Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 December 1885 — WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON.

The recent rulings of Land Commissioner Sparks have created great excitement among Dakota homesteaders. Senator Cullom’s bill to reimburse the States for interest paid on war loans has been reported favorably by the Committee on Claims. The bill directs the settlement of all claims for interest upon loans borrowed and expended for the use and benefit of the United States under the act of July 27, 1861, to indemnify the States for expenses incurred in defense of the United States. Interest to be computed at the rate paid by the State, not to exceed 6 per cent. Representative Patson, of Illinois, says that settlers out West are needlessly alarmed on account of the recent decision of the Supreme Court that technically the titles of the railroad lands which have been sold by railroad companies to settlers, but have not yet been patented, still rest in the United States.