CHAPTER XIV.

Home building narrative resumed.—Improve homestead claim as I had the
other. —The market, etc..—My herds of cattle, horses, hogs, ete. —Great
prosperity.—Railroads built from tide water ; freights, ete. —Immigra-
tion.—Further enlargement of my home and business by leasing, fenc-
ing and breaking a quarter section of school land.—Copy of lease
and receipt for second years payment on the same.—The law and
custom as to it.—Confirmed by Congress.—Serve as county road
viewer and on first grand jury of Columbia County, and learn some-
thing.—-Road supervisor of a twenty-mile district.—A review, and
what I have learned about farming, etc.—The best economy while
“serpents are at the udder.”

FALL of 1877.—Having built an addition to our house, a
cellar and a stable; fenced a garden and potato field, and a
pasture on homestead claim; plowed most of the arable land
on the same; sowed it in fall wheat, and fenced it, and more,
with a worm fence ; having a 120 acre crop under way or assured ;
with plenty of grain, hay and straw for feed and to sell at good
prices—barley and oats being worth one and one quarter cents
a pound, and wheat 50 cts. a bushel at home ; eggs 20 cts., butter
30 cts. a lb, and hay $8 a ton in the stack—not that the
rivers going down to the sea were made free to the people, but
on account of the large immigration—and having good herds of
cattle, horses and hogs; virtually out of debt, and having means
to employ help, I was ready to further enlarge my home and
business.

The river freights were still virtually prohibitory, but after
a time railroads were built, from tide water reaching into the
different sections of this upper country ; but the rivers are to
this day (1889) held by the secret pirates of a Mormon govern-
ment from being an opposition, independent and free line to
the sea.

There give about the average freights to 1889, from the

Press.—

‘They now [1884] charge on up freight from twenty to forty dollars
per ton, according as the goods will bear it. Anybody can see that is
robbery on a line of 300 miles.”

“Freights from Portland [tide water] to Dayton are now [1884]
twenty-seven to forty dollars per ton. From Dayton te this point [seat of
‘Garfield county] twenty dollars more per ton is added. These rates bleed
(214)

ad the
-Great
migra-
, fenc-
f lease
w and
y road
some-
vw, and
- while

use, a
and a
» land
more,
sured ;
t good
‘cents
butter
ut the
e, but
brds of
means
e and

t after
o the
are to
vern-
ne to

m the

dollars
that is

[1884]
eat of

bleed

RancH LIFE IN THE WEST. 215

our people to death. None but the best country in the world could
stand ‘t.”

1884,—‘‘ The depression in the price of wheat still continues, and we
hear of some sold as low as twenty-six cents per bushel. We see the Portland
market price is $1.05, just think, seventy-five cents per bushel for trans-
portation and handling from our county (Garfield) to Portland, river route
almost all the way. It is shameful.” ‘This county alone has about
2,000,000 bushels of grain to export.” [And yet people—who onght to he
slaves, and they are,—kept voting the Mormons into office, and here is the
result. |

1889.—‘‘The Legislature cannot well permit this bill [to open the
river] to die of neglect, [but as usual the masons killed it.] The one great
grievance of all Eastern Oregon [and Washington] is, and has for years
been, the tax laid upon its resources by [masonic] corporations, that have
held the key to the transportation business of that section through owning

and operating the only portage facilities between the points named in
the bill.

True, the general government undertook measures for a relief of this
grievance a number of years ago, but as one appropriation after another
has been swallowed up [by the gang] in the undertaking, and the most
formidable part of the work is yet to be done, the people have naturally
grown tired and long for some measure that furnishes relief for themselves,
as well as for their remote posterity.”

But they still voted the brethren into office, who thus stran-
gled the country’s prosperity.

Masonry is a wide spreading tree; its roots are like that of a
cancer; while among its boughs numerous traitorous insects are
harbored and concealed, and under its protecting foliage the dead-
ly night shade of conspiracy is reared and brought to maturity.

And the people would unite to hang outsiders for stealing but
a few head of stock!

To enlarge my home and business, I accordingly commenced
to break up the arable land on the quarter section of school
land adjoining my place above, having improved it somewhat
before the land was surveyed, as before noted.

As it was destitute of water and the ultimate cost when it
should be sold so uncertain, all land hunters rejected it. So I
was in no hurry about leasing it. With my experience in home-
building I could see that if some one would take the land and
improve it, I could then buy him out for less cost than to improve
it myself. But nobody would have it. So the following Febru-
ary, when other business called me to the far away county seat,

la
He
i
Hi
et
ie
if
i

——

216 Raxcu Lire iN THE West.

—

I went and leased it, as an enlargement tomy home. And here
following is a copy of the lease, also of receipt for the second
year’s payment on the same.

SCHOOL LAND LEASE.

— > 0

Wutio.as, the Government of the United States has reserved certain lands in Washington Territory for, School and ed

ueational purposes, and, Witeaas, by an act of the Legislative Assembly of Washington Territory, passed Novem

ber 22d, 1869, the County Comassioners of the several Counties in said Territory, are duly authorized and empow:
cred to LEASE ur HUNT said lands, of any portion thereof, fora term of years not exceeding six, or wutil such lands

shall be solds

|| Now, ruenevons, This Ixpnyture, Made and executed this the Jak doy of 4A A

i A.D. iy the Hoard of County Commissioners of Columbia County, Washington Territory, party of the

Lene fh 1 (Of puacece! of said county and Territory of the second part,

Wiryesarrn, That the suid party of tho first part, pursuant to eaid law, has granted, dewiscd, and to farm let, and

= eR I A ae ee ED - *
- re rene een

firet part, ond

by there presents does grant, demise, and to farm let, with the said party of the second part, all the certain lot piece

or parcel of find, ajtuato, lying and being Z the County of Columbia, Territory of Washington, described as follows,
‘wrwit: y ees ss ae
. 3 .

In accordance with the surveys and platzof the United Stutes Government, with the appurtenguces, for the term ot

\

eee: Ss
years, from tho 4. A. day of 54
atetiot authority, at the annaal rent or sum of ... Dar. dollars, payable in Jnwfal money uf the United

}
t| Mie ; : Ks
4 States, to the Treasurer of said county, aimually i advenco, on the bd jay of SAA “each and every yar,
w
Re y

| Provided always, nevertheless, that if the rent above roserved or any portion therouf, shall bo in arrcite ut unphid on
i wuy day of payment when the same ought to be paid us aforesaid; or if default be made in any of the covenants herein
+ cvntained, on the part or behalf of said party of the second part, his executors, adimiuistrators or ansizns, to be paid, keps
¢ ‘and performed, then it shall be lawful for the suid County Commmisalonors of said County to re-enter the said premises,
without any legal process or warrant nther than is herein contained, and to remove, ur cause to be removed, all persons
therefrom, +

And thevaaid party of the second part, docs hereby covenant, prowise and agree to pay the eaid rent at the time and
tn the manner hereinbefore specified, and not to let or underlet the whole or any purt of said premises without the writs
ten consent of the Board of County Commissione.a, and shall and will, at his own proper cost and charges, pay all such
taxes and assessments whatever, as shall or may, during tho said term hereby jranted, be charged, assessed or imposed
upon the said premises; nd not to cut or destroy any timber growing upou said lands, during anid term, the same heing
hereby reserved by the said party of the first part ; and agreeing alay that all the fencing and uther improvements put
{upon said land, during said term, shall attach to and become o part of the renlty nt the expiration of suid term,

And that on the last day of tho said term, or other sooner determination of the estate hereby granted, tbe said party
of the second part, his exceutors, administrators and agwigns, ahall and will peaceably and quietly, leave, surrender and
yicld up unto the aaid party of the Grst part, all and singular the said promisen togother with the appurtenances,

ee And the said party of the first purt does hereby covenant, promise and agree, that the suid party of the second part,
‘paying the said rent, and performing the covonants afuresuid, shall aod may peacerbly and quictly have, hold and enjoy

the said premises for the term aforesaid,
In Wityxss Wuernor, the said patties have hereunto set their hands afd seals, the day and ycar first above written

Signed, sealed und delivered in presence of

Scooot Lanp LEAsE.

(Reduced to one half of the original s'ze.)

‘IdIGOaY ANVY TOOHOG

| eae oe ett Op

Lf BF CO

(217)

218 Rancu Lire IN THE WEst.

«The organic act of Congress declares that ‘all laws passed by the legis-
lative Assembly and Governor of’ Washington territory, sha!l be submitted
to Congress, and, if disapproved, shall be null and of no effect.”

“The act of 1867, making the bi-annual sessions of the legislature be-
gin two months earlier in the odd year, was not disapproved by Congress,
but by virtue of the rule, ‘silence gives assent,’ was approved,”

And the legislature henceforth acted accordingly—as
though the act had been formally approved. As did the courts
and people as to the other acts of the legislature. Jt was and
is the universal custom for laws, to be in force until congress, or the
courts, or the legislature abrogates them. And so it was with this
school-land act. It was forthwith made available and largely
availed of. And on its being questioned, as all laws are for a
price, the U. 8. Attorney General wrote as follows, to the terri-
torial Delegate in Congress.

( DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
\ WASHINGTON, June 7th, 1880,
Sir :

It seems to me upon a careful reading of the law referred to, that the
commissioners themselves, as representing the county, are invested with
power to protect the interests of the county in sections 16 and 36, which
were reserved by Congress for the benefit of the common schools therein,

T infer this from the authority given them, to locate other lands in case
sections 16 and 36 are occupied by actual settlers prior to the survey there-
of. Under this authority to locate, they may take possession, and so of
sections 16 and 36, if not occupied by actual settlers prior to the survey
thereof.

The statute gives to the territory the title and the right of possession,
and the proper representatives of the territory who for this purpose are,
I presume, the county commissioners, may institute proceedings to defend
that possession, or to recover it as against trespassers.

Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Cuas. DEVENS,
Attorney General.”

From the Press. —** WALLA WALLA, Oct. 14th, 1882. For the informa-
tion of ‘‘Inquirer”’ it is stated that many years ago the legislature of Wash-
ington territory, by solemn enactment, authorized the commissioners of the
different counties to lease school lands, the rents to be added to the school
fund of the county wherein the lands were situated. Does ‘‘ Inquirer”
wish to decrease the school fund by abolishing the practice? If so he
must either appeal to the legislature to repeal the law, or induce a court of
competent jurisdiction to declare the act as unauthorized.”

i

1885,—-**"
are doing cons
lands are lease
tract, the lease
lease, whole sec
before the Ter
and the leases
are sold, the o
praised price,
even at the lov
secured of $50
now obtained i
millions of dol

In 1888

Congress for

6“ V
The follow
upon the schoo
WHEREAS,
territory was re}
WHEREAS,
territory, by an
the several coun
not exceeding si
school fund ; an
WHEREAS, |
cultivation there
ments thereon ai
of cultivation, a:
said improveme!
WHEREAS, 1]
Be it enactea
several counties
reside in the act
2, 1869, entitled,
ington territory,
hereby is, confir
dated and confir
Approved, 4

T spent |
March, 1878, i
Asotin county
of county com

Rancw Lire in Tae West. 219

1885,—-** The commissioners of King county, [Western Washington]
are doing considerable business in the way of leasing school lands, These
lands are leased in tracts of 160 acres, or less, at ten dollars a year for each
tract, the leases running for six years. [Lurking brethren could, and did
lease, whole sections and held them]. It is impossible to sell these lands
before the Territory becomes a State. 'They, however, are in great request,
and the leases are eagerly sought, it being understood that when the Jands
are sold, the occupants shall have the first right to purchase at the ap-
praised price. The county is entitled to 75,000 acres, and if all leased
even at the low price of ten dollars a year, a revenue would thereby be
secured of $5000 or more. With no effort made in the past, $450 a year is
now obtained in this way. The school lands of King county will be worth
millions of dollars in time to come.”

In 1888 there were 5000 such leases as mine held, and
Congress formally approved the same as follows :—

“WASHINGTON TERRITORY ScHOOL LANDS.

The following is an act of Congress ‘‘for the relief of certain settlers
upon the school lands of Washington territory :”

Wuereas, Sections 16 and 36 of each township of land in Washington
territory was reserved unto that territory for school purposes ; and

Wuereas, On December 2, 1869, the legislative assembly of that
territory, by an act duly passed, authorized the county commissioners of
the several counties in that territory to lease said lands for a term of years
not exceeding six years, the money received therefore being placed in the
school fund ; and

Wuereas, The lands so leased are greatly enhanced in value by the
cultivation thereof, and the lessees thereof have made valuable improve-
ments thereon and incurred large expense in reducing such land to a state
of cultivation, and will incur much loss if they are caused to abandon their
said improvements and cultivations ; and

Wuereas, The validity of the said leases is questioned ; therefore,

Be it enacted, ete., That the action of the county commissioners of the
several counties of Washington territory under the authority supposed to
reside in the act of the legislative assembly of said territory of December
2, 1869, entitled, ‘‘an act to provide for the leasing of school land in Wash-
ington territory,’? when had in conformity to said act, be, and the same
hereby is, confirmed, and that said act be, and the same is hereby, vali-
dated and confirmed.

Approved, August 6, 1888.”

IT spent part of the following months of February and
March, 1878, in viewing out and locating county roads in the
Asotin country, being appointed with two others by the board
of county commissioners to act in that capacity.

rere

A LE RCO t=)

ee a

een PES

220 Rancu LIre In THE WEsrtT.

Then I hired two men to make rails at twenty dollars per
thousand, one to help farm and break prairie on the school
land claim at thirty dollars a month, and one to attend to the
cows, hogs, chickens, and assist about the house.

Was road supervisor of this district, then over 20x20 miles
in extent. That spring we got the through road to Dayton
and Lewiston opened all the way for the first.

In June I served on the grand jury of the first court
session ever held in Columbia county; wherein I experienced
that it is an easy matter to indict an outsider, while worse
criminals (being in a charitable order) are secure against out-
raged justice.

Then, until harvest, I was engaged mostly in hauling over
10,000 rails from the mountains and fencing the school land I
had leased and partly broke out. Some of the rails I bought
at forty dollars per thousand, delivered on the ground.

“Book” or Greeley farming is good inits place, but would
not pay here; and he who was educated in such a school and
was bigoted, or could not bend to adverse circumstances or ex-
ceptions to accepted general rules could do a thing in but one
way, would break up very quick or fail in making anything to
break. There are circumstances in which it is the best econ-
omy for the settler to raise wheat, horses, hogs and calves
together in the same field (though frequently done when not
the best economy) and to raise potatoes by dropping the seed
as he plows the ground, run over it with a harrow, let them go
until fall, and tuen plow them up or turn the hogs in to harvest
them. Sometimes good cultivation of a crop pays best, and
then again no culture at all is the best economy. I can raise
more truck with a team and plow than alone with a hoe.
Horse flesh is cheaper than that of a man—if he be a man—
and is more pleasant to wear off. I can ride over more ground
than I can walk over. A farmer and his family should not be
harder worked or fed than his cattle, and they should have
leisure and plenty that is good, too. I have read expert testi-
mony in agricultural papers and books until—like reading law
books—I did not know anything for certain. I have experi-
mented and closely observed in every branch and phase of
work I ever pursued. Have plowed bodies of land up to the

lio
eld

cere

the
is {
pre
ud

ars per
school
to the

0 miles
Dayton

t court
rienced
2 Worse
ast out-

ng over
| land I
bought

it would
ool and
38 OF ex-
but one
thing to
st econ-
1 calves
hen not
he seed
hem go
harvest
est, and
hn raise
a hoe.
man—
ground
not be
d have
rt testi-
ing law
experi-
ase of
to the

Rancu LIFe IN THE WEST. 221

beam, and adjoining it have skinned the ground and skipped a
foot at every furrow and turn for acres together. Have rolled
grain before it was up, and when it was six to eight inches
high with a heavy four-horse roller (which I had read would
even kill Canadian thistles). Have rolled it in the dust; in
the mire; and have not rolled it at all. Have sown it ov foot,
on horseback, and out of a wagon; in the spring, summer, fall
and winter time; and have just let it volunteer from the last
crop. Have harvested it with cradle and rake; with reaper;
header, and have turned stock in to do it. Have threshed with
machine; tramped it out with a bunch of horses, and have
pounded it out with a club, And in potatoes and other truck have
experimented as widely, and in their different varieties, and in
each and every case have been both ridiculed and flattered by
others. Have broke horses under the saddle; to the wagon,
plow, harrow, and have more frequently just went to work with
them without any breaking; and have fed them on patent
medicine, wheat,—until I foundered four ata time, until they
learned better and could safely eat 1t from a pile on the ground,
and have let them get their living on the range.

Have killed hogs, planted gardens, and layed worm fence
in all stages of the moon—in sunshine, moonshine, and in the
shade. Have put salt and pepper in cows’ tails to cure the
“hollow horn,” and have cut off pigs tails to make them
weigh 411 pounds with but little feed. Have worked sixteen
hours a day, and have followed the sensible eighi hour system, of
eight hours for work, eight hours for sleep, and eight hours for re-
creation and study.

And I have learned that tbe one of any of these ways is
the best for the farmer, that is the easiest. Just so long as it
is fixed that he is to get but a hard living anyway, and the
profits of his toil goes to enrich mystic gangs of “serpents at the
udder,”