Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1902-05-23
TO PROTECT SETTLERS.

TO PROTECT SETTLERS.
In a recent letter written by Senator
Hansbrough to the editor of the Rem
vile Golden Sheaf. published by F. A.
Mcdonald. exception is taken to some
statements that because of Senator
Hansbrough's interest in behalf of set
tiers who were delayed by climatic
conditions in filing On their claims,
many settlers we're misled and their
claims left open to contest. Senator
Hansbrough says:
"My attention has been called to am
item in your paper of last month with
reference to the condition under which
numerous settlers in the Minot land
district were prevented by storms from
going on their claims within the time
prescribed by law. In this article you
state that I made ga pretty play in
sending out kilograms that Settlers
would have sixty or ninety days of
grace in which to get onto their claims
on account of recent floods" You
further state that only an act of con-
gress could change the present law
the fact that it was not changed, and
was reported as being changed by MI.
Hansbrough, has caused a misunder-
standing among settlers and caused a
great many to lose their claims by con
test" You also say that eff Mr..
Hansbrough had not interfered in try
ing to make a good fellow of himself,
these settlers would have been on their
claims before the six months were up
You further suggest that l had been
fishing for votes and that my short
sightedness has cost many a pool fel-
low his place. etc. Now, I desire to
call your attention to the fact that the
first knowledge I had of the hardships
to settlers resulting from the storm
was conveyed to me by kilograms which
I received from parties on the ground.
I Immediately went to the general land
office and conferred with the commits
sioner and after stating the case as it
had been stated to me by telegram the
commissioner authorized me to reply
that under the proviso to section 229s
of the Revised Statutes and amend
ments thereto, where q settler has been
prevented by climatic conditions from
establishing actual residence upon his
homestead within six months from the
date of entry the commissioner may
in his discretion, allow the settler
twelve months from that date within
which to commence residence. | al
once communicated with parties in the
Minot district giving them the sub.
stance of the interview l had had with
the commissioner. The commissioner
also notified the local land office to the
same effect and doubtless his letter il
on file in the landoffice and may b,
seen by those who desire. I did no
report that the law had been changed
as you say | did, and do not think YOU
are justified in saying that I was try
ing to make a good fellow out of my
self. I vas doing what I conceivet
to be my duty in premises made to M
by persons familiar with the situation
Your statement that if I had not inter
fered "these settlers would have beel
/ on their claims before their six month
! were UP" is the argument which viii
) doubtless be used by persons who con
, template Initiating contests in the case
5 involved. If the conclusions wer
, such as to allow settlers to go upo
:. their claims within six months the
) certainly no action of mine coul
change those conditions.