The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-04-12
THE OKLAHOMA LANDS.
Intending Settlers Will BE Allowed to Ente
the Country Previous TO the 22d.

Intending Settlers VIII BE Allowed to Enter
the Country Previous to the 22d.
WASHINGTON, April Lit appears that
the Presidents proclamation opening por-
ton of the Oklahoma lands to settlers was
more sweeping in its terms than was in
tended in the matter of excluding persons
from entry upon the lands before the date
named in the proclamation. Under its
terms the officers have been compelled to
keep out officials of the Interior Depart
ment whose duty it is to provide for. the es-
tablishment of the new land Offices. To re-
lieve these officials, an order was made to-
day by the War Department for their ad-
mission into the Territory.
In answer to an inquiry from the Secre-
tary of War ON behalf of a large number of
persons contemplating settlement in Okla
homa. asking if permission is to be given
these intending settlers to cross the Cher
okee outlet to the northern line of Okla
homa before the I'D of April, the date upon
which the Presidents proclamation open
ing the territory goes into effect,
the Secretary of the Interior has replied, in
part, as follows: II think they may be
allowed to cross without extraordinary de-
lay, and therefor recommend that you in
struct your commanding officers TO place no
obstruction in the way 0t persons who de-
sire to journey in good faith, In quiet,
peaceful and orderly manner, upon and
along the public highways, post or military
roads, or established and customary cattle
trails through the Cherokee outlet in going
toward the tract of land TO be opened for
settlement. But there should be military
patrol upon the road or roads that are to be
taken that shall prevent the settlers from
staying longer than necessary on the way,
and require them to move on, making only
the ordinary camps that may be necessary
for their crossing. There should be every
care taken TO have the Indians under
stand that by this passage there is no dis
position to appropriate their lands, and that
it will be continued no longer than abso-
lutely necessary after the first migration 10
the Oklahoma country is over. The mill
tary force should then scout the Cherokee
outlet and require all persons unlawfully
there to move on. either back TO Kansas or
over into the Oklahoma lands"
The Secretary, in another part of the let
ter, says that he deems that the settlers are
entitled to as much consideration as has
been gwen TO cattlemen and others hereto
| fore who have been permitted to travel
| upon the trails and highways through this
| outlet. Ii is urged upon the Secretary.
| among other reasons for granting this per-
| nit. that the settlers coming through the
| Chickasaw and other Indian lands are gath
ering upon the immediate borders of the
| Oklahoma tract without obstruction, thus
putting those in Kansas, who must pass
| through the Cherokee outlet, at disad-
vantage. No movement will be allowed un-
| der this permit until full authority and in
| structions shall have been received by the
| military having charge of the matter. The
! recommendation OF Secretary Noble were