The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-10-16
LAND MONOPOLY.

worse plagued than those Of any other
state in the Union by land monopoly,
are evidently determined TO rid them
selves Of the curse. During the last dec
ade, the idea that land is God-given to
the children Of the earth has grown in
popular favor with wonderful rapiiity
throughout the civilized world, aud on
this coast especially the people are ris-
ing In their might 10 enforce the self
evident truth that no person has right
to hold aud possess more land than be
or she can cultivate aud use Great
difference Of opinion exists as 10 the
amount which should he the limit but
there Is not much difference a. 10 the
opinion that limit must be placed
somewhere. In California the limita-
ton idea is taking tangible form in the
shape OF an amendment To the new Con-
stitution, the notice of which was first
given in the Sacramento Bee a short
time since. Il is proposed to so change
the organic law as to preclude any per
son from becoming, after the lst Of
January, lsSl, the owner OF more than
$50 acres. II after that time person
shall be the possessOr OF more than
the amount named, the excess must be
disposed OF within five years. The
amendment will compel the Legisla-
tures to enforce the section 10y proper
laws.
Supporters Of the proposed amend
meut say that, if it does not pass in this
session by the necessary two-thirds vote
it will be brought forward again aud
again until il is submitted to the people
at general election. II it is once sub
mitted to the people, there can be no
doubt that it will be ratified. The last
campaign in California served to show
how violently opposed to land monopoly
the press and people OF the Golden State
are. DR.. Glenn's candidacy for Cover
nor gave the press a splendid OppOrtu-
nifty (and it was improved) to expose
the evils Of system by which one man
can bold hundred thousand acres Of
land, and keep a vast section OF country
from being properly settled aud peopled.
Even the journals which for political
reasons supported DR.. Glenn were silent
on the question as 10 the public polity
of allowing one man such a vast do
main, but endeavored TO show that their
standard bearer did not use his posses
sious to the detriment Of the laboring
classes. Allowing that Dr. Glenn was
most liberal landlord, Il does not change
the principle that those who titled the
soil we're entitled to hold it and receive
the benefit Of their labors. DIR. Glenn's
monopoly is not the worst in the State
by any means.
There is a vast difference between
agriculture as a pursuit and any other
calling. Any class Of manufactured
goods is dependent upon the caprices OF
the public for sale, aud the peraon who
risks the chances Of losing capital is en-
titled to the gains, il there be any; but
the raising and growing Of articles OF
food is not subject to the whims Of the
people. While man may create property
and be entitled to it, the fact that 20
man can make or uBmake an acre Of
earth aunuls his right to the ownership
Of more than his necessities require.
The amendment does not aim at con-
f-cation. Those who hold vast tracts
will be allowed five years in which to
dispose Of their immense ranches, aud
the fact that the people are so united in
opposing monopoly is abundant evil
dence that the land will bring a fair re-
turn. IL the amendment passes at once,
it will be voted upon at the next general
election, and the men will exercise their
sovereign right to accept or reject tive
think the former. IL is to be hoped that
the question will be pushed to an issue.
A. the San Jose Mercury says, sit is
well TO have matter Of such supreme
importance settled as quickly as posi-
bic, and in the most direct manner that
can be devised"
Other amendments affecting land mo.
nopoly will also demand the attention
Of the Legislature-oue providing a
graduated system Of taxation on large
landed estates, and another that landed
property shall be divided among all
heirs alike, regardless Of age, sex OF
condition. Thus il is evident tnat the
subject Of land monopoly is to be the
prominent feature Of the discussions in
the coming California Legislature. The
people Of Oregon should keep carefully
posted on the proceedings in our sister
State, as we are alss troubled with land
monopoly to some extent.
muu 0sTvuopuTa cuuup s0rrr1-,