The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-12-11
SECY. NOBLE HAS VIEWS
ABOUT PUBLIC LANDS AND PENSIONS.
He Vigorously Scores Tanner on the Rerat-
ing Matter-So Recommendation Re-
garding Pacific Roads-He Tells
About the Work of the Navy.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-The report OF the
secretary of the interior is volu minous docu-
ment. He begins by commenting on the settle
ment Of Oklahoma. He says many illegal en-
tries have been made, and recommends that
congress Immediately establish territorial
government, and the withdrawal of the military
at the earliest possible moment The secretary
refers to the opening OF the Sioux reservation,
and thinks that the troubles experienced in
Oklahoma will not be duplicated here, for the
Dakota laws will govern. He recommends an
early proclamation opening the reservation, as
planting begins there in February.
Secy. Noble reviews the work of the Cherokee
commission thus far, and refers bitterly to the
conduct OF the cattle barons in trying TO lease
the Strip from the Indians. He says the gov
eminent should not compel the Cherokees TO
sell the Strip to it, but should enact laws pre-
venting the interference of interested and sell
fish whites in matters between the govern
ment and the Indians.
The secretary reioices that the appointment
of census clerks does not come under the civil
service regulations The eleventh census will
be more statistical and less scientific than
previous ones. He recommends permanent
census bureau.
Secy. Noble begins his reference to the land
Office with a wholesale TRADE against the adj
ministratiOn of Commissioner Sparks, declaring
that the latter's suspension of patents TO large
sections of land in the West was wholly un-
called for and a gratuitOus insult as well as a
grievous wrong to honest settlers.
The annual reports made by forme. commission
show the total number of patents issued Tor agri
cultural lands during che years named, as follows
Fiscal year ending June 50, loS6........... 1922
Fiscal year ending June 30, "A 55s
Fiscal year ending June 80 AZ, $50
Total for three years.. 81. 623
Averaging S0,51 per year, or an average OF 2,540
The total number OF agricultural patents for the
fiscal year ending June 81, 1859 is 1c,1il. During
the drst eleven months OF that year. under the orm
or methods OF work, there were issued oil sat total
53,6lS patents, being monthly average OF 1914
while during the month of June OF said year. under
the new methods, there were issued 1898 patents
most gratifying increase over the former manage
ment To still further illustrate the successful
workings OF the Office under present management il
may be proper TO state that notwithsiand-
ing the reduction Of clerical force during
the months Of July and August Of the
present year, by leaves of absence TO which
the clerks entitled, sickness aud other causes
usually occurring and unavoidable in these months
Of the year. agricultural patents were issued fol-
lows: July, 1923; August, $3.50. Adding to these
the issue of last above given, 1923, have
the total for three months OF 33426 or an average Of
ll.l42 per moth.
ne OF the land Office in sendin g these land
patents has only been Of Justice but il has
b en- responded to by greatly increased confidence
the part OF the people In the sympathy OF the
government for them in their pioneer lives and in
its disposition u protect them in their homes and
property.
It is not to be understood from the expressions
herein made that there is any disposition to relax
the examination OF claims to land TO extent that
will permit fraud 10 grow illegal claims to be
tablishe On the contrary, greater vigiiance has
been eXaced in these particulars; but that vigilance
is directed 10 the examination OF records and evil
deuce in each individual claim and is not exhibited
in wholesale >uspicion and general Suspension.
great many claims deemed illegal IN
der investigation, and many causes now pend
ing for fraudulent infractions OF the
laws will be prosecuted The most nOto-
rQus of such fraudulent claims traced TO cOrpOr
ations seeking TO obtain the public domain for
pOrate purposes through pretended settlements OF
individuals. These matters undergOi "A strict
investigation and will be decided the law requires
without regard 10 the results that may fall upon
those who think that because they invest great
of money in particular enterprise which at its
beginning Il illega, they should be protected later
OF because Of the ruin that would follow from de-
cisiOn against them. This must be their own con-
Germ. The purpose Il the government is TO bestow
the lands for homestead according individual or
corporate desires.
PATENTS ISSUED.
Acres.
Agricultural patents, 70,14i, covering. 11791
Mineral patents 3d. .,..,.