The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-31
AS THE DOCTOR SAW 1T.
A MEMPHIAN RETURNS FROM THE
BORDERS OF OKLAHOMA.
He Saw Nothing of the Thrilling Scenes
and Incidents Fabricated Into Exciting
Stories, and Considers 1t a Great
Country in Many Respects.

DR.. j. W. Mcclure was one of the many
Memphians who bolted for Oklahoma. the
land OF hope and scheming Government
officials.
He joined one OF the earlier throngs,
and arrived on the scene while yet there
was confusion, some strife, u great deal OF
annoyance and no little disappointment.
The doctor was not OF the class who
positively babe farewell to former home
and friends forever; in fact, he had money
that he considered it wise to oxpcnd in
travel for broader iniormation; therefore
he elected that some OF it should be de-
voted TO at least a casual study of OKLA
homa. lie went, he saw, he was satisfied,
and now he is again in Memphis. An
APPEAL reporter met Dr. Mcclure ycstor-
day, and tho conversation soon turned
upon tho newly-opened.i or-civilizaiio
country.
GLOW did ] like it?'' sail the returned
tourist, repeating the reporters question.
There are far worse and less attractive
sections OF country in the United States.
Had been dissatisfied with Memphis and
prospecting for new location, perhaps the
balance Of my days would have been
passed as citizen OF Oklahoma; PERHAPS
not. You see, | went over there with no
snclI end IN view; have no such idea as
lorsaking Memphis in minG, and ono can
not always speak positively under those
circumstances You newspaper men, while
possessed OF many noble qualities, Il class
without whom any community would be
sad and hardly recognized in the field OF
advancement and prosperity, arc too much
gwen TO straining for sensational effect.
While depioring them, have rather en-
joyed the numerous luridly sensational
stories sent out with re.oreLce TO lie and
civilization in the recently opcrcd country.
These stories covered a widr range o! sub.
iects, such as men numbering lEcir fellows
IN every conceivable manner, whole families
starving to death, others wasting away
and losing reason daily Tor lacl. of nourish.
ment, aud all sorts OF rascality aud crimi.
nality. These are all amusing 10 me, who
spent some time over there, or they would
be, but for the unlavorlblc effect they
must have upon the country aud people
who have adopted IL az their home. Arc
they fabrications2 Most OF them, ard the
balance are nlarmingly exaggerated. A
more peaccahle aud lnw-abiding people do
not exist than thos, vino have settled in
Oklahoma, taken as q whole. A happ.cr
and better-providcd.l for lot OF indiyidur.s
do not live, considered in the entirety.
Many OF them did not 20 over so.rly to
seek ioiluncg, but through love Of adj
venture, and to enjoy the expert.
cnco Of being pioneers. They were
getting along nicely, aud would
have continued 10 prosper. at their old
homes, or IN any section OF the States 10
which they might have gone, but from the
prcmp.ings OF the regular American spirit.
elected 10 become an Okhhomaitc, lust
ioy tho novelty o, the thing. Being there.
they are and will ever be good citizens, to
their country and Themselves
what OF the county itself. and It's on.
portuniIies TO people to increase their
worldly sturcs?"
AS said before, '.ore ~, worse conn.
tries, and so there are infinitely better ID
IS well mp on an average. There arc OBJ.
lcciions, such rs intelligent, practical mon
vii! find IN any land or community.
Timber is not 50 plentiful rs IL might b.,
and what there is u OF n scTubby chlrlc.
ter. The soil Is OF reddish cast. mixed
with sand, unsuitcd 20 s1mo crops. but
promises TO be productive iorolhcri The
country is pretty well wa,crcd, has plenty
OF grass, and an almost unlimited Quin.
tity ui good building stone. I have tray.
elod extensively, aud 1t Is what ] would
torn loycly country"
There have been some fine specimens
OF mushroom growth over thCrr, 90 it is
reported. Did you observe ihcm?n
"li you rofcr TO the rapid building of
Young cities aud towns, YOU ara correctly
informed. Oklahoma City h. notable
instance. /: Is OF the santa &c Railroad.
Onc-haf mile from the Canajili. ii,cr.
There were but two 40 iscs standing ~ il
on the mor'irg the Territory was thrown
opca TO ss;ilcrI Within thirty dave there
were 1890 houses bd Il, tome Of them
elegant Ybca. among ihcm a hai, 10 feet |
long, whtlo Llyc,s OF two E.ory business
structures, aat IN elegant posioilicc. In |
fact, ever s'ni Of business is oycriouc. |
Guthrie is Considerably larger city.
whcec one Ui the land offices ~ located. |
Lots ere increasing rapidly in value. come |
having recently sold as high ~ $500 !
each. All the lands are being home |
stcadrd, most OF the best tracts b,ing filed |
upon OF taken. | regard II AZ good Oh. |
pOriuEiiy ior man 10 get home, but |
Memphis presents equally good opporlun- |
tiles Tor the right SOFT Of men, aud IL Is |
good enough for me"