Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1883-05-25
LRARIHn TIE arRIp

sion at TLhlsquah last we kra,Sed bill
authorizing the leasing to the Cherokee
Strip Live Stock Association, of the
grazing lands now occupied by the
members of the association. This in
cludes all the lands west of the ninty-
sixth and to the hundreth meridi-
an, or from the Arkansas river on the
east to a line due south from Dodge
City to the northwest coaner of the Pan
handle on the west. The lands used as
reservations by the Cherokee citizens at
this time are not included in the lease.
There is something over 8 600 200 acres
in the tract to be leased and the price
required of the STRIP association is $780,
900 per annum, payable semi-annually
on the first of October and March.
The Cherokee Strip Live Stock Asso-
citation had the leasing of this territory
in view when it was organized last
March; the intention being to organize
an association, chartered by the State
Of Kansas, that this vast interest might
have recognized agents who were au-
thoriZed to treat for all the cattle men
occupying these lands as an individual,
and who would not be looked upon with
suspicion by either the stockmen or the
Cherokee citizens.
The price to be paid is enormous
compared with the revenue the Chero-
KEGS derived from this source in former
years. In 1882 there was S5l 900 col
lected as a grazing tax from the stock
men, and about one third of this, or
$1,000, was retained by the collectors,
30 only SS4,0 600 found its way into the
Cherokee treasury. Under the leasing
system now authorized by the council,
the Strip Association becomes response
bic FOR the entire amount of 500, 600,
and will pay it into the treasury and
look to the individual stockmen for
their part of the tax. The Cherokee
Nation is thus relieved of the trouble
and expense Of collecting the tax; it has
a responsible chartered association as
tenant and besides securing a hand
some and satisfactory rental for the
lands.
On the strip leased there are perhaps
$50 different owners, and these will deal
directly with the association, and being
members Of the association all differen-
ces as to range lines and other matters
that may come up, will be settled by
board OF arbitration, now appointed by
the directors of the association, and
whose decision will be reviewed Ly the
directors should either party feel ag-
grieved.
This agreement has been reached af-
ter many efforts on the part of the
stockmen and the Cherokees to solve
this seemingly difficult problem. 1t
was question affecting the vast capt.
tai invested in the stock business in the
Territory; it was Of peculiar interest to
the Cherokee Indians, for on is AMIGA
bic settlement depended large reyen-
ne they would not otherwise get. Stock
men knew not how long they might ex-
pect foothold in the Territory under
the old system, nor did the Indians
know who might by force insist on be-
ing their tenants.
But under the present arrangement
it Is hoped all differences will cease;
that the association will carry out its
part OF the contract and that the Cher
okee Nation will act in the good faith
that has heretofore characterized it.
The United States government has al
ready given an indication as to what il
would do, that il, sanction any course
the Cherokee council might adopt. On
this point then there will be no trouble
expected
Under the provisions Of the bill au-
thorizing the lease no permanent inn
provements will be allowed other than
those necessary for properly handling
stock, such as corrals and fentes around
the range. No disreputable characters
are to be allowed on the lands, and the
tenants are held responsible for the
careful preservation of the timber.
This lease will certainly BE of great
advantage to the stockmen of the south
west; for it is something permanent.
Men now located on the strip can con-
tinue their work with a better under
standing Of what may be expected.
Below We publish the bill in fun a |
passed by the Cherokee council and ap-
proved by Chief Bushyhead last Satur- |
day. After It's approval by the Chief, |
MeosrB- A. Drumm and Chas. III .Eldred. |
directors Of the Cherokee Strip Live
Stock Association, in accordance with |
the provisions Of the bill, accepted the J