Much Land Involved

Washington City, Dec. 1 - A.n important hearing, iiidirectly iuvolving; 000,000 acres of land ia Michigan, took place before Secretary Vilas at the iaterior dep.irtment yeterday. The case invclved some 1,300 acres of swamp lands claimed by the state of Michigan undor tile act of öept 8, 1850. Subsequently the lands were resmveyed and declared nol to be swamp. Thoy were taken from tbe state and as such opened by tha governuient to prívate entry. This action the state disputes, bolding that the acLion oí the goverument in originally declaring the lands swamp lands was finaL. The road3 to whora the odd sections oL the lands in question weie grantüd have disposed oL a large portioQ of thetn, and the present owners comprise niany oif tbe wealthy men in the northwest, iacludius botb of ttie Michigan senators and severa! members of the house. The secretary'a decisión is not expected for several eeks