Evening journal., 1889-03-22
THE OKLAHOMA BOOMERS
Strained Condition of Affairs in
the Territory.
GENERAL WEAVER ON THE SCENE.

He Makes Rousing Speech and Buoys
Up the Hopes Of the Expectant settlers.
Instructions Forwarded from washing
ton TO the Soldiers.
TOPEKA, Kan, March 22.-The Oklahoma
situation Is becoming very much strained
Notwithstanding the attempts Of prominent
men to pacify the would be settlers. Hun
dreds Of these are discouraged over the report
that the country Is not likely TO be opened
until June, and unless the advocates of peace
redoube their efforts general advance re
gardless Of consequences may result
Congressman Mansur, OF Missouri, has been
travelling along the border counseling the
boomers 10 remain quiet until the presidents
proclamation is issued, and it is said he has
done much TO avert the threatened invasion
Ex-Congressman Weaver bohbed up unex.
pectedly at Oklahoma station Wednesday in
company with Capt Couch, Payne's sue
cessor. Mr. Weaver was in Topeka Monday
and Tuesday and held a secret session with
Couch and Sidney Clark, Of Lawrence. who
has been lobbying in the interest of Oklahoma
all winter in Washington. Mr. Weaver left
ON Tuesday ostensibly for Atchison, but Il
was learned that he went directly 20 Okla
homa with Couch. As soon as he was recog.
nized he was forced 70 make a speech in the
evening at dance in the postonlce building.
There is little doubt that he, in common
with other congressional advocates Of the
opening, has got his eye on the rich plums
trh nh tu tai a..
hence his secret journey His presence being
known, he gracefully took the bull by the
horns and made the boomers rousine
speech He said the country was excelled by
none he had ever seen, and summarized
briefly the advantages Of soil and climate
and general topography which had displayed
themselves 20 him for the first time in the
days ride. This, he said, was the rightful
heritage Of the people and the effort which
had been made TO keep II from them was
nothing short Of a crime.
The fight in congress for the possession OF
this fair land had been long and arduous, and
IL had been in many ways bitter contest on
account of the interest involved and the
strong opposition which had been made by
the cattle men. IL was 10 be regretted that
the Springer bill, with It's wise provision for
government had not passed. Still Oklahoma
had not been left entirely without law, as a
court has been established At Muskogee with
jurisdiction over the Indian territory in
minor civil and criminal matters and the
courts Of Fort Smith and Wichita had juris
diction in cases Of felony and the more i'm
/ portant civil suits.
Land offices would be established in ampl,
time to meet all requirements IL now ONLY
remained for the president TO issue his procla
nation, and there was no doubt that he woul'
do it In a very short time.
All good citizens would wait until that wa
done before entering upon the land. He knew
that those present would do this. The
might pass through the country and look a
il, but should come with no purpose Of stay
ing In conclusion, Mr. Weaver predicte,
that within two years Oklahoma would be d
state.
The presence OF Mr.. Weaver in the Okla
homa country viii strengthen the feeling il
Kansas that Senator Plumb simply struck
blow at the town ,ite spectators when h
smashed the Springer bill. In the meantim,
the season is advancing, and the thousand
just in sight OF the Promised Landn fine
their stock Of patience fast disappearing.
| WASHINGTON, March photographic in
structions have been sent TO the officer in
command Of troops in the Oklahoma country
from ths war department officers ordering
him TO establish the identity Of all raiders
and preserve their names The law provides
that any one trespassing on the land befor,
the country is opened for settlement shall b,
dobared from making entry of any of th,
! land