Page:Looters of the Public Domain.djvu/69

 Alaska, some to Manila, and others to distant lands, and that it would be an utter impossibility to get them together again on a measure of that sort; also that those remaining in Oregon would attempt to hold me up for more than the land was worth, should I ask them to do anything more to perfect their titles. It was my sole purpose, at that particular moment, to close the deal, once and for all, and I was not to be put off, and I had no hesitancy in telling the Senator that, so far as the original entrymen were concerned, they had fulfilled their obligations to the letter, and that it was up to me to secure patents to the lands which I had bought and paid for. This, as I explained, could not be accomplished in Oregon—the City of Washington was the place—that I was on the ground with but one object, and that, as he well knew, was to secure title to those claims.

I went on to explain that I had considerable money tied up in the claims already, and that, unless he could pull the patents out for me, and at once, I would be put to considerable financial loss.

"Senator," I said, vehemently, "I want you to go over and see Mr. Hermann yourself, and try to get him to reconsider his action. I fail to perceive any reason why those patents should not issue."

The Senator, at this point, proceeded to assure me that he would see Commissioner Hermann at the earliest possible date, and would devote as much time to my interests as he possibly could, consistent with the many demands made upon him, in performance of the everyday routine of business.

"Now, Senator," said I, "delays are dangerous, and besides, I have other matters which demand immediate attention. Already I have something like $8,000 tied up in these lands, and I cannot afford to lose that amount. The truth is, Senator," I continued, "I stand ready to put up the last dollar that I expect to receive for those lands," and pulling two $1,000 bills out of my pocket, I placed them on the table in front of the Senator, with the remark that I considered his services well worth that amount, and insisted that he accept them and represent me, to the end that patents issue without further delay. I explained further, that with this expenditure, I would just about come out even on the deal, and that, as I fully realized his ability to represent me in the matter, I was only too glad to pay him this money for his services.

The Senator raised his hand in gentle protest, saying: "No, no, Mr. Puter, I cannot think of allowing you to pay that sum of money to me."

"That does not make any difference," I answered, "you must take it, Senator, for I have already occupied a lot of your time and I know full well, if you will go over the whole ground with Mr. Hermann, you will convince him that those patents ought to issue immediately."

I then reviewed the entire case with Senator Mitchell; how C. E. Loomis, the Special Agent, had made a thorough examination of the claims, relative to improvements and cultivation thereon, and had recommended the issuance of patents, in view of his investigations; also how he had secured affidavits from various persons residing in the neighborhood, all of whom certified to the good faith of the entrymen. I likewise cited the fact of Captain Ormsby, Superintendent of the Cascade Forest Reserve, having gone there and of his making a supplemental report, covering practically the same ground.

After listening to these arguments, the Senator said: "Mr. Puter, you cannot afford to pay me such an amount as this," at the same time, picking up one of the bills and pushing the other in my direction.

I tossed the bill back across the table to him and replied: "Senator, I insist on your taking this money; your services are well worth it in this case, and if you will only spare the time to go over the homestead proofs with Commissioner Hermann, together with the reports of Special Agent Loomis, and Forest Superintendent Ormsby, you will convince him that patents to those twelve claims should be issued without delay. I am satisfied that Mr. Hermann does not want to turn those entries down; I could see from his conversation and manner toward me that he stood ready to assist in every way possible, and am confident, page 63