Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-16
TIE OKLAHOMA LANDS.
The Administration will Protect Them
from the Intrusion OF White Settlers.

from the Intrusion or Hnite settlers.
WASHINGTON, April 15.-Capt. Couch,
the Oklahoma boomer" has had an in
terYiew with Secretary Lamar. Capt.
Couch said ne represented law-a5iding
citizens VINO believed honestly that they
are entitled 70 settle upon the '-Oklaho-
ma" lands, and who want an authorita-
tive legal decision on the question wheth-
CT the lands belong 70 tle government and
are open for settlem eut. He complained
that cattle men have ranches and herds
on the land his people seek 70 settle upon.
de denied that the Oklahoma settlers IN
tens 70 20 into the country IN the face Of
the law, and claimed that all they want
i the just and authoritative legal deci-
sion.
In reply, Secretary Lamar said he was
glad 70 receive TIE assurance Capt. Couch
gave Of the law-abidlng disposition Of the
people he represents. With regard 70
cattle men who have intruded upon the
lands in question, il Eil be the policy Of
the ADMIN strstion ~ treat them exactly
as other trespassers; but reasonable time
would BE allowed them TO remove their
cattle, since the administration found
them 10 possession.
Upon the direct question presented by
Capt. Couch, the Secretary said the Okla
n0ma lands are not public lands within
the meaning q the settlement laws. and
peODle seeking u settle there not only
stand IN front OF the prJciamatihns Of
three succeeding occupants Of the EXecu-
tive chair, but are proceeding directly in
the lace Of an adverse decision by the
United States District Court. Judge Par
ker mad the question before him. the facts
were all admitted, and the decision was
made that Oklahoma was Indian terri
tory. Nv hat is IL y0u WIshE asked Mr..
Lamar.
- want to know what course the adj
mnisTation has determined a pursue
with reference to Oklahoma and the set
tiers - replied Capt. Couch.
"Well, SIR, | will state 70 YOU the policy
OF this administration vita regard to this
Oklahoma country" said the Secretary.
SIT considers the Oklahoma Territory. on
which the persons You represent are pro-
posing to make settlements. as within
and part Of the Indian Territory. The
administration regards 1t as not part OF
the public domain open 10 e1try and set
tlemeut and acquisition Of titles under
the land laws OF the United States.
Being Indian cOuutry-that is terri
tory acquired and reserved for In
dian Occupancy-the government is
pledged to the protection Of it and the
Indians from iHtTuders. No white per-
sons nave the rignt 70 20 there and reside
without a permit, and when they do 90
they are intruders. who are acting ile-
gally and wrongfully. The policy Of the
President - to execute the pledge Of the
government, and to protect this teri tory
from the intrusion OF white persons who
claim that they have a right 10 enter upon
it, and that it was public domain, subject
70 presumption and homestead settle
ments.
as that the final decision ?" asked Capt.
Couch.
cit is, and It will be enforced?" replied
Mr.. Lamar.
In reply to further question Secretary
Lamar said the administration was deter
mined that the cattle men on the Okla
bona reservation should leave. They
Will not be permitted to craze their cattle
within the limits Of that territory. He
repeated this declaration with emphasis.