Chapter 220. To provide for the settlement of small holding claims on unsurveyed land in the State of New Mexico
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CHAP. 220.— An Act To provide for the settlement of small holding claims on unsurveyed land in the State of New Mexico. June 15, 1922.[[S. 2014](/us/bill/67/s/2014).][[Public, No. 242](/us/pl/67/242).] *Be it enacted. by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, Public lands.Recognition of bona fide possession of unsurveyed lands in New Mexico. That in township surveys hereafter to be made in the State of New Mexico, if it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the deputy surveyor making such survey that any person has, through himself, his ancestors, grantors, or their lawful successors in title or possession, been in the continuous adverse actual bona fide possession, residing thereon as his home, of any tract of land or in connection therewith of other lands, all together not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres, in such township for twenty years next preceding the time of malting such survey, the deputy surveyor shall recognize and establish the lines of such possession and make the subdivision of the adjoining lands in accordanceDescription in township plats when surveyed. therewith.
Such possession shall be accurately defined in the field notes of the survey and delineated on the township plat, with the boundaries and area of the tract as a separate legal subdivision. The deputy surveyor shall return with his survey the name or names of all persons so found to be in possession, with a proper description of the tract in the possession of each as shown by the survey, and the proofs furnished to him of such possession. 651 Upon receipt of such survey and proofs the Commissioner of theIssue of patents to claimants.
General Lana Office shall cause careful investigation to be made in such manner as he shall deem necessary for the ascertainment of the truth in respect of such claim and occupation, and if satisfied upon such investigation that the claimant comes within the provisions of this section, he shall cause patents to be issued to the parties so found to be in possession for the tracts respectively claimed by them: *Provided, however*, That no person shall be entitled to confirmation*Proviso*.Limitation. of, or to patent for, more than one hundred and sixty acres in his own right by virtue of this section.
All claims arising under this Act shall be filed with the surveyorTime for filing claims. general of New Mexico within two years next after the passage of this Act, and no claim not so filed shall be valid. No tract of such land shall be subject to entry under the land laws of the United States: *And provided further*, That this Act shall not apply to any*Proviso*.Grants of lots from corporations, etc., not included. city lot, town lot, village lot, farm lot, or pasture lot held under a grant from any corporation or town the claim to which may fall within the provisions of this Act.
Approved, June 15, 1922.