GREAT LAND FRAUDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 808, 24 January 1903, Page 2

GREAT LAND FRAUDS.

The United States grand jury at Omaha, Nebraska, is investigating a remarkable conspiracy by which the Government has been defrauded of enormous areas of public lands. The conspiracy is the result of the persistent efforts of the western cattle kings to keep control of the land for grazing purposes, and shut out the small farmers.

Some years ago some great cattle companies forced in large tracts of Government lands without permission, but were ultimately compelled to take down the fences, and the land was thrown open for settlement. It was then announced that tho widows of soldiers who have served in the Civil War would be entitled to free grants of 120 acres each. Several land syndicates, acting for the principal cattle and sheep owners, thereupon sent agents through the country hunting up soldiers’ widows. Hundreds were brought to Nebraska, all their expenses being paid, and induced to take up land and transfer the titles to syndicates for small sums.

In doing so the widows unwittingly committed perjury, as they were obliged to swear that the land was for their own exclusive use before obtaining the grants. Hundreds of women are implicated in these transactions but having erred through ignorance, they will be dealt with lightly. One wealthy cattle owner is said to have secured enough widows’ grants to make a tract of land 160 miles long. The frauds have been in operation for 18 months. During two weeks in November it is said that 500 fraudulent entries were made,