The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-22
The Man Who Introduced the Bill
to Settle the Territory.
Gives His Opinion as to the Result
To Be Expected From It.
1t viii Give an Impetus to South
western immigration
That Nothing Else Could Have Brought
About and tho Overflow VIII Not
be Held Within the Bounds
OF Oklahoma.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.,, Aprll 2l.-Ihe Hon.
VIM. Nj. Springer, Chairman OF the Com
mi,tee on Territories Of the National
House OF Representatives, and author OF
the original Oklahoma bill, has returned
to his home in this city much elatod at the
success OF the party Of which he was a
leader, in succeeding after so many years
in having the Oklahoma lands opened up
to tho settlers Mr.. Springer is gratiied
rather than embarrassed ut the excess OF
immigration into the Oklahoma country,
and does not share the apprehensions so
generally INDUCED in regarding probable
lawlessness, and bloodshed over disputed
lands. lie thinks the excess Of immigra.
ton will only demonstrate the decessity Of
speedy action in the opening OF the sur
rounding lands TO the home Of the settler
81 have been warmly urged by some o!
the boomers who have been for 30 many
years prominent in this Oklahoma move.
mcnt," said Mr.. Springer tonight, ito
take trip to the West TO witness tho
opening Of the new Territory, aud TO aid
the people by my suggestions in the or
ganization Of the necessary provisional
Government. do not believe that my
presence Is necessary, however, as have
abundapt faith In the law.abi'llng DISPOSE.
ton OF the average American citizen, and
think that after few days Of turmoil and
excitement tho Oklahoma settlers will
demonstrate their ability 10 take care OF
sl...s. al.
regulations rs will bo observed by all.
am very anxious that peace and good
order should prevail in the settlement OF
the territory, dhd l do not indulge the
fears OF violence that are INDUCED In BY
some Of the press. The vast majority OF
the people who are going there are seeking
homes and not controversies. Thoy want
tho land, no lawlcssness. While most OF
them aro going armed, their evident pur-
pose IA 20 be prepared 10 enforce law and
order. There will be, no doubt, many
lawless characters follow the crowd, ny In
tho case Of ovcry new community, no
matter. how favonbly situated, but the
way OF the transgrossor will be AZ hard In
Oklahoma ~ in any part OF tho country.
The people seem determined 10 have peace
II they have TO Eight for H."
what effect will this movement. In
your opinion, have on the Southwest la gen
eral2" was asked.
81 have always contondcd," replied Mr..
Springer, that tho settlement OF Okla
homa would be matter oi great public
interest, and that n great population would
sot In after lawful title could be made,
and from what see In the newspapers my
most sanguine expectations are more than
realized. There Is more than twice az
many people going In at the beginning ~
] had anticipated, and the interest mani.
tested IL more universal than | had ever
supposed II would be. The opening OF
Oklahoma Is today the most absorbing
topic before the American people aud IL
has become a great national event.
Ia Importance Is now scarcely real.
iEcd. II Is the beginning Of q movement
OF population 10 the Southwest which will
continue for years 10 como. II sof much
moro importance than was the discovery
Of gold Ia California and will have much
greater and moro iar-rcaching c3nsc-
quenccs. In ten years from this time
Oklahoma will be- n populous NJ tho State
Of Kansas u today, and the population
which may center In the Territory will
constitute but a small portion Of the popu-
laiion which will DO attracted 10 that sec
ton 10y this movement The overflow will
sweep over into Texas and Colorado. New
Mexico, Arizona and Southern California,
and the rebound will send thousands OF
people ~ Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri.
II will cause increased interest In the
reclamation Of tho arid lands Of tho
Southwest, and ovontuato In a policy
that will make the deserts respond with
fields Of ripening grain to the demands Of
Al A. A L..
problem la tho near future, not by oxter.
mination, a. has been feared, but 10y max.
ing the Indian an individual land holder,
by teaching him 10 earn his own living
upon his own farm, aud by making him a
citizen Of the United states, voter and
member Of the body polite The land
not required for the Indian will DO oocu-
pied by white men, and they will become
his friendly co-worker In tho production
Of wealth and the development Of the re-
sources Of the country. Their children
will ba educated nc the sans schools. and
perfect civilization will take the place Of
the aem.b arbafism In which the Indian
has heretofore lived"
"Do you think there will be much
trouble and bloodshod among the set
tlcn3"
"Therc have been apprehonsions con-
siderng the conflicts that may arise over
the ownership Of tracts Of land" replied
Mr.. Springer. These contests are Of
minor and local importance II makes no
difference TO the country at large whether
John boo or Richard Roc may occupy q
particular quarter section. The unsuc-
cessful applicant has only 10 wait a short
time. possibly only n few weeks, when
other portions Of the Territory will be
open 10 settlement II the commission
appointed by the President meets with
the anticipated success, tie Cherokee out.
let containing over 5000. 900 acres OF land,
will, In few weeks or months, aud with
out additional legislation, be opened up 10
settlement under the same terms as the
land now being occupied. The strip Of
land Is nearly 200 miles long and sixty
four miles wide, orthroc times larger than
Oklahoma proper The part Of the semi-
mole and Crock purchase west Of the Nino.
iy.oighth degree Of longitude, and north OF
the Canadian River, containing 2.0OO,0OC
acres Of land will also be opened up at An
early day. These lands have been pur.
chased and paid for by the United State.
With the privilege Of opening them TO set.
Element under the homestead laws. aud
all that Is repaired nov 70 accomplish Ihii