Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-03-06
the P0sT.INTElLIcENCER PUB. CO
Gesftle June 10 1888.
.raVCATE BRENTs AND THE NORTH.
gkN PACIFIC LANDS.

In a letter, dated feDruary Iotn, 10
tho editor Of the Cheney Tribune, Mr..
Brents wrote az follows:
am in receipt OF your favor Of the
e,h inst, but | am unable to say how
Sar the Committee on Public Lands, OF
wbich | am a member, or the House
nav 90 in the matter of restoration OF
the railroad lands of the Northern Pa
s;6c: some being disposed to forfeit
lands contemporaneous with the unson
structed portion of the road at the time
for its completion !; others, all lands Co
tsrminous with the unoompleted road
AZ the time of the declaration OF the
forfeiture.
So far AZ | am concerned | should Op-
nose the forfeiture of any lands through
which the road has been completed, and
would also spare the lands along the
Cascade branch, between Wallula and
the Sound, provided that that portion
Of the road be completed by July 4,
1896 and that all the lands of the COM
nany be made subject to taxstiOn and
for sale to actual settlers at not over
$3.50 per acre. and saving Also the rights
Of all bona fide settlers on any Of the
lands prior TO the time Of definite loca-
tion not at that time within the forty
mile limit as withdrawn.
In case, however, a forfeiture il de-
cided upon shall do all ia my power
TO secure confirmation of the titles of
purchasers from the railroad company
OF the lands along the completed por-
tions OF the road. Whether | shall be
successful or not cannot now f0reteil,
AZ the forfeiture fever is very high; but
think there il no cause for any very
ssriOus apprehensions. Some members
Of the committee. however, have sug-
gested that all these lands be forfeited
and permission be given these purchas-
ers from the railroad company to again
purchase from the government at
*l25 per acre, and leaving them to seek
recourse from the company upon the
covenants in their deeds. This l have
strenuously opposed on the ground that
il would be great hardship, especially
to the poorer Glasses of purchasers. to
be compelled to buy again with but a
bare prospect Of indemnity at the end
Of All expensive law su with tho COM
pany; and fiattcr myself that my argn-
ments have had their effect upon the
other members of the committee.
The course of the company toward
settlers upon lands selected within the
indemnity limits, in demanding extOr-
tiOnate prices, regard AZ unwise, iu,-
polite and unjustifiable, and the fact
being known here is intensifying the
already existing prejudice against the
company, and in favor Of forfeiture to
the fullest extent.
Nv afduous duties in the committee.
meeting as it does almost daily, and in
other matters, makes such a draft on
my time that | am unable to answer
your letter as fully and particularly and
perhaps l might say ~ accurately, AZ
its Importance demands; but haye en-
deavOred to give you brief outline of
the situation. and my view of tho best
course to be pursued in the interest of
our people consistent with justice to
the railroad company.
Ihave recently had several hearings
before the Committee on Territories of
the Senate in behalf of the bill proposed
BY me and kindly introduced by Mr..
Dolph for admission, and begin TO have
some faint hopes of the passage of this
bill so amended as to enable us to form
and adopt our State constitution and
elect our State officers, dispensing with
the Territorial election in November, In
readiness for admission as soon AS the
Residential question is ont OF the way.
This seems to be the only feasible way to
Ret 1t through the House and will, l
think, secure admission sooner than any
other course. At the request of the
committee AN now preparing n report
upon the subject, subject OF course to
any changes they may see hit 10 make
after considering the matter.