The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1888-12-08
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
Speedy Enactment of Measures to Prote ct
The ruhliC Dolnain Urged.

In the report OF the secretary Of the interior
which VIII be laid before you, the cOud ton of
the various branches Of our domestic affairs con-
necttd y 1th that department and It's operations
during the past year are fully exhibited But
bret reference to some of the subjects discussed
in this able and interesting report can here
lie made, but | commend the entire report TO the
attention OF the congress, and trust that the sen
Sible aud valuable recommendations il contains
viii secure careful consideration.
cannot too strenuOuSly insist upon the i'm
pOrtance OF proper measures to insure right
disposition OF our public lands, not only as a
matter OF present justice, but in forecast OF the
consequences 70 future generations. The broad,
rich aCres Of our agricultural plains have been
long preserved by nature TO become her untram-
meled gifts 10 a PEOPLE civilized ana free upon
which should rest, in well-dis-r buted ownership
the numerous homes OF enlightened, equal
and iraterual citizen. They came TO natural UJs-
session with tie warning example in our eyes CT
the entail OF lniquities in landed proprietonhip
which other countries have permitted and sun
suffer. We have no excuse tor the violation Cf
principles cogeuuy taught Jy reason by example
nor for the allowance of uretextS which have
sometimes exposed our lands TO colossal greed.
Laws which open the door TO fraudulent aCguisl-
tiOn or administration which permits favor to
TapsclOus seizure by favored lew Of expand
ed areas mat many shOuld ENJOY, are accessory
10 oieuSes against our national welfare and hu-
maulty not 10 be too severely condemned or pun
tsLed.
II Is gratifying to know that something has
been done at last TO redress the injuries 10 our
peopleand check the peTllous tendency 0fthe reck
less waste OF national domain that over -uUJJ,0gJ
acres have reen arrested from Illegal usurpatiOu,
impTuyideJt grants ami fraudulent entities ana
claims to be taken Tor the hOmesteads 0! honest
Industry, although less than the greater areas
thus uuiUStiy lost must afford profound graft
heatOn 10 right feeling citizens, as il i recon-
pense for the labors aud the struggles Of the re
covery.
our dear experience ought sufficiently 10 urge
the speedy enactment of measures Of legislation
which viii couHne the future opposition OF our
remaining agriculture! IaLds to the Uses OF
actual hUs5audry and genuine homes. Nor
should our vast tracts of sO-called desert lands
be welded mp TO The monopoly OF corporations or
gra> piag Z individuals, az appears to be much The
tendency under the existing statute. These
isGds require but the supply OF water 10 become
fertile and productive. 1t is & problem Of great
moment how no. .alsziy for the public ,-s-G
that faC.Or shall be furnished. l cannot but
the sources OF their irrigation 10 isll into
the hands OF mouopJlies, which by
such means may exercise l0rdship
over areas dependent urOu their treat
been taken 90 secure accurate and scientific iG-
formation Of The conditions which is The prime
basis ot Intelligent action lutil this shall be
gained the course Of wisdom appears clearly to
promises 10 create rights aUfsgoui>t.c 10 the
common interest. 40 L8m can follow this eau.
ti0usIy course The land viii remain and the
public good presents no demand :CT Lasty dis
possession OF national ownership and control
cola N end q $50 the recommendations that p-
pE0Viiate measures lie t2Ecu 10 complete the ad-
justment the various grants made TO the states
for internal improvements aud of swamp and
Overrowed lands, as vel as TO adjudicate and
finally determine the validity and extent of the
numerous private land claims. All these are ele
ments OF great Injustice and peril to the settlers
upon the lOca tiles affected, and now that their
existence + more pressing than 10 fix as soon
possible their bounds and terminate the threats
of trouble which arise from uncertainty.