By It Congress has power not only " to dispose of" the territory. but of the " other property of the United States." In addition to his constitutional objections to the measure. among other reasons for his veto. he said: it will prove unequal and unjust In Its operation. because from its nature it Is confined to one class of ou people. . He further said. commenting upon the giving away of the public lands. and I want to particularly bring this to the attention of those who are opposed to the reclamation act or to other measures that encourage the development of the West and the settlement of the unused and unoccupied public lands. because this expression represents apparently the sentiment of these gentlemen: But. to give this common inheritance away would deprive the old States of their just proportion of this revenue without holding out the least corresponding advantage. Wbllst It is our common glory that the new States have become so prosperous and populous. there Is no good reason why the old States should offer premiums to. their own citizens to emigrate from them to the West. That land of promise presents In itself sufficient alhlurements to our young and enterprising citizens without any adventitious aid. The offer of free farms would probably have a powerful effect in encouraging emigration. especially from States like Illinois. Tennessee. and Kentucky. to the west of the Mississippl. and could not fall to reduce the price of property within their limits. .I will not spend any time discussing the wisdom of the original reclamation act and the benefits that have resulted and will continue to result therefrom. The subject was very fully discussed during the consideration of the Senate bill extending the period of payments.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration