The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-12-18

An Adequate Appropriation Need Not BE
Expected From This Congress.

Expected from This congress.
WAsHTyeros CRY. Dec. i7.--lepecial. l.
The estimates of the surveyor general for
next year call for 500. 90 for the survey Of
public lands In the various states OF the far
West This sum would he none too much
TO open up desirable lands tor incoming
settlers. but it has already been decided
that less than half that sum shall be appro-
nriatcd. show has been made by the
Democrats of the committee on appropria-
;ions OF consulting tho Western members.
who are mostly Republicans, but the con-
situations consisted of telling them what
they were likely to get and adding that it
wouldn't do any good 10 kick against the
inevitable and might do harm. Repre-
sentative Wilson says he Is informed the
amount decided upon for public surveys
in the house committee on appropriations
is $f75, 600. and that IL will be possible to
increase this amount in the senate Is ex-
trcmeiy probematical. A prominent
member OF the committee says that,
taking into consideration the pres
ent condition OF the nations
finances. it will be impossible to
&c. through larger appropriation for this
purpose. All arguments advanced by
Western men pointing out that the thous-
auds of dollars expended in making sur
ysys is certain means Of increasing the
revenue of the government by millions of
dollars from the sale of the public lands
surveyed are futile. An immediate appear
arce Of economy is the one thing mostly
desired by Democrats At the present time.
This will give only . small sum for an ex-
tension OF surveys IN the state Of Wash
inEton. Three years ago Representative
Wilson secured SIS, 900 for his state out of
n total OF St0o. 600, two years ago Sos. 900
aud year ago 10000. This year he
thinks he will do we'll il he gets an allow
anee OF SO, 900 out of the reduced appropri-
etion.
Some slight relief. however, to the reo-
ris who are waiting TO make entries upon
public lands not yet open to settlement
will be afforded In the general legislative
appropriation bill. The surveyor gem
erals in all the states and territories hav-
ing public lands still unsoid have asked
for increased appropriations for clerk
hare TO bring up the work of the offices
that are still in arrears. The committee
ON appropriations have considered this
subject very carefully. aud 1t has been
partially agreed upon that there will be m
increased allowance for the surveyor gen.
erals office IN each state in order to CON-
plete the records and plats of all back sur
veys and omen up all such lands for settle
ment This condition of things especially
exists in the state Of Washington. and the
estimate Of tho surveyor general OF 81. 500
for clerk hire for the ensuing year may be
considered rs very moderate and abso-
iutely necessary If the lands already sur
vered are to be opened To- settlement
within any reasonable length OF time.
People who complain about the delay in
throwing open the public lands do not
realize the difficulties with which the land
department has 10 contend. Reports Of
deputy surveyors ara never ready when
they shoutd be, and without y sufficient
clerical force Of competent men the piats
cannot be prepared