The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1885-05-14
LEASE AND SALE OF LANDS.

partly agrees that this is
the correct policy, but instead of sell
ing the land in large blocks it would
have sales made as test, as prescribed
by the law now on the statute books, |
but repudiated by the Land Board. |
We have frequently declared in favor
of selling the lands in such bodies as
to establish permanent locations in
the grazing dist lets. The way
to attach people &c the best
interests of the State
is to give them a permanent interest
in it's soil. The West is mostly adapt
ed to grazing, at least in that is its
present value, and to induce perma-
nent settlement in these grazing dis
trict' if is absolutely necessary for the
State TO dispose of lands in such bed
les as may be of some permanent ad-
vantage to live stock breeders. These
lands need development, and if per-
sons were allowed to buy as many
sections as the law says they may buy,
there might thus be secured such in
trest in the soil as would induce
owners to improve lands for the
purposes aimed at in settlement.
Were the lands sold in sufficient guam
titles to create this interest, artesian
wells would be bored, tanks would be
built and farms would be enclosed and
lands would be sown in small grain
for the feeding of stock. The water
and the cultivation would begin to
create more evenness of seasons, and
in time even climatic conditions
would be changed. Regarding the
propriety of selling lands the Clipper
says: "If the lands had been allowed
to remain on the market and sold as
under Roberts administration they
would have all been sold ere
this, and the revenue that would
be going into the treasury to day from
interest on the same WOULD perpetu-
ate a ten months school for everd
child in the State between six any
eighteen years of age. Does any one
doubt thisp If so, just look at the
belt of counties settled up in 1881 and
1872 under the Roberts administra-
ticn. Look at Taylor, Nolan,
Mitchell, Howard, Jones and Run
nels counties. In less than eight
months from the time the land office
of Mitchell County was opened every
section placed on the market was
sold, and has since that time been
paying eight per cent. interest into the
school fund. In addition to this lands
are rendered for taxes and pay theil
quota into the State Treasury be-
sides, and even more. The tax rolls
Of Mitchell County foot up over 81 ,.
100000; the State taxes amount tC
quite a sum. Is there any organized
county which has been manipulated
by the late laws and Land
Board which can make such
1 showing? Are there any five
of these counties that can
make such showing? None, nor
will there be until the lands are sold
1t matters but little who buys thu
lands. The most important thing is
to get them out of State politics. II
speculator buys,the purchase makes
him al immigration agent. Cattle
men, horsemen and sheepmeI
will buy what they require
for their herds and no more
and the consequence will be that al
will be accommodated, and the lands
all Sold" The principle here presented
is good, and yei we do not approve Of
the wholesale disposal of lands tt
single interests. They should be solo
in limited quantities, but not as pre-
scribed by the Land Board. Regard
ing leases, THE STATESMAN differ;
with the Clipper. 1t is opposed tc
leases, while THE STATESMAN re.
CARDS both the lease and sale of lands
necessary adjuncts to the prosperity
of the West. But the leasing of lands
where they are in use should be en-
forced. We agree with the Clipper that
the lease of lands, as prescribed by the
Land Board, must result in the grand
est failure; that the school fund must
necessarily he robbed Of an emmenst
amount, because of policy adopted
which experience has taught extend;
free grass to the great cattle barons
THE STATESMAN, however, respects
the opinions of those who insist
that the only true policy by
which revenue may bt
derived from school lands Is to sell
them to suit purchasers. 1t is true
that were all these lands sold, there
would qe large revenue. where there
is none now. But, if the Land
Board will sell and lease lands accord
ing to the provisions of the statute, it
may be proven thereby which is the
proper policy to pursue. If in nc
other light than as an experiment
The STATESMAN hopes the law will
no longer be ignored. Let it be dem.
onstrated if lands at four
cents per acre may be
leased, and ii the seven section
sale law will induce purchases OF
lands. The law worked beautifully
until the Land Board repudiated it.
Now let it be seen If it may not be
made to work again. The people are
tired of no return from school lands,
brought about by the interests or bare
whims of one or two State officials.
SECRETARY BAYARD.