Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-02-07
OKLAHOMA DEBATE.
How the Springer Bill Was Received and
Debated In the Senate.

How the Springer Bill Was Received and
Debated in the Senate.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.-That the greatest
interest is being taken in the Senate in
the Oklahoma question was shown yester-
day when quite spirited contest arose,
as soon as the House bill was presented,
between Senator Dawes, chairman of the
Indian COMMITTEES, and Senator Platt
chairman of the Territorial Committee,
concerning the reference Of the bill. 1t
did not however involve any question re-
speeding it's merit. After a full consulta-
ton with Senator Vest, and in view Of
presidents heretofore established in the
Senate, the friends of the motion deemed
it best that it should be referred to the
Committee on Territories. but the rivalry
existing between the chairmen of these
two committees as to the custody of the
bill was such that spirited discussion
followed. The measure was finally re-
ferred to the Committee on Territories.
Congressman Springer, Weaver and
Perkins passed large portion of the day
consulting with various Senators, and
they report the outlook to be extremely
encouraging.
While the bill will undoubtedly be
strongly opposed in certain quarters, the
general sentiment of the Senate, so far as
S now ascertained, appears to be favora-
BILE. But on account of the lateness of the
session, it is evident that no effort must
be spared by the friends of the bill to en-
act it into a law before March 4.
Senator Vest fully appreciates the ne
cessity of prompt and vigorous action,
and is at work night and day in behalf of
the great measure, the success Of which
promises such grand results for the people
of Missouri and of the whole Southwest.
In the debate yesterday in the Senate
upon the question of reference of the
Oklahoma bill to either the Committee on
Territories or that on Indian Affairs,
Senator Morgan, Of Alabama, in a very
able and pointed legal argument, In reply
to the charge preferred by Senator Chace,
of Rhode Island, that the bill was a well
laid scheme to encroach upon Indian
rights and rob them, took the ground that
the provisions Of the Oklahoma measure
went furt her in recognition of alleged In
dian rights than was justified by law,
since it provided for an agreemsnt with
these Indians, through commission to be
appointed forthat purpose, for the sxtin-
guishment of whatever title they pos
sessed, when by previous treaties
the Government had already
paid very large amounts for
these lands, obtained title thereto, and en-
joyed the right of public as well as emil
nent domain thereupon. This was shown
by the fact that the Government had the
treaty right to locate any friendly tribe Of
Indians upon these lands without further
consent of the five civilized tribes, and
that, In view of the fact that Oklahoma
and No-Man's-Land had been made the
refuge for outlaws and criminals OF the
worst character it had become evident
tn the country that q well regulated Ter.
ritorlal Government with properly con-
stituted courts, should be provided at the
earliest possible moment
The general tenor Of Senator Morgan's
speech was in the refutation of the asser-
ton that the Government could not inau-
gurate a Territorial Government over
Oklahoma without infringing or impairins
solemn treaties made with the Indians,
and his argument upon this portion Of the
question not only created q profound i'm
preston upon his colleagues, but was not
attempted to be denied or controverted by
any Senator on the floor.
Senator Morgan struck q severe blow at
the Indian sensationalists when he
charged, without denial from any source.
that a very reprehensible and dangerous
state Of affairs existed under the com.
munistic system Of the Indian Territory,
and he intimated broadly that he would
willingly 90 further in this matter by Gre
ating Federal court of either general or
limited Jurisdiction within the territory
occupied by the Eve civilized tribes, to tbs
end that law and order might be enforced
there by authority Of the General Govern