The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-11-01
An EXPERT OPINION.
Are Tide Lands Subject to Lo-
cation?
THE DEPARTMENT IN DOUBT
En-csmmissfsner stseksiaser. Of the
Iana once. Expresses EIfs Views
on the scrip Question.

Fx-Com missioner S. VI. StocssIageF. OF
the gznerxl land Office IN Washington, D.
C.. arrived in the city Monday. He left
/. Washington September 10. and has since
visited various cities IN Colorado. Utah,
Wyosaing. Montana. Idaho and this state
he Intends leaving Seattle tsN1ay, and
vii visit Chicago. Mex Mexico and Okla
homa Ecfore he returns 20 Washington.
where he is AZ present engaged in law bus
mess.
Mr. Stocxslager was seen yesterday by 4
PosT-IxTgLLrgEScER reporter. and asked
his views with respect 20 the present filings
of scrip on the city front. he said:
Il am aware that there is az present q
great deal OF interest ever the numerous
applications to locate Valentine and other
scrip or the harbor front o. Seattle psTtic-
ulariy. and that there have been almost an
equal number Of protests entered against
the same bat a. | have not ret read the
full decision rendered by Commissioner
stone ] am not in a position 10 give an
opinion in the matter
THE question presents some very nice
points. First, IS tide land public land,
subject 10 location by Valentine scrip, or
in any other waYs second. has there been
any previous appropriations OF the tracts
or previous occupation by private persons
! believe the policy Of the land Office has
been 20 avoid as much as possible taking
any steps 10 survey the tracts where litiga-
ton might arise on the question as 10
whether they belonged to the federal gov
eminent or to the state. There are eases
arise where the question Is whether the
lands are aceretions and as such belonging
- Z
therefore the property Of the state. Pretty
much all the points brought tsnin this case
have been before courts in other states and
decisions have been given. 80 far as this
ease is concerned, believe it will be finally
settled IN the supreme court.
II Is very important and interesting
subject 20 the people Of Seattle. and I can
readily understand why the public are
anxious. If the scrip flers are upheld, it
will mean great loss TO the city. because
i will interfere materially with commerce
and that means the public. ] under
stand that the tracts filed upon have been
occupied and improved by corporations,
and although as individuals they may be
considered in one way, yet in another
their interests are identieally those OF the
public.
1t is estimated, ! am told, that the scrip
fled covers property to the value OF S. 600
coo. To bring the ownership OF that into
question, under the circumstances in this
case. means great deal
1.-The holders of the scrip appear to be GER
tain parties in New York Washington and
Chicago. and when they bad secured con-
troll of the majority of the Valentine scrip
they proceeded 10 see what could be made
out IT, As for the Mckee scrip, lam not in
a position to venture an opinion having little
knowledge OF il beyona the changing Of the
act last March. II was then located by the
president, aad for one ! saw no objection
TO making the change required when the
matter was under consideration OF the gem
eral land Office.
THE real question is this Is IL public
land OF the United states and subject Ia
disposal by the land Office, or is il the prom
erty OF the state2
a have heen travelling over the North
west since August, and while all sections
have great resources, must eandidiy say
that those OF the new state of Washington
are TAR ahead of all have seen. Washing
ton has everything to make 1t a great state.
and beyond It's vast natural resources il
has the nerve, activity, drive and go-aheaa
that tend to make state prosperous
Seattle has much 10 boast OF in the way
of natural advantages. which will make it
great commercial center and distributing
point for large region OF the Eastern
country. With Its coal. iron. timber, etc.
ii IS in position to go largely into manu-
featuring and supply large territory.
THE class OF buildings going up in this
city is a credit TO its people. and was
really surprised to find the evidences of so
much wealth and such a display of &C
tiyitv +"