The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1880-12-03
NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD
s.. ~ .. ... LANDS. ..
The Method Adopted For Disposing OF Then


E.n ... .. LANDS. ..
The Method Adopted For Disposing of Them.
The following, in reply to letter Of in
quiry, Is the more interesting now that 1t ap-
pears the road will be rapidly constructed.
While we do not see that the resolution car
ries any legal obligation and may be rescind-
ed at any time, it is fair to assume the COM
pany is acting in good faith, and 1t would at
least do no harm for occupants Of railroad
lands to file their applications for the same.
NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD CO., J
LAND DEPARTMENT, ,
ST.. PAUL, Minnesota, November 10, 1880.
James III. Mills, Esq, Deer Lodge, M. T.:
DEAR SIR-In reply to your favor Of the
9th inst, asking as to terms of sale, etc., Of
railroad lands by the Northern Pacific Com
pany in your Territory, enclose copy Of
the circular letter in use In reply to applica-
tions for lands that will answer In part your
inquiry. -.- y Vs.. a., f.r .ru. II
The resolution of the Board, as part OF
this letter, Is very plain in'its meaning, and
Is In conformity with the policy that the
Company has always adopted with reference
to actual settlers. p .r..na'-r .rrnnA ~.
A large portion Of the lands within the
limits of our grant west Of the Missouri river
are yet unsurveyed by the Government, and
the limited appropriations for this pur-
pose every year convey the impression that
we cannot expect early completion Of this
work; the resolution of the Board Is there
fore pledge to all settlers that If going on
to unsurveyed lands within our grant they
will only have to pay $2.60 per acre in case
the surveys find them on railroad lands. y.
The wisdom Of the exceptions Is apparent,
for they prevent absorption by Spectators Of
what is essential to persons for public bene-
fits.
It should, however, be carefully noted
that these prices are given for agricultural
lands and to occupants. The purpose Of the
Company is to protect the settlers on the
ground, the one making and owning the i'm
provements. .. Ping.
To purchasers, other than settlers, prices
will be fixed by the Land Department ac-
cording to the true value of each particular
tract after examination Of the lands by our
agents. 7''' =8 .@ ...
In answer to the general inquiry as to how
settlers can make their claims, would say
that no particular form of application is nee
essary. A simple letter designating the land
wanted, directed to this Office, is sufficient,
and upon Its receipt 1t will be placed on file
and, answer, same IS enclosed circular, will
be sent TO the applicant. asa- r.rP r-
As this reply may be of general interest,
will be pleased to have 1t made public. s..'
Il. egffs saag Yours truly, .ss.r NJ s-z
fsH a.t: sgnf JAMES B. POWER ETA,
aa .aI .'a7ra 'nf Land Commissioners.
IL. #ause #fsF WH rgr Et s.rr
1.-THE CIRCULAR LETTER ENCLosED.1
o. NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD Co., J
= a---Itr # LAND DEPARTMENT,
ST.. PAUL, Minnesota, ............, 1885,. }
..................
DEAR SIR--Your favor off,. ........
making application for the purchase Of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. received. sn .
The following copy Of resolution by the
Board Of Directors Of this company states
plainly the policy Of the Company in regard
to the sale of Its lands west Of the Missouri
river: " KIM
Resolved, That the agricultural lands OF
the Company west Of the Missouri river 10
Puget Sound shall be offered for sale TO actual
settlers It the government price Of $3.50 cash,
per acre, with an addition OF ten cents per
acre, to be paid to the Company TO reimburse
Il for the cost Of selecting, surveying and
conveying said lands. This resolution does
not apply TO coal or iron lands, nor TO lands
chiefly valuable for timber, nor to lands re
quired for town sites, nor in regions where
water Is scarce, TO lands containing springs
or other natural supply, where 10 shall be
for the interest Of settlers 1t large that such
water privileges shall not be exclusively held
or controlled by any individuals; nor 70
lands required for the use Of the company In
connection with the operation Of the road.
D Your application win be fled for further
consideration when we are prepared to make
contracts for sales Of lands In Montana, and
II the tract you apply for i agricultural land
within the meaning Of the resolution. refer
red TO, and Il Is shown that you are the fRst
and only occupant thereof, you will be Civ
en- the first right ofpurchase 4 the minimum
rates. Yours truly, 4 bsas
"a iod. ,senw ,rsh.,-srt............ s
MI Il gsi b.ll.mt Land Commissioner.