The St. Johns herald., 1885-08-13


 in the army, one experienced in Indian affairs, reports the situation in the territory, and says that the cause of irritation is the presence of the cattlemen. A section of the country containing four and a quarter million of acres was set apart for tEe Indians. Only one tenth or 100000 acres is left. They are crowded down to the agencies. Some of this land has been secured with the consent of the Indians. It is apparent to me, as 1t is to you, that this state ofatfairs cannot con- tinue. Two interests are in con fict. Which shall give way? On one side we have public peace, public security and safety of lives; on the other side, are your interests. The former, gentlemen, must be considered though private interests suffer. The question of putting off this removal until next spring is inadmissable. The order cannot and will not be modified. 1 want to see some diligence in complying with the order. Twelve days have passed-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 most positive terms that the or der could not be modified. Here ! you are, after twelve days have passed. If any indulgence is shown it must be an application in specific cases, with evidence that an effort has been made to comply with the order. If your interests led you out of the territory, instead of in, I cannot help it, but think you would find some way out in the specified time. I wish you would cooperate and take hold and try to get the cattle off. No argument will induce me to change what has been. Some.loss and inconvenience will no doubt follow, but there is an interest greater than yours which must receive attention"
 The delegation upon the conclu- sion of the Presidents reply, left the executive mansion"
 All men who understand or have knowledge of the situation in the
 Indian Territory, with whom we
 have conferred, are of one opinion that the order cannot be compiled
 with, not even with all the force at
 tainable, without unnecessary dis
 aster and ruin. To attemptto move
 the immense herds from the terri
 tory within the limited time named
 in the order, if it were possible SC
 to do, would be to leave a desert II
 the rear of the moving mass anG strew the trail with decaying ear casses which would breed pestilen tial horror unknown in the annal: of our history. Had the order f come for those occupying lands not
 under lease to move at once anC l followed after their removal with : notification to those who hold leas
 es, that their leases will be annulleC
 and they must prepare to move a : a given time, there would be great : CT safety to property. It would have given the lessees an oppOrtu
 nity to have hired or purchased . Eranges, wherein to place their stock I The obeyance of this order will nee : essarilv interfere with the rights Q | owners of ranges in the immediat, U neighborhood will stir up strif . and bad blood will make a wa f among white men which will creat : for the army of the United State more work than they would find il a dozen contests with the disatliect ed Indians in the territory and b n more disastrous in its effects upol civilization hundred fold.
 2 The highest officer in the army