Speech #500092811

I will make a statement covering the facts of the case. The original donation act was approved September 27. 1850. and was to induce population to that distant region. and granted 640 acres to a married man and his wife and 320 acres to a single man. and was limited to those who had become settlers prior to December 1. 1850. Another section limited the quantity of land to 320 acres to a married man and onehalf to a single man emigrating to and settling in Oregon and Washington between December 1. 1850. and December 1. 1853. and this limitation was extended to December 1. 1853. The report which I had the honor to make for the committee explains the situation fully. as follows: That said bills propose the confirmation of titles to certain lands in Oregon and Washington Territory settled upon the early settlers under the act of Congress approved September 27. 1850. commonly known as the donation land. and confines confirmation exclusively to those who made residence for four years. submitted final proof to the surveyorsgeneral or registers and receivers. and who had certificates for patent issued by said officers. and where said claimants or their assignees have since occupied and improved said lands and there are no adverse claims. For nearly thirtyeight years most of these people or their assigns haveresided on and claimed these lands.