68 



Q. Wherever cancellations have been made or redemptions allowe 

 since the commission has been in existence, it has been done by tt 

 Comptroller's office? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. And the reason that these bidders got this land was becaus 

 they offered more than any one else — that is, took it on more f avo 

 able terms? 



A. There was no one to oppose their bid. 



Q. The State didn't oppose it ? 



A. I acted as auctioneer at the tax sale, and I can state of m 

 own knowledge that the custom that has usually prevailed at ox. 

 tax sales is, that when a bidder announced himself as an owner < 

 land, it is a matter of courtesy not to run his land down, but to alio 

 him to bid it in for the whole amount for which the land is offere 

 for sale. 



By Chairman Ryan: 



Q. He paying the expenses to the State up to that time ? 

 A. Yes, sir; and accrued interest, together with the principal sui 

 due for taxes. 



By Mr. Pieko: 



Q. Has it not been the policy up to a recent date to encourage othe 

 parties to buy the lands rather than to have the State bid them in ? 



A. We always try to get the individual to bid in the land rathe 

 than to have it go to the State. 



Q. That has been the policy of the office always up to this time ? 



A. To make a fair sale of the land, to offer it fairly, and if there i 

 no bidder the State bids it in; if any one will take it of course we ar 

 glad to have them do so. 



Q. There has been no effort made for the State to obtain the tit! 

 to this land through the tax sales, except so far as to protect itself i 

 the payment of taxes, has there ? 



A That is right. 



Q. As to some of these lands the State had previously bid them o: 

 and had title through some tax sale — I mean those that the State bi 

 in itself ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. That was to protect its title ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. What other lands did the State buy; you say about 3,000 aore 

 besides ? 



