McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1885-04-16
THE OKLAHOMAITES.
The Disposition Likely to be Made of
Captain Couch, Leader of the Colo.
nfStS.

Arkansas City dispatch: Gen. Hatch came
In from Wichita this afternoon, where he has
been in consultation with Mr.. Charles HattOn,
assistant United States attorney, as to what
should be done with the fifteen men recently
arrested in Oklahoma by Capt. Devices. He
is very reticent about the matter, but, from
all your correspondent could learn, it would
seem seem that they will be turned loose. New
arrivals are continually coming in to join the
colony. Capt Couch called the nome-seekers
together and stated that he had two letters
and dispatch from Washington. One of the
letters was from Mr.. Clark and the other from
o friend, advising him to come to Washington
immediately-that the cattlemen were doing
all in their power to prejudice the president
against the boomers, declaring that they were
lawless class, determined to enter Oklahoma
regardless of his proclamation. Capt. Couch
advised that meeting be held at which the
feasibility of his going to Washington would
be discussed. He would abide by the action
of the meeting. If he thought he could do
the colony any good in going Mr.. Blackburn
said he was in favor of the proposition, "as it
would show that we are awaiting the 'presi-
dents action and that we are not the lawless
class VIC are reported to be-" Mr.. Echelman,
who was Capt. Payne's right hand man during
his life of booming, said he was going to Okla
bona anyhow, but favored the captain going
to Washington and settling the question peace
ably, if possible. Mr.. Furlong thought it best
for Capt. Couch to 60, as it would bring the
question to speedy issue one way or another.
Col. Croker favored the captains going, as it
might be the means of explaining matters
now falsely represented by the cattle kings,
whose interest 1t Is to retard the opening OF
Oklahoma as much as possible. All the BOOM
ers seem to think that the captain should go,
and in all probability at their meeting to-mor-
cow morning it will be settled that he shall
start by the first train. He advised them all
-. hot
he would return in nine days. At the close of
the meeting committee of five was appointed
to wait on merchants of this city to get q
statement regarding their character. 1t is as
follows:
"To Grorer Cleveland, President Of the United
States of america: This is to certify that we,
the undersigned, citizens of Arkansas City,
Kas, are acquainted and do business with the
members of Parne's Oklahoma colony, now
encamped at this place; that we find them
law-abiding, debt paying, orderly, well-be-
haved men and women, well fitted out with
teams, wagons, farm implements, ETC.; that
we have heard of no instance of drunkenness
or disorderly conduct on their part since their
sojourn in camp at this place; that we are also
acquainted with their leader, w. L. Couch,
who is president of said Payne's Oklahoma
colony; that he is an honorable, law abiding
citix n. respected by ALL"
The petition is ssgned by the mayor, ctv
marshal, deputy United States marshal and
nine-tenths of the business men in the city
Gen. Hatch believes that Capt. Couch Wash
lngton visit will be uf great benefit to the col
onsts' cause.