Wichita eagle., 1888-11-25
OKLAHOMA.

that southwest Kansas is almost unani
mously opposed to the opening of Okla
homa to settlement at this time, but the
assertion Is not correct. Many, we
might say large majority, of the PEG
pie in southern and southwestern Kansas
are in favor of the organization of the
country known as Oklahoma, embracing
the neutral strip or No-Man's Land, into
territory, the opening of the lands for
settlement and providing it with the
necessary laws and other machinery for
local government. Western Kansas was
well represented in the convention held in
this city last week, many of the best and
strongest men of that section taking part
in the proceedings, as was shown by the
published report. Among those present
was Hon. w. E. Bolton, of the Green's
burg Signal one of the best informed
citizens of western Kansas. In COM
menting on the subject through the Sig
nal he said, in part:
1T is argued that the opening of these
| lands to settlement will give to Kansas
cheaper transportation to the tide waters
of the gulf, break up the rendezvous of
thieves and cut-throats who now inhabit
it, and furnish to our people near mark
cts for their produce. Besides, it will
build up large cities in our state, as Kan
sas has done for Missouri, and from
which we would derive benefit by the
| taxation Of increased wealth. A short
while only would suffice to fill up this
country, and the vast immigration,
| which is awaiting its opening would
then turn to our fertile prairie lands
for homes. But whatever its result,
the measure is likely to become a
law at very early date, and we should
get in shape to attract hither a part of
the large immigration sure TO result
from the overcrowded east. Congress
man Mansur thinks the bill will become
a law before January LIST. 1888, as it is
already far advanced on the calendar.
The continued agitation of this question
by the boomers" and the influence
brought to bear by this convention will
at least make the opening of Oklahoma
necessity within a few years at most. >
The editor of the Anthony Journal, an
other of the wide awake citizens of
southern Kansas. was likewise present
at the convention and here is what he
says of the meeting and of the PROPOSE
ton to open the territory under discus
sion:
The Oklahoma convention held at
Wichita Tuesday was a grand success.
More than five hundred delegates were
present, representing all portions of the
west. Congressman Springer, the au-
thor of the Oklahoma bill, was present
and addressed the convention. Gen. J.
B. Weaver, of Iowa, another earnest
friend of the movement, made one of
those brilliant speeches that have given
him well earned national reputation.
Congressman Mansur, of Missouri. also
made convincing argument in favor of
the immediate opening of the Indian
Territory to actual settlers. These
three members of congress expressed
their confidence in the passage of
the bill early next month. 1t is near
the top of the house calendar
and there is no valid objection to its be
coming a law. A delegation was ap-
pointed by the convention to go to Wash
1ngton next week and assist the con-
gressmen in their efforts in behalf of the
Springer bill That the bill will soon be-
come a law there can be no doubt. The
moral intesests of the great southwest
demand it, the commercial interests of
the entire country demand it, and last
but not least, the homeseekers demand
it, and it must be opened to settlement.
The territory has been too long the home
of idleness and crime-a refuge for
criminals from different parts of the
Union. Yesterday in Wichita two muir
derers took their departure By the rope
and atmosphere line, having paid the
penalty for the crime OF brutally
numbering two white men in the
Indian Territory. This execution fol- |
lowing the adjournment Of the |
enthusiastic Oklahoma meeting ought TO |
open the eyes of the nation to the law
lessness and crime now existing in the |
territory and show the people the press |
ing demand for the immediate passage |
of the Springer bill. Every patriotic !
citizen viii rejoice 70 see the Indian Ter |
ritory converted into grand and pros
porous commonwealth as large and as |
great as the state of Ohio.
The opening of the Indian Territory
viii make Anthony one OF the most /
prosperous towns on the southern Dor /
der of kanses. II will make Anthony /
an QUILTING and supply point and viii
double our present population In very
short time. The people aIe promised /
Oklahoma as New Years gift and we /.
trust our congressman may not Be MS
taken"