The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-10-02

These letters are of little consequence ex-
cept as Introductory to the letter of the at
torney general concerning what I regard as
the most audacious attempt to rob settlers Of
their homes ever perpetrated. On February
10th Mr.. Childs wrote me as follows
Attorney Generals Office, ST. Paul Feb. 10
1S92.-Hon. John Lind, Washington, D. c.;
My Dear Lind: Your letter of the Sth
inst, came to hand today. Mr.. Clapp is now
In Washington, and no doubt will see you be-
fore returning to st. Paul.
The matter to which you write came spe-
cially under my notice and doubtless the &C
ton of the governor was influenced by what
| may have said or done at the time 1t came
before him. 1t arose very informally, and /
distinctly stated to the gentleman repre-
| am unable to recall. that as I understood
the law there was no authority whatever for
the governor to make the appointment in
question. At the same time did not appre-
ciate that such appointment would leopard
lie the interest Of any one, and, as 1t was
strenuously urged at the time that 1t was
rights Of the corporation, / advised that it
would be harmless If the governor felt dis
posed to make it; and the commission was
drawn specially with reference to guarding
the interest of the state. I dare say II the
effect Of the appointment will be to tie up
the lands in question and prevent settlement
upon them: and all the more SO in view Of
the fact that the appointment is no doubt
unauthorized, the governor might be disposed
to revoke 1t. At any rate, I should very
eheerfully take any steps within my power
appointment is to- be as you suggest; and
l am very sure Mr.. Ciapp would heartily
cooperate to the same result. am, very
truly yours, H. W. Childs
Comment on this letter is unnecessary.
Its own language is the worst condemnation
OF the official action of the writer of it
That public officers should be SO Indifferent
about their duty, and so reckless of the
rights of the citizens, as is evidenced by
this letter, is deplorable, to say the least
The attorney general admits that the APP
pointment was illegal and unauthorized; that
there is no warrant in the law for it. but
subsequently, when Gov. Nelson's attention
was called to the question. he revoked the
appointment. as follows
State OF Minnesota, Executive Department
Feb. 20. 1ss3.-To the Register ana Recaivar'
United States Land Office, Marshall. Mimi.
Gentlemen: Please take notice that the ap-
the state of Minnesota for the purpose of
making selection of lands accrued to the
state by virtue Of an act of congress- en-
titled titled An ~. act making additional grant OF
nate sections, to aid In the construction Of
railroads in said state" approved July 4
dSsS' De and the same hereby is revoked
-Knuts Nelson. Governor.
And wrote me in regard to the same in the
State Of Minnesota, Executive Department.
st. Paul. Feb. %, 1S93.-Hon. John Lind. M.
u, Wasnlng on, d. G. Dear Sir: / thank
you very much for your favor of the 10Th
relative to the Hastings & Dakota land grant
matter l entirely agree with you in respect
TO your views on that subject. All | can do
III the premises at present is simply to re-
woke the order OF my predecessor in appoints
ing Mr.. Skinner agent To select the lands
and this / have done.
I have mailed an order OF the enclosad ~
voking order to the register and RECEIVER 81
Marshall. and also to the secretary of fine in
terror. | send you copy of my order In the
premises, well as a copy of the order of
my predecessor, which have revoked.
l hope that as soon as congress adioprns
and you return, YOU will come I'D here To
ST. Paul and help the boys secure the lepis
laJion that is needed for this matter. m il
clear that the indemnity lands at least car
at all events be saved. Yours very truly.
-Knute Nelson.
This was all that he could do. ana he "a
entitled to credit for his good will IN .he
premises. but unfortunately the evil had been
do1e. The unauthorized selection had boen
made and the lands were tied up The So
lection was sent to Washington to the general
land office, and was pending there In pur
suance or Gov. Nelson's suggestion I drew
a bill TO forfeit all claims of the company
and OF Russell Sage, to any further lands
under the old land grant. Senator Young in
troduced this bill into the legislature in SIsq3
and fought valiantly for 1t, but the lobby in
the senate defeated, its passage At the newt
session OF the legislature he introduced the
Dii again. and succeeded : in getting 3 il
through. 1t was between the passage of that
Dill and its signature By the goyernorsfhst