Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-12-13
OKLAHAMA.

Two Thousand Squatters said TO be Already
on The Coded Lands In Indian Territory
-Paine's Party Confronted by Blue Goats,
Desperate and Ready to Fight il Neces-
sary, but Waiting for Congress to Act
Composed of Poor People Starved Out on
the Arid Plains OF Southern and Western
Kansas.
HUNNEwELL, Ksy Dec. 1.-THE Oklahama
settlers broke camp on Bitter Greek at 10
O'Clock this morning, and followed the State
line to Hu%nnewell, where they are now en-
camped. The settlers were closely followed
by the federal cavalry, under command of
Col. Cofinger. who has superseded Lieut..
Mason, and the blue coats have pitched their
tents in the Indian Territory, separated from
the oolonists by bat q few hundred yards, on
the opposite bank of Shoe Fly creek. Be-
fore breaking camp this morning Col.
Cofinger and Lieut.. Mason visited the Ok
lahama headquarters for a conference with
the colony officers. Capt. Payne, Major
Maidt and staff were present, and the former
announced that the military command of
the settlers had been transferred to Major
Maidt. Col. Coffinger then requested
information as to the design of the
settlers and whether they intended to enter
the Indian Territory in the face of the Pres
ident's proclamation and military resistance.
Major Maidt replied that the settlers are
thoroughly organized and equipped in mill
tary form and he would assemble their COM
pany officers for consultation. The captains
of the eight companies were accordingly
summoned to headquarters and unanimous
ly expressed their intention of moving into
the public lands of Oklahama at any hazard
unless forbidden by Congress. This ended
the conference and the settlers at once broke
camp and resumed their march along the
Territory line, reaching Hunnewell about 2
o'clock In the afternoon. It is probable
the settlers will remain in their
present camp until Monday. Ar
engagements have been made for re-
ligious service tomorrow, conducted by the
colony chaplain. Recruits are constantly
pouring in, and large accessions are expected
tomorrow. Most of the new Corners are
from the drouthy region of Western Kan
sas, where the settlers have been literally
starved out for several years past. The
southern border has also been almost a bar
rem waste, farmers being unable to raise suf-
uoiCuV SooO LUZ tAoII ISAb PlSEtiHS. WOMEN
and children came in to-day, following their
meagre outfits. and presenting a pitifully
destitute condition. Families with barely
sufficient means to provide a months sub
~sistence for themselves and stock have
joined the colony in the hope of getting a
fresh start OF the prolific lands of Oklahama.
During the last three days twenty-five teams
have crossed the line at this point and moved
into the promised LAND. Fifty teams also
moved down from Caldwell. A large
number of settlers have also crossed
the Arkansas line, and a strong body is
moving up from Texas. 1t is estimated
that 900 to $500 white settlers are already
on the the public lands in the Territory, and
5 majority of those who have been expelled
have retraced their steps as soon as dis
charged from custody. TIE settlers ia
camp here are resolute, not to say desperate.
They know not what to do Or where to 60
if not permitted to live upon the ceded
lands. If it were not for the persuasion
and restraint exercised by the officers of the
colony, they would have crossed the line
in face of the soldiers twenty-four hours ago.
The situation is critical, and the officers of
the colony hope to receive assurances from
Washington before they move from this
point that will avert the threatened conflict.