The Minor Land Grabbers of Port Angeles

A step of the utmost importance to settlers on Port Angeles lots who are under age, and to persons who intend to bid on lots at the public sale, was taken by Register O'Toole of the local land office yesterday, by the advice of United States District Attorney Brinker. The ruling allows that final proofs of settlers on the Port Angeles townsite, male or female, under the age of 21 years, shall be accepted, but shall not be acted upon until a decision is received from the commissioner of the general land office. Capt. O'Toole notes that about one-third of the lots in the townsite have been settled upon by young persons under the age of 21, who were led to do so by the advice of older persons and the indefinite language of the law. Most are earning their own livings. U.S. District Attorney Brinker’s written opinion states that the term 'person' in the act of congress includes all individuals capable of maintaining a residence and improvements, regardless of their age, as the purpose of the act was to bestow a bounty upon the purchaser.