The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-12-13
LAND MEN IN CONVENTION.

A circular has made its appearance,
signed by number of prominent land
men, calling a meeting of real estate
operators to be held in Dallas, Deem
Der Is, for the purpose of effecting an
organization. The purposes, as set
forth in the circular, in the organiza-
ton of an association are:
First-To assist in advertising the
resources of Texas and encouraging
immigration. Second - To secure
strict integrity in all transactions per-
tanning to the purchase or sale of real
property made by the association.
Third-To secure to every owner of
real property in this state, whether
individual, firm, corporation or fund,
full enjoyment to the exclusive use of
it. Fourth-To facilitate thel trans
fers of real property.
The belief is expressed, that if such
objects are attained the available pub
lie school fund OF the state will be
rapidly increased; that real property
will be advanced in value; that the
general revenues of the state will be
so multiplied and augmented as to adj
nit of still further reduction in
taxation. These are certainly graft
flying results to be contemplated, and
TIE STATESMAN is not at all inclined
TO disbelieve the prominent land men
of the state can accomplish by united
action Just such results. Over a year
ago we suggested the formation of
such an association as is contem-
plated, the idea being that unity of
action among land men could be made
to result in enhanced value of lands,
and in consequent advantage to every
real estate owner in Texas. This can
be done and we are pleased to see the
move, and hope it may have a
conclusion satisfactory to the most
sanguine. A very important sug-
gestion contained in the circular be-
fore US, the object of which is to make
the association permanent and effect
i've, and to secure the greatest good
to its members, is to confine the
membership in The association to
given number of members, sufficient
ly great to embrace the prominent
real estate men of Texas, who may
wish to become members; that
no individual. firm or corporation
shall be permitted to own or control
more than one membership; that the
amount at which a membership be
fixed for all those who become MEM
bers at the December meeting shall
not be less than $500, while the opin-
ion is expressed that $1,000 would be a
more proper fee. This may appear
a very large sum, but it
is not when it is considered that
special advantages may be derived
from such an organization. Besides,
as is set forth, the funds of the
association could and should be in
vested in a manner to be fixed thereby,
and the membership would be assets
in the hands of owners, just as are
memberships in any well organized
merchants or brokers' exchan e. 1t is
hoped the meeting will be largely at
tended, for The STATESMAN does not
hesitate to say an organization like
the one contemplated will he of meal
culable benefits to both public and
private land interests. Out of con-
sultatlon and cooperation with such
men as will enter this organization
the best manner of disposing of pub
lie school lands, and of special fund
lands may be evolved; and so, too,
may a remedy against this terrible
incubus, that weighs down the states
prosperity, be discovered and applied,
before the ranges of Texas are rele-
gated to their primary condition.