The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-24
RICH In PROMISE,
But Promises Are Not Bread land Meat
senseless Craze for a Country That
Isn't Worth It.
Record of Yesterdays Excited Do
ings in Oklahoma
Scenes of Wild, Mad Confusion.
With Four Murders.
Unfair Methods OF Unscrupulous Gov
ernmont ofioials Condemned-An
Old Stager Who Wonders Why
II Has All Occurred.


correspondent who has been at Guthrie
all night returned to Arkansas City today
and sends the following TO his paper:
The first homestead filed at Guthrie was
Mark $. Cohn, Of Fort Smith, Ark. The
first soldier to file deelaratory statement
was Belton Turner, who was private in
Company l, Sixth Illinois Cavalry. Dur
ing yesterday three town sites, Guthrie,
Oklahoma City and Edmunds. three
homesteads and twcntytone soldiers de-
claratory statements were filed. At 1913
o'clock VIM. johnson, heading tho little
procession at the land office, laid down a
rough chart Of Guthrie aud filed II us a
town site. This was the first paper pre-
sented. Four clerks for the land Offices
from Washington arrived yesterday, two
for Kingiisher and two here. Land Reg
lister Ollie stated this morning that the
Kingisher land Office would not be open
until Thursday.
About o'clock Yesterday evening a
pistol report across the Cottonwood creek,
west Of the depot, outside OF the town site
reserve, attracted attention. In n moment
a man on horseback went west over the
hill at a breakneck speed. Two Deputy
United States Marshals went over, but were
told that nothing had occurred. A Star
representative got a boat and crossed the
stream, however, 10 investigate In the
bushes were collected hall dozen men.
On the ground, and beside
A HALF-MADR GRAVE,
was stretched all that was left OF S. T..
Comps. A ball from a revolver had passed
entirely through his breast, coming out Of
the back. lie lived half an hour after being
shot, and was dead when Star reporter
reached him. Efforts wero made 10 con.
ceal the body, and only an assurance OF the
strictest confidence allowed the reporter
there, and then lac did not dare reveal his
business. The lace was at once recognized
as that OF n man who had eaten dinner
with the scribe. There Compis said he
and his partners had entered Gulh.
and they swan the Cote wood aud haf
staked claim. As they1sere driving the
last stakes fellow was discovered In the
hhHAA'n NAA AiNN NNNAh VI WV hNNNhs AhAn
man said he had already smked the claim.
Comps and his partner offered 10 divide;
10 this the fellow objected, and warned
them he would shoot before he would d.
vide. Compis did not believe this threat,
and ~ he left the meal tent he sad he
should sleep on that claim. Half an hour
alterward Comps was shot by the first
claimant rs ho stood by his pony, bride in
I.nI lIfa ts.Ve.l.N..e l.l...
Compis's companion could realize wha,
had been done. Believing secrecy the
easiest way out, Compis's partner dragged
no one had been hurt He would not give
his name, and the peculiarly Of the situa-
ton prevented searching inquiry. The
dead man was about thirty year, old, and
had black hair and eyes, When he
left the eating tent he wore grey flannel
shirt, boots and pants and had his coat
strapped TO his pony. Compls's companion
took possession Of the murderer's outfit Of
q wagon and two horses The man will
never return m he knew his shot was
fatal. The body was buried in the bushes.
This was the only murder near Guthrie
up 10 midnight, despite other reports.
After Z O'Clock yesterday and all night
there was
MUCH SUFFERING ron WATER.
Tho railroad company refused 10 let the
settlers take from tho railroad tank, ioi
fear OF exhaustion. The water In the Cot.
tonwood Ia red with mud aud water
famine seems imminent HawkeB went
about the debot last night with buckets oI
water charging five cents a glass. The
water was poor, but found a ready sale.
The engineers were besicgcd by Thirsty
people for drinks from tho engine TANKS
and many were accommodated.
Up 10 midnight not quarrel on the
Guthrie town sito had occurred. The
citizens o'clock meeting adjourned 10 O.
Tho great anxiety OF ovcfy one was infor.
nation about the size Of lots. There wa,
great indignation over the fact that people
had gone on the ground before IL o'clock
and u was tho general sentiment that all
such should be hpglod out and debarrcd.
This would throw out many prominent
men. Judge Clayton, Of Arkansas and
many others held a Guthrie meeting be.
fore 12 o'clock. There y also great indig.
nation over the hundTed or moro deputy
marshars who used their authority m q
cloak 10 got on the ground, and resigned
NJ noon. They all have n lot. They arc
10 be singled ont and complaint lodged
against them. A resolution was adopted
10 the effect that every invader should bc
complained OF and efforts at once made "a
drive them out. The feeling Is very strong
In this matter.
After cries had gone over the town q
great crowd gathered on the highest clo'
vation Of the town 20 attend the meeting.
Fully 1000 persons wore present TX
Mayor Constantine was selected 10 preside,
Addresses were made BY hall a dozen Of
moro prominent men trom different part
OF the country, and asirong feeling wai
manifested
AGAINST 1nK PREMATURE sETTLERs,
which will very likely lead 10 the forfeiture
of their claims. Preliminary steps wer'
taken toward surveying the land and lay
ing out the streets OF Guthrie, etc. Wnt
| estimates Of the number oi people a.
Guthrie were telcgraphod last night n
liberal estimate Is 5000. 80,
There were many amusing scenes Whil,
stalking lots. A number Of men wouid
get together aud agree that street should
run In a certain direction. Lots would "
staked 10 faoo IL. Men adjoining wouic
declare that the fellows had siaked dirscu,
In the street, and that their lots laced ul'
street. Thus the greaio,t confusion ,elgns
] aud no man knows for certainty 'ha' h'