Osage Valley banner. (Tuscumbia, Miller County, Mo.) 1879-1881, 1879-04-24
THE IHDlAN TERRITORY.
Important Interview with Judge T. @. Sears
on tha Subject.

puVEo S0hFb-My pIihSipbl UubinbBs IN
Washington was to look after the organiEa-
iion OF new committees, particularly the
Committees on Indian Affairs and Terrific
ries, both IN the House and sensts. The
Senate commi,tees, as you are aware, are ap-
pointed by the Senate il-self aud uot by the
presiding officer oftbat body. Both of the
political parties appointed sub.committee
10 arrange Tor the recommendation OF persons
from eeeh OF the Representative parties upon
the different standing committees. These
Recommendations were reported TO the Sen
ate snd adopted. and the persons suggested
were appointed
Reptile committees have been publish
Iished, but there are many like myself who
haye forgatten who compose them.
Judse-The Committee on Territories OF
the Senate consists Of Gar and, of Arkansas,
Batter, of South Carolina, Vest, of Missouri,
Slater, of Or'gon, Saunders, OF Nebraska,
Kellogg, OF Louisiana, and Logan, Of Illinois.
Rep What seems to he the sentiment OF
the committeeman upon the subject Of open
ing up the Territory!
Judge-Eyery member Of the committee
are In favor of some immediate legislation
looking toward the opening of the Indian
Territory for white settlement. The COM
mittee is no exceedingly able one, consisting,
as will be seen, of some Of the ablett in the
Senste. Garland, Kellogg and ,unders
were on the committee which reported the
bill of last winter. These gentlemen are all
considered interested in the subject and have
already commenced an investigation of the
matter.
Rap.--How about the House committee?
Judg House committee, which WAS
announced on Friiay last, consists of Null
drow of Mississippi, chairman; Cravens Of
Arkansas, Bouek OF Wisconsin, Muller OF
New York, Martin Of West Virpinia, Frott
OF Missouri, Bachman OF Pennsylvania,
Humphrey of Wisconsin, Aldrich OF Illinois,
Young Of Ohio, Dick OF Pennsylvania, and
McGinnls, of Montana.
Rep.-Are you aware OF the sentiments Of
the House Commit,eeY
Judge-The positions OF these gentlemen
are not hs fully known, owing to their recent
appointment, as the Senate Committee, but
it is known that eight out of eleven have e1-
pressed themselves decidedly ir favor OF such
legislation as shall bring the Indisn Terrific
ry out OF lis present anomalous condition
into one of harmony with other territories
Of the United Slater. The question is con-
tInuslly growing of more interest and i'm.
p,ra1ce at Wssbingtop, and there is no
doubt that Congress will take such action at
no remote day ss shall result in the opening
os the Territory 10 settlement and velope-
ment. Col. Boudinot and myself received
within the past few weeks scores of letters
from all sections OF the country making In
quries as to the status of the lands Of the
Indian Territory ard the prospect of opening
them for occupation. InYestit alton has de.
veloped the the fact that there ale over a.
600 900 acres of public lands that are eu.-
braced IN no reservation and ss free and I'M
incumbered for occupation and settlement
as lahds in Kansas, Nebraska, or any other
Territory.
Rsp.-In what locality do these lands lief
Judge--Tbe lands lie west of the Five Civ
ilized tribes, so-called, ard their northern
boundary Is about ninety miles south OF the
Kansas line. These lands are among tho
richest in the world. Pebble attention is
being called to them and my opinion Is that
if Congress shall fail TO make suitable pro-
visions for the opeoing of the Territory TO
white settlement, within very short time,
tho people will take the matter in their own
hsnds and go down there and occupy and
cultivate these lands.
Rep.-Hss any bill been introduced this
sessloni II so, what is the purport OF III
Judge--No bill has yet been introduced
al this session. ] have one nearly prepared,
but owing 10 the anomalous position OF tho
ii 20 Tribes, and tbs desire to make provis-
ion for them that would be suitable aud
equitable, considerable elaboration and de-
tail are necessary in edition to the ordinary
legislation providing for the organization of
Territories. No attempt win be made to
rrecipltste matters, but 20 give the whole
iubiset candid and thorough discussion.
Rep.-What are the probabilities OF any,
thing being done at this session.
Judge--If Congress shall proceed TO gem
erAl legislation at this extra aession, the bill
viii be introduced, referred to the commits
tees ard probably reported on by one or
both OF them. .--Kausas City Times.
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