Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1890-05-16
TITLE TO INDEMNITY LANDS.

contrary Notwithstanding.
TITLE TO INDEMNITY LANDS.
The news comes from Washington that
the list of indemnity lands selected in
1888 by the Northern Pacific railroad
company opposite to SO much of their
line as runs through. Minnesota and
North Dakota to the Missouri river, and
the Pacific division of their road in the
state of Washington, will not now be
acted upon and approved but are to be
held back for certain political reasons
and purposes.
We are 10th to believe this report. No
reasons, political or otherwise, could war
rant as unjust and disastrous a measure
as the Withholding of the patents for these
lands which, under the very laws and re-
gulations of congress and the interior de-
partment the railroad company is enti-
tied to receive.
The greater portion OF these lands have
been sold and are occupied by settlers
who, against many obstacles (of which
an unsettled title is one) are endeavor-
ing to do their part in advancing the in
terests and developing the of
the great northwest which is more and
more making itself felt in matters of pol
itics and state, and which, at no distant
day will exert a far reaching and domi-
nant influence in the affairs of the gov
eminent and the shaping and guidance
of the nations policy and destiny.
It is the people more than the railroad
company, that is injured by the long de-
lay in the matter referred to.
The availability of land, las of many
things), depends upon its free use not
only for purposes of cultivation but as
an asset or commodity free for sale, or
as an unimpaired security, and it cannot
be thus available unless the title is un-
tainted and complete.
The people of North Dakota, particu-
larly the settlers upon these indemnity
lands, have long enough-too long-been
hampered and burdened by the difficult
ties arising from the failure and repre-
hensible neglect of the government to
issue patents for these lands and thus
complete and set at rest, in the hands of
thousands of our citizens, the title to
much of the fertile domain of our new
state.
We had many greviences as a Terri
tory, but We waited with more or less
patience, for the advent of statehood, be-
lieving that many wrongs and disabilities
would be removed or righted.
The people of North Dakota are now
factors in the political affairs of our
country and, having been freed from
many Of the disadvantages of ter
ritorial existence, they will not silently
submit to have the title to their lands
longer kept from them.
The politicians who counsel further
delay in the matter, or assist in such de-.
lay, are not the true friends of u state
and can thereby derive no party or
personal success in or through the state
of North Dakota, South Dakota, Mime
sofa and Washington.
No political party can safely tamper
with this question, either in congress or
in state campaigns.
North Dakota is a republican state and
the party leaders should do all in their
power to have lighted this wrong. that
has 80 long existed, and bring to speedy
and just conclusion the matter of the ap-
prevail of these indemnity selections and
the issuance of the lands selected, and
then perfect the title to said lands and
render them available in these times
when every settler is entitled to have
every right and advantage in his en-
deavors Ito keep his head above water
in the uncertain current and wavering
tide of passing and coming events.
We trust our senators and representa-
tive in congress, and those of neighbour
ing states, will remember that the inter-
ests of the people should always by para
mount to those of party or personal
politics, and exert themselves to bring
about the speedy approval of said in
demnity selections and the issuance of
patents for the lands covered therein.
The press throughout our state should
agitate the matter thoroughly and fear
lessly.