The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-11-02
TEXAS CORRESPONDENCE.
SPANISH FoRr, Texas,
Dot ~ 80

have all my life been kinder
sceptical about the existence Of that
vague locality commonly denomin-
ated "the jumping off place." but
since coming to the place from which
| write this letter have-well, to
tell the truth, l am thrilled with the
conviction that am the discoverei of
the long talked of spot, the know
ledge of which the world at large is
still so completely in the dark.
Spanish Fort is small, unincorpo.
rated inland town of a couple of hun
dred inhabitants. The charms of its
situation are further enhanced by its
proximity to Red River and Indian
territory. AS sit on the veranda and
raise my eyes from the paper before
me at intervals they are met by the
vast rolling prairies of the Chickasaw
Nation. Perhaps some of my read
ers who are ignorant as was before
| came here, will feel the cold chills
run over them at such an announce
ment. When, Immediately after my
arrival here | was informed l was
within sight of the red mans conn
try, felt terror stricken. | laugh
outright now as l recall the feelings
l experienced at that time; for the
first few nights 1 imagined l was in
imminent danger of being scalped,
and the residents-Texans do so de-:
light in teasing green horns from the
old states-took special interest in
informing Inc of the constant jeopar-
lily their lives were in. Another
thing that tended to keep my fears
excited to fever heat was the uni
versal wearing OF six shooters and
cartridge belts. Of course l, coming
from where the weapon law is so
strictly enforced, was naturally eX-
cited by this, and upon inquiry l was
told that the law existed here too,
but it would be hardly fair to enforce
it, asserting as the basis of their
claim that men across the river en-
joyed the privilege of carrying pis-
tolls and if they were denied it here
the territory men would have the adj
vantage of them.
To 60 back a little, | have not
seen full blooded Indian since l
have been on the frontier. The ter
ritory next this place is almost en-
tirely occupied by stock ranches.
There is great deal of hard feel
ing in this state now about the fenc-
ing Of so much land. There is no
longer free range here for cattle and
it is quite the thing to be. able to es-
tablish ranches in the nation. Some
Of the most extensive stock men
have either Indian blood in their
own veins or have married part breed
women. In either case they have a
free right to appropriate land in the
territory, but there are many unfor-
tunates who have to smuggle their
cattle in and do great deal Of un-
demanded work to keep them there
If they succeed though this consid-
Grafton has little weight, there is not
much principle here. They are con-
tinually ordered out but just as often
they devise some plan by which they
can remain. Generally they make
sham sales to some man who has a
right in the nation, and then fix up
private papers to insure the safety of
the real owner. 1t is money max
ing business to the native. To give
you one instance, q certain gentle
man of this place told me he paid a
native one thousand dollars per year
to hold his cattle in the Chickasa W
Nation. Farmers can get permits
from the natives which give Them the
recognized privilege of cultivating
land in the territory, but it is not so
with stock men-none except natives
themselves are allowed to keep stock
there.
These people have perfect hank
ering after the other side of the
river. 1t is far more preferable for
cattle and those who are interested
in that business and have right
xhaxa Co;.l,, xx;,~ 1,,~x 20 NVo.o. g