Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1909-03-03
TO QUIET TITLE TO
VALLEY LANDS
Congress Passes Bill to Adjust
Dispute as to Refugio Colony
Grant Tracts in bona Ana
County,
Morning journal Bureau.
G13 Munsey Building,
- L. ~ AI.nl-

Washington. II. G., March 1,
Congress has finally passed a bin to
quiet title to certain land in Donu
Ana county, New Mexico The bill
was first passed in the senatc, but the
house amended it b. adding another
section. which was agreed to by both
houses. When the, bill CAME up for
consideration in the house objection
to Il was raised by Representative
Underwood This action resulted ia
bringing out some very interesting
Information.
The bin as finally passed reads a.
follows:
THAT in all cases where persons
have made a claim or claims to lana
in Dona Ana county, New Mexico. bl
virtue or under color or bona fide
claim OF right or title derived from
the Mexican land grant, known us
the Refuglo colony grant. In said
county, ana which grant was ON
flrmcd by the final decree of the
Court of Private Land Claims. rem
dered in 1902. and where such per-
sons in good faith and for q valuable
consideration have purchased such
lands ana occupied and improved the
same prior to the rendition of sale
decree. IN the bona ffdc belief that
said lands were embraced In and %
part of said grant and which lands
We're excluded thercfrom by the finai
survey Of said grant ordered Nv said
court, and where said persons. theii
assigns and SUCCESSORS in Interest
have used, improved, and continued
in the actual possession Of the same
as according in the lines of the orig
inal purchase. and where no valid
adverse right of title teXcept of the
United Statcs) exists, such occupants
claimants or purchasers may pur-
chase and the commissioner Of the
general land office shall cause pat
cnts to issue for the same. after hut-
ing such lands surveyed under exist
ing laws, at thu minimum price es-
tablished by law. upon first making
proof of the facts as required in this
section. under regulations to be pro-
vided by the commissioner of the gem
cral land office. Joint entries being
admissible by cotcrminous propric
tors TO such an extent as viii enable
them to adjust their respective boun.
daries. Provided, That the right to
purchase herein given shall not eN-
tend TO lands containing mines oi
gold. silver, copper, or other valuabl,
minerals. And provided, That when
ever it shall be made to appear by pc
tition from the occupants of such
land that injury to permanent i'm
provemcnts would result from rum
ming the lines of the public survey
through such permanent improve
mcnts. the commissions Of the gen
eral land office may recognize exist
ing lines of subdivisions.
"Scc. .. That the commissioner of
the general land office is hereby
authorized TO render to Tho claimants
under this act such assistance as Boo
may deem necessary In the mattcr or
the preparation and submission OF
proofs hereunder. and all actual ex-
incurred by clerks of the gen.
oral land office OF others detailed by
commissioner in rendering tina
necessary assistance to such claim
ants. including per diem allowance in
lieu of subsistence. may be paid from
appropriation for expenses Of in-
spectors. general land office"