The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-07


When Congress opened the doors OF
statehood to the territory Of Washington.
and conferred upon the new member Of
the family of states Z magnificent sndow.
ment Of lands, II did not intend that the
infant should be robbed OF its patrimony,
BY any act Of commission or omission OF
its own, or by the negligence or indiffer-
encs Of its servants. Yet the birthday
gift might - well never have been con-
ferred. II 1t can not be utilized; and the
expectant young state might have been
saved the disappointment OF awaiting
fruitlessly the fulfillment Of q munifcent
promise in the actual bestowal of its gift.
To all practical purposes the government
Is donor which gives nothing beneiac-
tor who never berefits. Congress has given
the state Of Washington 1900. 900 acres Of
new school and granted lands, and. through
the fault Of Congress, the state is utterly
poweriess to take possession Of its own.
Congress has directed the young state to
help itself to portion of the public do
main, and has tied the hands Of the bene-
fciary when it wants to do it II the state
should attempt to 60 upon the vacant
area, and mark of the portion which has
been allotted to it. the government would
promptly grab 1t by the coat-tails and Jerk
1t back within the survey line.
The grant of lands to the state was for
specific purposes, viz: the endowment of
the state university, Of . scientific school.
OF agricultural colleges. for public bui'd-
ings. for normal schools, and for state
charitable. penal and reformatory institu.
tons. OF every one Of these requests it is
desired to take immediate advantage, and,
to that end. the late legislature passed laws
creating state university. an agricultural
college and scientific school, normal schools,
and state reform school How are these
institutions to be established and SUP.
ported3 Directly from the state treasury
BY special tax upon the people7 Or by
use OF the endowment granted to them
severaily? Manifestly. it was intended by
Congress. and it is expected by the state.
that the people of Washington shall be re-
lieved OF large measure Of the burden OF
support OF every one of these institutions.
the state is obliged to make donations for
their maintenance. grievous injustice will
be imposed upon every taxpayer in the
state. Not one of these institutions but il
essential to the development of the high er
civilization of the new common wealth: not
one that can b dispensed with without
lasting injury to the moral and educationa
interests Of Its people: net one that is not
supported literally and heartily in all the
older states. No excuse for their estab-
iishment need be made; but Congress needs
an apologist for not snacting legislation
that will make the endowments available.
and relieve the public of heavy pecuniary
charge.
The need of prompt action by the gov.
eminent is pressing. The state legislature
meets in January, and it is desired then
to take further steps toward the oper alton
OF these institutions. The legislature will
be greatly embarrassed II 1t is manifest
that Congress intends to withhold ratifica.
ton OF its gift. Where is the money to
erect buildings, to support the institutions
to come fromf Who will advance it? II
the government has done nothing, further
action by the state will Of necessity be de-
layed, at least until the next legislature, in
1893. and who can say that matters will
be in better shape thenf
The time for action IS now. There is no
reason for delay. A comparatively small
sum will enable the state to secure its
lands, and to depend definitely upon reve-
nue. from their sale or lease. The people
demand of the Washington delegation that
1t bend its efforts toward securing a special
appropriation for these surveys. Lay aside
other matters Of less Importance ii neces.
ssry, and do something that will directly
benefit the whole state. The state demands
action, the people demand action, the set.
tier demands action. Do not rest until
Congress has said yea or nay. and then the
coming legislature will know upon what
basis to proceed