Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-08-05
The Cattlemen Answered.

THE PRESIDENT THINKS PUBLIC INTERESTS
MORE IMPORTANT THAN PRIVATE.
The representatives of the cattlemen who
have leases on the Cheyenne and Arapahoe
reservations called on the President yesterday
and asked for an extension Of the time P'1owed
in the executive order to remove their cattle
from the reservations. The delegation consisted
of Senator Cockrell and Representative John NJ.
Glover, Of Missouri; r. d. Hunter, c. z. Rain.
81 Sa f w. MIRO r. thompson ana H. M: PoiaId, q
u: b. Bullene, and DR.. NJ. Mumford, OF Kansas
City; Mr.. Torrey. OF Providence, II. l.; Col. 81.
- Denman, of Washington, and g. r. Peck, OF
misrepresentation Pollard being introduced
by Senator Cockrell, read . memorial which
enumerated the difficulties and also the losses
TO De encountered in carrying out the Presi-
dents order. Mayor Moore, Col. Denman and
Dr. Mumford made brief speeches.
REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
The President said, ''There is one point that
seems to escape your attention, that point is
before my eye, and 1t is the public interest.
We have lately seen what fear can be created
by thirty or forty Indians. Within two hours q
letter has come to my desk from the governor
OF Kansas, urging that the troops on the border
Of that state should not be withdrawn. The
highest officer in the army, one experienced in
Indian affairs, reports the situation in the terri
tory, and says that the cause of the irritation Is
the presence of the cattlemen. section of this
country containing four and a quarter million
Oh acres was set apart IOf the INDIANS. only
one-tenth, 100000 acres, is left. They are
crowded down to the agencies. Some Of this
may have been secured with the consent of the
Indians. 1t is apparent to ME, as it is to you,
that this state of affairs cannot continue. Two
interests are in conflict. Which shall give way3
On the one side we have public peace, public
security and the safety OF lives On the other side
are your interests. The former, entlemen, must
be considered, though private interests suffer.
The question of putting Off the removal until
next spring is inadmissibe. The order cannot
be modified. want to see some diligence in
complying with the order. Twelve days have
past. Precious time is lost. An effort was
made after the order was issued to secure an
extension of time. A dispatch was sent, saying
in the most positive terms that the order could
not be modified. Here you are, after twelve
days have passed. II any indulgence is shown
1t must be an application in specific cases, with
evidence that an effort has been made TO COM
ply with the order. 1t your interests led you
out of the territory instead of in, cannot help
but think you would find some way out In the
specified time. l wish you would cooperate
and take hold, and try to get the cattle Cd. No
argument will induce me to change what has
been done. Some loss and Inconvenience will
no doubt follow, but thaFe b al interestHraater
than yours which must recefve attention"
The delegation then Withdrew, and all the
members left the city on the evening train.
They were much disappointed ct the result Of
their Interview.