He can select the
shores of oceans, lakes, or rivers; live on tide water or higher lands,
valleys, or mountains. He can be near a church of his own denomination;
the freedom of conscience is complete; he pays no tithes, nor church
tax, except voluntarily. His sons and daughters, on reaching twenty-one
years of age, or sooner, if the head of a family, are each entitled to a
homestead of 160 acres; if he dies, the title is secured to his widow,
children, or heirs. Our flag is his, and covers him everywhere with its
protection. He is our brother; and he and his children will enjoy with
us the same heritage of competence and freedom. He comes where labor is
king, and toil is respected and rewarded. If before, or instead of
receiving his homestead, he chooses to pursue his profession or
business, to work at his trade, or for daily wages, he will find them
double the European rate, and subsistence cheaper. From whatever part of
Europe he may come, he will meet his countrymen here, and from them and
us receive a cordial welcome. A Government which gives him a farm, the
right to vote, and free schools for his children, must desire his
welfare.
Of this vast domain (more than thirty-two times as large as England) the
Government of the United States grants substantially as a free gift, a
_farm of 160 acres_ to every settler who will occupy and cultivate the
same, the title being in fee simple, and free from all rent whatsoever.
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