The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-02-06
THE BEAVER LAKE LANDS.
Correspondent Who Says the State is En-
titled to Them.


titled to Them.
To THE EDITOR-Sr: The Journal Of last satur-
day, through 4 contributor who signs himself "Fair
Play" called public attention TO the effort being
made to draw from the state through legislative
actment, $4,000 10 be used in cutting down or re-
moving the ledge OF rock extending across the Kan
kakee river the state line, the object being
drain the wet lands bordering the river within
this state, the effect Of which would be TO
greatly improve the health of the country,
and increase the productiveHess and value
Of the land. "Fair Play does not object so much to
the enterprise to the mode OF meeting the cost,
he urging that the expense ought be paid, by
the state but by the people who will derive the ben
eft: There seems to be good sense in this.
This morning another contributor, signing him
self Fair Play, No. ,, presents himself through
the Journals columns, referring to the foregoing
terprise and agreeing with his predecessor as 70 the
injustice of any such use OF the states money, and
in the same connection calling attention to the
pending bills in the senate and house for the alleged
relief OF claimants TO lands IN the bed OF Beaver
lake in Newton county. While the proposed
improvement Of the kaukakee at the states expense
apty illustrates its own adsurdity, as well the
necessity of economy Of the strcteSt kind in the use
of the public money, it is not OF the magnitude OF
the proposed 'relief as it is called to the Beaver
lake claimants.
What are the facts of this case? I do not person.
ally know them, but am acquainted with gentle
men who know and are familiar with them and Will
yOuch for their truths as shall state them: These
lands consist of about 5000 acres worth $4,000. The
title OF the is derived from two several grants
from the United States in 1880 and the other in
1873 The title in the state Is absolutely perfect As TO
this there is no question. The pretended title Of
the claimants has no foundation in law equity.
Some nine years ago the state authorities, upon i
thorough examination. came 10 the conclusion on
the subject and caused suits 20 be brought 10 estab-
lish the states claims One OF these cases, beng
tried, appealed to the supreme court, where the
decision was broad and comprehensive, settling the
question as to the states title in her favor
To every pOint and to every foot
OF the land. (See 100 Ind; p 49, The legal
moral and equitable title OF the state settled beyond
dispute the court holding the claimants TO have
been trespassers and wTOngiOers on the lands,
the title to which they now m0destly ask the egis-
lature 10 vest in them.
Wrongdocrs and trespassers the lands, As they
have been held to be by the supreme court their de-
same worth $50 000 her legal and moral claim being
unqueStioned, i a remarkable piece OF lmpudence.
Viewed in this light only it is an admirable per
Torrance.
Everything being settled by the courts against
them, the claimants now, for the third time, come
into the legislature 70 get what the courts denied
them. This Is modest, too
The legitimate tribunal for the settlement OF all
such questions having settled 1t all against the
claimants in the states favor and the legislature
two OCCASIONS turned its back on the claimants,
they are here again begging for the states land.
They want IL literally given t. them. They want
present OF the eighty thousand dollars worth of land
and the legislature is asked to give 1t To them
viii the legislature comply with their request
What explanation OF such wanton waste OF the
public property can be given?
VIII kind hearted benevolently -disposed
member explain How can il be justified?
Don't play with the peoples money and lose II, II
you don't want to hear from them.
In behalf OF the legislature desire 10 say there is
no danger OF the passage Of this bill.
indianapolis, Jan. 20 FAIR PLAY No. s