Evening journal., 1889-04-13
THE RUSH TO OKLAHOMA.
Great Excitement Among Peo-
pie on the Border.
THE RAILROADS oyERCROwDED.

Many Thousands OF Intending Settlers
Waiting ImpatientIy for April ee-Novel
Methods of Reaching the Promised Land.
Provisions in Great Demand.
WICHITA, Kan, April l8-The whole Of
Southern Kansas is preparing for the open
ing Of Oklahoma April % The nearer the
people live to the border Of the promised
country the more intense is the excitement.
The railroads that heretofore had scarcely
anything to do are now overcrowded with
business, and the officers are puzzled to know
how to take care Of the crowds Of people and
the mass Of freight that is accommodating.
hotels are overhowing, provisions and
groceries are in great demand, while the sale
Of arms, ammunition, tents and outfits is un-
preeedented.
The two great centres for boomers are Cald-
well and Arkansas City on the north and
Purcell on the south. Caldwell is the gate
way to Kingfi sheron the west and Arkansas
City to Guthrie on the east, while Purcell
must be passed in coming from the south.
The number Of people is constantly increas-
ing. Each day south bound trains are
crowded with people, while white covered
wagons are rolling on toward the border n
an almost unbroken stream At Caldwell
there are over 5000 people, while around Ar
kansas City are double that number. Many
Of these have been waiting ON the border FOR
years and are in such destitute circumstances
that they do not scruple to beg for something
to eat
At Purcell there arc 5000 people waiting
and in the Chickasaw nation Capt Couch
places the nnmser ready to move at 10000
These are only the principal boomers gath
ering points, and il you add to it the Okla
homa colonies in every hamlet and city Of
this state an idea may be formed of what the
rush viii be on April p.
The boomers in wagons on the South Kan
sas line have been given permission to cross
the Cherokee strip on April 10, so as to have
an equal chance with those from the south
division. superintendent Turner, Of the
Santa Fe, was seen at Arkansas City.
1.-The Santa Fe will fake care of its passen-
gers said he "however large the number
may be. We will run as many specials as
may be necessary, win carry in provisions
and "a restaurant on April 81 and other
freight as soon as possible. The tracks and
switches must be kept clear for the passenger
travel and live stock trains from the south,
and all freight remaining upon the side track
will be dumped off What our freight traffic
viii be may be imagined when | tell you that
from Wichita alone viii cone 100 car loads
of lumber and as many more of general sup
plies
The Rock Island will run fast stages from
their southern terminus to Kngfisher, in cr-
der to reach claims that have already be n
chosen. The horses are now being sent to the
border At noon, April %, the races for
quarter sections win begin Quarrels over
claims daily take place, and thirty-five men
have already signified their intention Of filing
claims at Kingiisher A still greater number
win settle at Gutnrie The town site compa-
nies are at loss to know how to proceed
and will be cautious at first
Among thu many novel ways Of reaching
the promised country is that employed by
Hills colony here. The men have built a
large raft and will h7at down tho Arkansas
next Monday to within ten miles Of the
northern border and from there viii drive
to their claims An Omaha colony OF 400, in
charge Of Capt Smith, it is said, win also
adopt this plan. Will Horr, an adventurous
spirit, is endeavoring to form party Of iif-
teen, hire a balloon and drop in the North
Canadian valley. A party of twenty-five,
mounted on fleet horses, lett Caldwell for
Oklahoma They succeeded in passing the
patrol but We're pursued by Indian sc uts
and soldiers Some were overhauled and
brought back to the line. The remainder
doubtless made the trip, and can easily con-
ceal themselves in the thick groves in the
western part of the country.