LAND IN AMERICA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1016, 4 December 1883, Page 4

LAND IN AMERICA.

The Council of Seven of the Irish National League of America (it is stated by the Times) have completed a scheme of agitation against the acquisition of large tracts of territory in the United States by English companies or land corporations. The Council states it has information “ that very large tracts-pf land are being purchased a 1! over the country, and especially in the Western States and territories, by English aristocrats, who are not citizens of the United States, and who do not intend to become American citizens. These men do not intend to contribute anything to the welfare of the states or territories in which they have purchased enormous tracts of land, nor aid in any way to build up ‘colonial possessions’ in the United States from which they Itiay draw: sufficient means to support the aristocratic houses in England.” The Council has, therefore, appointed a committee “ with instructions to secure' a complete report in each state and territory of the quantity of land purchased, and a statement showing whether or not such purchasers are citizens of the United StaJ.es.” The council furthermore state that “It is believed that when this report is presented the enormity of the landgrabbing scheme by persons who have no sort of sympathy with the American Government or American institutions, who were the enemies of this country in the hour of its peril, and who would, he its enemies again were an opportunity presented to injure it, will so alarm and arouse the indignation of the people of these States and territories as to cause the beginning of a rigorous campaign in favor of such legislation or constitutional amendment, as shall prohibit foreigners from owning land in these States and territories. The committee appointed is said toiconsist of lawyers and capitalists who have special facilities and are specially fitted for obtaining the information desired. Their reports will B&jpublished and circulated, and the pEeJiminary steps have already been taicen to -inaugurate an agitation to bring • before Congress the desirability of providing legislation to regulate the power and’right of foreigners and aliens fo : acqi}ire:and hold lands in the United !wates : .’ ; Special representatives of the will be sent to the States and Mfritfartes more particularly interested, foMhO-purpOse of forming local comiftitfees and promoting public demonstrations, .and , .bringing influence to bear on ihe State authorities to prevent a further extension of the ‘ land-grab-bing ’ system.” v ’'