Wichita eagle., 1888-02-11
OKLAHOMA.

Apropos of the renewed interest in the
question of opening portions Of the coun-
try embraced within the bounds of In
dian Territory, aroused by the recent
meetings held i'm Southern Kansas. and
the discussion of the question through
the press of the country. the subjoined
extract from letter written by Senator
Plumb. under date of January %. i'm
answer to inquiries made by Mr.. j. w.
Ross, of Caldwell, concerning the status
of proposed Hesitation by congress on
the subject, and the prospect of the early
opening of the territory mentioned, con-
tains some facts not generally known
heretofore, and which places the respon-
sibility for the delay in opening the terri
tory, or at least necessary action by con-
gress looking thereto, upon the president.
The state Of case set up by Senator Plumb
indicates the proper course to pursue in
the matter. i. e.. to induce the president
to take such action as it is necessary that
he shall. and which he has been fully
authorized by congress to take, in order
to afford congress basis for whatever
of action may be necessary on its part for
the final consummation of the proposed
movement. After referring to the action
of the people of Southern Kansas in pub
lie meetings, through boards of trade,
etc, and the great interest involved in
the matter to the entire state of Kansas.
as well as to large numbers of people,
who, as consequence Of the proposed
action, would be able TO obtain homes.
Senator Plumb says:
So far as have observed. no bill pro-
poses, however. the immediate opening"
of the lands to settlement. The question
of the settlement of the lands is left to
depend upon negotiation To be made by
the president with the Indians at a GER
tain price. OF course it can readily be
seen that if the Indians would not agree
to sell at this price the bill would fail of
its purpose and the land would not he
opened to settlement until further legis-
lation. The president now has ample
authority under the act of congress
passed in 1885. to negotiate
with the Indians, and if he
would negotiate congress would then
have basis TO work upon. because it
could make an appropriation for the pay
ment of the lands, establish rules. and
put people upon them at once. The
measures pending are all. and perhaps
of kind which means post /!
ponement for a long period of time. NV /
own opinion Is that the thing 20 be done /,
is TO induce the president to act under /
the authority he now has. and thus |
furnish an easy and prompt solution To 1
this important question.
i am ready. as ] have been for wears !
past, to do everything in my power Ia /
open up the unoccupied lands of the /.
Indian Territory To settlement. When.
after a protracted struggle. the provision
Of law which 1 have spoken of. author
zing the president TO negotiate.
was adopted. L supposed we were at the
Of the end. for | knew the
could readily have Negotiated
With the Indians al the Time for q cr,-
zion of their rights upon very favorable
ernls. but the long delay has served 10
enhance the value Of ti,e lands and Ia
make the Indians feel that they are
lnder no pressure TO do ANYTHING. and
hat they can hold on to their property
without any reference to the demand for
settlement, and are under no more con-