St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-18
Lamar Seeking to Keep CObb Out
of the Chairmanship.

Lamar Seeking to Keep Cobb Out
of the Chairmanship.
Special to the Globe. 5+..
WASHINGTON, Dec. IA good deal OF
interest is felt in the prospective organiza-
ton of the house committee on public
lands. There is vigorous contest over the
craftsmanship of the committee, which is
far-reaching in its results. In the last con-
gress the committee on public lands was
divided in opinion regarding the forfeiture
Of lands granted to railroads. 1t was
claimed by majority of the members OF
the committee, under the lead OF Mr.. CoDb,
as chairman, that all lands which were not
earned by the expiration of the time at
which the road was to be completed, ought
to be forfeited. On the other hand, it was
held by Mr.. Oates, Mr.. Van Eaton of Mis-
sissippi, and several of the Republican
members of the committee that the govern
ment permitted the roads to 90 on building
their lines after the expiration of the time,
and did not in the meantime declare the
lands forfeited, the roads had right to all
the lands lying opposite the section of road
constructed after the expiration OF the
time, and
was ordered. This question was trans
ferred from the committee OH public lands
to the committee OH judiciary, and there
the legal views of Mr.. Oates and his fol-
lowers were sustained by an overwhelming
majority. The matter attracted consider
able attention at the time, as the difference
of views was not only strongly marked. but
because it involved the right of many
million acres of land held by the Northern
Pacific and other roads. Since Mr.. Lamar
came to the position of secretary of the in
terror he has been studying this question
and he fully comedies with the views held
by Mr.. Oates and his following. So strongly
is he impressed with this view that he re-
Gently sent request to Speaker Carlisle
that in making up the committee on public
lands he should appoint Mr.. Oates instead
Of Mr.. Cobb it's chairman, saying that
committee made up of men holding the
views expressed by Mr.. Oates and his fol-
lowers could materially assist in the sOlu-
ton of the
RAILRO AID LAND PROBLEM
By some means this came to the ear of
Mr.. Cobb, who is a pretty frey fellow, and
he was, as a natural result a good deal dis
turbed over it. He set off on visit to Mr..
Lamar, and it is said took him roundly to
task for his course in the matter. Lamar
replied with some spirit that he was anxious
to see committee appointed that would
work for such legislation as could be passed
and be made available in settling disputes
regarding railroad lands, adding that in his
opinion the views held by MIR. Cobb were
not good in law and would not stand the
test either of congressional action or of the
courts should they be enacted. 1t is under
stood that Land Commissioner Sparks, the
head of the public land division of the in
terror department. affirms the views held by
Congressman Cobb, SO the alleged quarrel
between Sparks and Lamar seems to enter
into the complications growing out of this
committee question. What Speaker Car
Isle will do in regard to this committee
position cannot be definitely foretold, though
as he is man of peace, he may. dodge a
quarrel by emitting to place either Cobb
or Oates at the head of that very important
committee.