Speech #490108861

I was among the first in the matter. and am in the battle still. and expect to remain there. I have seen the bills in the cases of the Oregon Central grant. with its 3.000.000 acres. the greatTexas and Pacific grant. with its 18.000.000 acres. the Iron Mountain grant. with its 800.000 acres. the Atlantic and Pacific grant. with its 23.000.000 acres. all become lawsand these great bodies of land saved to the pioneer as a practical gift from the Government. instead of being held at a price by those who had already carved outprincely fortunes from the lavish grants and donations of a peoples Government. I see upon the calendars of both Houses bills from our committees which we hope to pass involving 25.000.000 of acres more. nearly all fit some day for cheap homes to landless emigrants. The results of these laws already passed are now apparent. I have seen myself some of the benefits already accruing to the sturdy pioneer in his quest for a cheap home. and I shall be glad. sir. to see the same measure of success in the near future in Congress that has attended my efforts since I have been here.