The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1885-05-07
THE LAND BOARD.

The Policy that VIII Probably Prevail
in Regard to The Public Lands.
There were two sessions of the State
L md Board yesterday, one in the
morning, the other in the afternoon.
All the members were present. The
order of the board of February last,
suspending operations to await legiS-
lative action was revoked.
The Governor observed that he was
present TO call the Board together, but
should not in future consider himself
an active member. He would not
absent himself and thereby impede
operations. His reasons for declining
to act in the transaction of current bus
ness were then given,the same i'll effect
as contained in his message. lie would
however. serve III case OF tie, or to
make quorum, or when any kmatter
OF extra importance required his
presence.
Applications by actual settlers for
two tracts OF land, filed prior to the
Both of February, were accepted.
Comptroller Swain introduced pro-
gramme, changing the policy of the
Board so as 10 Fix leases of dry lar DIS
at five cents, and watered lands at ten
cents per acre, and to allow put
chase of seven sections of dry
lands by one person. After
considerable discussion, Templeton
proposed that sales and leases be made
under rules and terms, in force when
operators were suspended. Walsh and
Templeton voted for the proposition;
Swain and Lubbock against it: the
Governor decided in its favor. Swain
then renewed his proposition as to ia
voring 10 cents for watered lands as
an amendment to the rules. 1t was
defeated by the same vote as above
The Comptroller then renewed his
proposition allowing purchase of seven
sections of dry lands fit only for gra-
zing. This was discussed at length,
but was defeated by the Governors
vote.
The governor then proposed to per-
nit purchase of three sections of dry
grazing lands by one person-an actu-
al settler.
Swain moved to substitute six Sec
lions. Swain and Lubbock voted aye,
Walsh and Templeton no. The Gov |
ernor voted with the latter.
Lubbock moved to substitute five |
sections, which was lost by the same |
vote. Swain then proposed four sec
tions, which was also lost.
1t was finally agreed to adopt the
plan of the Governor, amended
by Walsh and Templeton, to
require the three sections purchased
to be contiguous or to corner on each
other, and to be sold under competi-
ton. Lands heretofore leased were
were not subject to sale under this
rule.
The question of leasing dry
pasture lands at five cents was
brought up again, and substi-
ute by the Governor to lease
1t 6 cents was adopted, Walsh and
rempleton voting in the negative.
rhe term of such leases was fixed at
Tx years. There was no limitation as
% the quantity fixed, the board re-
erving the right to refuse all applica-
ions.
Lubbock's proposition to allow act
lai settlers to buy one section of wa
cred land was defeated.
At this point amember of the firm of |
Maddox Bros. g. Anderson, wanted to ;
know if the board would lease lands
n Greer County.
The Governor thought the rules of
he board did not apply to Greer
county and any action relating there
o would be outside the rules. Lub
)ock favored such lease, if it would
end to strengthen the rights of Texas
IS claimant to that county Texas
llready has control of it. exercises jul i.
Jurisdiction, collects taxes, and tries
nen for crime committed In its Dor
lers, and l fvaor leasing5lands located
here" observed Comptroller Swain.
The Governor asked il there were any
applications for the lands.
Templeton.-r think there are"
Mr.. Maddox.-"rh There are persons
lere now who desire to lease the
ands."
Swain favored their lease; so did
Walsh, but subject to the decision of
he boundary controversy.
The application of Madd X Bros. u
Anderson is to lease 100000 acres at
i've cents, subject to settlement by
actual settlers, and to cease in the
event the question of ownership is
lesided against Texas.
Nothing definite was agr. ed on and
he Board adjourned to meet on the
It'll inst.
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