A Land-Fraud Prosecutor Warns the Homestead Loophole Is Closing

Mr. F. M. Goodwin, formerly chief of special agents of the general land office in Idaho and Washington, and later special assistant to the United States attorney general in the prosecution of the land fraud cases, has resigned from the government service and has opened law offices in the Hyde block in Spokane. Mr. Goodwin has had a wide experience in land matters in the northwest, and it is understood will make a specialty of such matters.

Speaking recently of the new regulations of the department Mr. Goodwin said: "I believe the coming congress will take some steps looking either to the repeal or modification, probably the former, of the timber and stone act. Also that an attempt will be made to modify the commutation clause of the homestead act, and extend the period of residence required in such cases to probably two years. My last consultation with department officials at Washington, D.C., convinced me that Commissioner Ballinger is in earnest as to the enforcement of the commutation clause of the homestead law, and his recent ruling and order that commuters must show 14 months actual and continuous residence on their claims next prior to making final proof, is an indication of that intention. As a matter of fact this will be a good thing for the public, since it will make actual settlers of commuters and render purchasers less doubtful; and good for the commuters, since it will insure absolute fairness and equality when commutation proofs are submitted."