One person may purchase or contract to purchase as much as one-quarter (¼) section of the public lands in one year, and no more (except Lowry Island lands, which are not to be limited as to amount purchased); and all lands acquired, directly or indirectly, by any person in contravention of this chapter shall escheat to the state, and all moneys and fees paid therefor shall be forfeited.
The restrictions herein contained limiting to one-quarter (¼) section the quantity of land which may be purchased by any person in one (1) year shall not apply in any manner to the original owner or mortgagee of state forfeited tax lands at the time title matured in the state, nor to his heirs, executors, or administrators; nor shall such restriction apply to the board of drainage commissioners of any drainage district in the purchase of lands situated in such drainage district, as provided in Section 51-33-45, nor to the United States government in the purchase of lands under the provisions of Section 3-5-11, or under the provisions of other laws authorizing the sale of such lands to the United States government.