258 HISTORY OF OHIO. 



Stances seem to have forgotten that these lands were granted 

 to the state (for a fair equivalent by congress,) for the support 

 of education, and for the benefit of the rising generation* 



From all the committee have been able to learn, it would 

 seem that more money had been expended by the state in leg- 

 islating concerning these lands, than they have yet or ever will 

 produce, unless some other method of managing them be de- 

 vised than any hitherto pursued. The committee refer the 

 house to acts concerning these lands on the statute book, and 

 to the fact, that in numerous instances, the lessees are destroy- 

 ing all the valuable timber growing on these lands. The com- 

 mittee are impressed with the belief, that unless these lands 

 are soon sold, and the proceeds thence to be derived, in- 

 vested in the stock of the United States, or in some other 

 permanent and productive stock, no good and much evil, will 

 accrue to the state from the grant of these lands by congress. 

 Shall we proceed on, legislating, session after session, for the 

 sole benefit of lessees of school lands, at the expense of the 

 state? Or shall we apply to the general government for au- 

 thority to sell out these lands as fast as the leases expire or 

 are forfeited by the lessees? Or shall we entirely surrender 

 these lands to present occupants, with a view to avoid in fu- 

 ture the perpetual importunity of these troublesome petition- 

 ers? The committee are of the opinion that in order to col- 

 lect information on the subjects committed to their considera- 

 tion, commissioners ought to be appointed to report to the next 

 general assembly, a bill to establish and regulate common 

 schools, accompanied by such information on the subject, as 

 they may be able to collect. 



Should the general assembly authorize the the Governor to 

 appoint such commissioners, a judicious selection would doubt- 

 less be made, with a reference to the local interests of the 

 state, as well as to the cause of learning among us. 



Such commissioners ought to take into their consideration, 

 the propriety or impropriety of obtaining leave of the gener- 

 al government, of making such a disposition of the scboci 



