.
Mr.. Wells having by request made few re-
marks as to the capabilities of the st. Vincent
country on the Red River valley, the meeting
adjourned till Saturday next at 8 o'clock P. M
when they hope to secure the old court house
for their place of assembly.