Chapter 13

MINERAL LANDS AND THE RIGHT OF PRE-EMPTION. The Lead and Copper Lands of the Northwest--The gold-bearing Regions of the Pacific, and their Disposition--A legislative Reminiscence --Mining Act of 1866, and how it was passed--Its deplorable Failure, and its Lesson--Report of the Land Commission--The Right of Pre- emption, and the "Dred Scott Decision" of the Settlers.