Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-06-10
THE RAILROAD BILL.


Following we give a synopsis of
the Kansas & Arkansas Valley
railway bill which recently became
a law of the United States.
Section one gives the company
the right to construct and main
tain a railway, telegraph and tele-
phone lines from Fort Smith TO
Arkansas City, Cor near either Of
these towns), and also to build
from the most suitable point on
this line TO Cofleyville.
Section two grants a right of
way 100 feet wide; a strip Of land
200 feet wide and 5000 feet long, in
addition to the right Of way is
granted for stations for every ten
miles of road, which is not to DO
sold or leased. Additional neces-
sary ground for heavy cuts or fills
is granted. When any portion of
the land ceases TO be used for the
purpose specified it is to revert to
the nation from which it is taken.
Section three provides that lands
held by individual occupants shall
be paid for by the company.
Where an amicable settlement can
not be reached the damages shall
be awarded by three referees APP
pointed by the president, two of
whom are authorized to make the
award. Either party, if dissatis-
fed, shall have the right to appeal
by original petition "to the courts. -
The company being required to
deposit double the amount Of the
award and may proceed with the
work Of construction.
Section four prohibits the COM
pany from charging a greater rate
of freight than is authorized by the
laws of Arkansas, and fixes pas
senger fares at three cents per
mile.
Section five fixes the compensa-
ton to the nation at $50 per mile
and sl5 per mile as annual tax. 1t
also provides that the nation may
dissent from this allowance and
appeal to the courts. Congress
also with-holds the right to impose
any additional tax which seems
proper.
Section six requires the company
TO file with the secretary of the in
terror and principal chief maps
showing the route Of its located
lines, and after the filing of the
same no claim for subsequent set
uement and improvement upon
the right Of way shall be valid
against said company. The COM
pany is required to commence
grading ON the line located within
six months or the location shall be
void. The location is to be APP
proved by the secretary in sections
of twenty-five miles before con-
struction is begun.
Section seven gives all necessary
employees the right to reside on the
right Of way, subject to the inter
course laws and the rules and regu-
lations of the interior department.
Section eight gives the United
States courts Of the northern dis
trict of Texas, western district of
Arkansas and district Of Kansas,
concurrent jurisdiction, regardless
of the amount in controversy, so
far as may be necessary to carry
out the provisions of this act.
Section nine requires the COM
pany TO build 100 miles Of its road
within three years or forfeit this
grant as to the portion not built;
TO construct and maintain contin-
ually all road and highway cross
ings and bridges over. said railway
wherever the said roads now cross
or may hereafter be laid out.
Section ten binds the company
not to aid, advise or assist in any
effort looking 10 the changing OF
the present tenure of the Indians
in their land and providing for a
forfeiture Of all rights conferred in
case they violate the obligation.
Section eleven requires all
mortgages to be recorded in the
interior department and by twelve
congress reserves the right 10
amend, add to, alter or repeal this