The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1892-03-18
ARID LAND BILL,

Judge Luse has called our attention
to the following outline Of the arid land
bill stating that although the matter is
frequently mentioned he had not yet
seen a complete draft Of the bill. The
Judge thinks it a perniclous measure
that will facilitate the work ofland grab
bers. That provision which allows the
states or territories to sell for Clown
site and right Of way purposes" and to
mortgage or conditionally sell in large
areas to raise money for irrigation
certainly leaves a large loop hole for
jobbery.
The legislation asked by Mr.. Forsha
through his irrigation committee, en-
bodies all asked in this bill but goe
farther and asks an appropriation from
the general government to carry out
these provisions. We believe 1t would
be a costly mistake, even if honestly ad-
ministered, for the states to accept OF
| these lands without sufficient appro-
priation Tor their redemption.
sThe bill provides that practically all
lands west OF the ~ninety-ninth meridian
be decided to the states and territories,
including mineral lands not more valua-
BILE for mining than agriculture, exclud-
ing lands to which claims arenow made,
providing claims are proved up accord
ing to law, otherwise these lands to re-
vert to the states. 1t is conditioned
that each state and territory accepting
shall proceed without unnecessary de-
lay to prepare for the distribution OF
public waters and for irrigation and re-
clamatlon. States may sell lands for
town-site and right-of-way purposes,
Pasturage lands adjacent to irrigation
lands always follow the irrigated lands.
States or territories may mortgage or
conditionally sell in large areas to raise
money for irrigation, but eventually,
when the sale is complete, it must be
to actual settlers and in small tracts,
only $50 acres OF irrigable land to one
party, but additional 100 acres OF non
irrigable can be sold to the same party.
In addition is provided q homestead
right. Prior use OF a homestead right
under United States laws does not bar q
party from taking another homestead
under the state statutes; providing
however, that the state cannot sell tx
any one party more than 800 acres al
together. Non-irrigable lands are to b.
sold ut a price not exceeding $1.25 pc
acre and as much less as the states de
eide. Each homesteader or settler c
: irrigable lands may have appropriate
to him or leased all contiguous grain
lands. This can be with or withou
' price, as the states decide. Each settle
has a right to appropriate land neart
to HIM than other settlers. In ares
where no settler applies, states may pr
vide for temporary leasing. Timber M
necessary for conservation Of snow al
water may be sold by the state as pr
vided, all reservoir sites or timber lam
to remain the property Of the state I
the benefit OF all, If any expense Tor
clamatlon is incurred on mining Ian
the party making proof must pay !
the irrigation if any has been done. !
unsatisfied soldiers claims, land scri
certificates, etc, shall be honored. !
funds from sale, lease or otherwise oflar
timber, etc, to be used for the reclaim
tion Of lands. But If there is a resid
it shall be added to the permane
school fund. After ten years and q
notice upon proclamation OF the Pr
dent and legislation by congress. certs
lands may revert to the goyernme'
but for the sole purpose OF being
claimed by the government, accord
to the spirit Of this act. Upon PASS
by congress and acceptance by 9 stf
the compact becomes irrsppsalable,
cept upon consent Of the United Sta
and the state or territory