The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-04-21
OKLAHOMA INDIAN LAND.
The "Boomers" Must ca. but the
Cattle Men Must Go, rOO--A ~
Final Decision.

WASHINGTON. April l3 1ss5.-Captain
Couch, the leader of the Oklahoma
boomers, had an interview With Secretary
Lamar this NOR ing The Secretary
gave him full hearing and was pleased
with the manner in which he presented
his case. Captain Couch said be repre-
sented law abiding citizens who believe
honestly that they are entitled to settle
upon the Oklahoma lands, and who want
an authoritative legal decision on the
question whether the lands belong to the
government and are open to settlement,
He complained that cattle men have
ranches and herds now on the land his
people seek to settle upon He denied
that the o slahoma settlers intend TO 60
into the country in the face of the law,
and claimed that all they want is just
and authoritative legal decision.
In reply Secretary Lamar said he was
Glad to receive the assurance Captain
Couch gave Of the law ahi ling disposi-
ton Of the people he represents. With
regard TO the cattle men who have in
truded upon the lands in question, 1t Will
he The policy of the administration to
treat them exactly as other trespsssers,
hat reasonable time would be allowed
them to remove their cattle, since the al
ministra,ion found them in possession
TIE LAND REsERvED FOR INDIANS.
Upon the direct question presented by
/ Captain Couch the Secretary said the
/ Oklahoma lands are not public lands
within the meaning of the settlement
FLAWS. People seeking to settle there not
only stand in front of the proclsmations
Of three succeeding occupants OF the
Expcnti chair, hut are proceeding di-
rrctly in the face OF an adverse decision
nv the United States District Court
Judge Parker had the question before
him, the facts were all admitted and the
decision was made that Oklahoma wa:
Indian territory.
"What is it you wish p asked Mr.
Lunar.
al want to know what course the ed
ministration has determined to pursu
: with reference to Oklahoma and the set
:, ,lers," replied Captsiu Couch.
y H"WeIl, sir, will state TO you the pol
u icy of this administration with regar
:, to this Oklahoma country" said tn
= Secretary. ut considers the Oklahom
= territory, on which the persons you reE
/; resent are proposing to make settlements
:. as within and part OF the Indian Teri
!. tory. The administration regards 1t
not part Of the public domain open
entry and settlement and acquisition
le tiles under the land laws of the Unite
iS States. Beng Indian country-that
=, territory acquired and reserved for II
le dian occuoancy-the government
u =. pied eed to the protection Of it and Il
u security OF the Indians from intruder
u No white persons have the right to
nc there and reside without o permit. al
q when they do go thew are intruders wi
!! are acting Illegally and wrongtully. t
'o policy OF the President Is to execute t
pledge OF the government and to Pr
eu " tect this territory from the intrusion
ali white persons who claim that they ha
=" m right to enter upon 1t and that 1t
=, public domain subject to pre-empti
eo and homestead settlements
=. "ls that the final decision Z" ask
~" b. Captain Couch. ;,
w ~ ut is. and will be enforced" rep
" Mr.. Lamar.
o,e CATTLE MEN ALSO TO BE BANIsHED.
the In reply to further qrestlon Sec
the tary Lamar said that the administra'l
be was determined that the cattle men
ere the o ,lahoma Reservation should lea
th- They will not be permitted to Craze II
re- cattle wi hin the Limits OF that terrific
OF He repeated this declaration with >'
and phasis.