Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-06-27
THE OKLAHOMA COUNTRY.

the effects OF the journey, but We trust
they reached their destination without
further misfortune.
THE OKLAHOMA COUNTRY.
An Interesting Interview With Col. Capmbell,
| Who Has Just Returned From That
Country.
Col. b. II. Campbell, who has been in the
Indian territory and Oklahoma country for
several weeks past looking after his live
stock, he being interested in one Of the
largest, and finest cattle ranches in that Sec
ton, upon which he now has grazing some
l 1909 head OF cattle, returned home Sunday.
There is, perhaps, no man in southern
Kansas better posted as to the ranges and
the southern country In general than is Mr..
Campbell. Wishing to gain few facts in
relation to the territory and the Oklahoma
country, and learning that the colonel was
in the city, representative Of the DAILY
EAGLE sought him out and found him en-
ljoying his cigar at the office OF n. F. Me
derlander. Alter passing the compliments
OF the day, the reporter requested \ few
moments conversation with the colonel,
which was kindly granted, and in answer
to the query as to how the cattle were look
ing on the ranges, he replied, ''First rate,
sir, first rate" and the reporter continued.
| You have large herd Of cattle in the In
dian territory, l understand. Mr.. Camp
bell:
| 81 have cattle in the territory. do not
call it large herd as compared TO those Of
some OF my neighbOrs."
What number OF cattle have you, and in
what nations are you holding!
1.-The larger part.of my cattle are in the
| Cherokee nation"
You lease your lands from the Cherokees.
What compensation, if any, do you pay
them.
| "The association of which | am men,
Der pays the Cherokee nation $1,000 an
nual rent for what is know rs the Cherokee
Strip or Outlet"
For what term Of years have you it
| leasedy
"Five years from last October
What authority had you to make this
| leasef
"By an act of legislation by the Chero-
| to make such lease
Was 1T approved by the Federal govern
ment.
cit is acquiesced in by the Interior de-
partment. Indeed there is no power which
can properly prevent the Cherokee nation
from full control Of the use Of their lands"
Are these ranches used in common, or
are they divided among the members,
"The present occupants of the Cherokee
Strip were holding ranches al the time the
lease was obtained, and the grazing terri
tory was divided upon lines which had
been considered under the old system the
limits Of their respective ranges
Do you not regard the renting Of so large
4 body Of land by so Few persons, 4 monop
oily in antagonism with our forms of gov
eminent.
al certainly do not, and 1 must correct
your idea that but few persons enjoy these
privileges.'
How many persons joined in making the
lease with the Cherokee nations
"Nominally but nine persons Joined in
in the lease. But they are the directors
and representatives OF legally organized
association numbering many hundreds.
1t is generally understood that you have
cattle in the Oklahoma country. Is this
true, and by what authority are you occu-
plying it:
81 have q small herd in Oklahoma. | am
holding these by no authority, and need
none, as any person with stock may drive
there and Use the grass until such time as
the government requires the lands for more |
permanent use.''
Why is Capt. Payne prohibited from oe-
cupyipg the country, while you are per-
mitted to do so!
81 am not permitted TO occupy it in the |
sense which he and his followers claim the |
right to use it-
Will you be good enough to state the diff !
ference
ave make no permanent Improvements. |
Indeed, We do not occupy the country in |
any sense in conflict with the orders Of the |
Interior department Of the government. |
We do not seek TO acquire fee simple in the |
lands, nor to make any permanent lodg- |
ment, which will embarrass the govern
ment whenever 1t chooses, by proper legis-
lation, TO open the country TO settlement
And do you consider that this presents TO
the department technically a.diferent ques- |
ton than that raised by Capt. Payney
al most certainly do, both technically /
and practically. Capt. Payne and his fol-
lowers go into the country in defiance OF an
order Of the Interior department, that it is
to settle upon those lands until
the disability is removed by an act of con-
gress, providing for opening the country TO
actual settlement
DO you mean to say that Capt. Payne
could Craze cattle upon the Oklahoma
lands
ellis right TO do so is most certainly as
good as mine. But If he would do this, he
would not become famous us an agitator,
and would be as common as cow-man."
Are yon willing TO hazard an opinion rs
10 what are Capt. Payne's prospects OF
success.
81 think they are excellent, for his sue
cess depends upon his absurd claims being
denied. Indeed he would regard it his
greatest success TO be punished for his UNI
lawful acts and thus become n martyr
And SO you believe he is about TO be
punished, do your
"Yes. and to use Il correct expression, ]
30 not think the government is going 10
monkey with this idle agitator much
longer
What leads you TO this opinion,
al am not the confidential advisor OF the
,iyil or military departments Of the govern
nent, and am not supposed to know their
secrets. But from present movements Of
government officials i'm that country, ! have
Every reason to believe that the public will
near stirring news from the seat Of war at
In early day."