The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1890-01-18

I
Mr.. Flower, Of New York, introduced
New York's worlds fair bill and it was
referred to the special committee when
appointed.
Mr.. Raines, of New York, offered a reso-
luton increasing the membership of that
committee from nine to thirteen. Re
ferred to the committee on rules
Mills, of Texas, introduced bill to ex-
tend the trade and commerce of the United
States and to provide for full reciprocity
between the United States and Mexico
Referred.
THE OKLAHOMA BILL.
In committee of the whole the bill provid-
ing for territorial form of government for
Oklahoma was discussed.
Inc first section of the bill authorizes the
secretary of the interior to appoint three
commissioners for each portion of the pub
lie lands settled Upon and occupied as
townslte (no more than two of whom shall
be members of the same political organiza-
tom, whose duty it shall be, whenever
called upon by any occupants of such town
slte and the money for the entrance of
such townsite being furnished, to enter at
the proper land Office, at the minimum
price, land so settled and occupied, not ex-
ceedlng one-half section for each townsite,
IN trust for the several use and benefit of
the occupants thereof, according to their
| respective interests.
Baker, of New York, offered an amend
ment, providing for the appointment in
| stead of an indefinite number of commits
sloners, three boards for the eastern and
| one for the western land districts.
Perkins believed that at least
FIVE BOARDS SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR.
Picker, of South Dakota. doubted
whether five boards would be enough.
Par1son, OF Illinois, said that while he
was IN favor of having the question set
tied, the people in the towns of Oklahoma
had some sort of an agreement which
would greatly reduce the work of the COM
mlssioners. While he would err on the
side of generosity, he did not think that
the House should be prodigal.
Holman, of Indiana, offered substitute
for the first section, devolving upon the
local land officers, under the rules and reg
ulatlons prescribed by the secretary of the
interior, the duties proposed to be per-
formed by the commissioners
Baker modified his amendment, so as to
provide for the appointment of not more
than i've boards, to consist of three COM
missioners each, and as modified it was
agreed to.
Holman's substitute was rejected.
THE SECOND SECTION
OF the bill authorizes the commissioners to
do whatever may be necessary to execute
in good faith and justice the provisions of
this act.
Section 3 authorizes the secretary of the
interior to prescribe rules and regulations
to govern the commissioners, and make it
the duty of the commissioners to determine
all controversies arising between claim
ants.
Culberson moved an amendment, pro-
viding the claim of any person, for town
site or lot shall be deemed invalid. if such
person entered the territory or took pos
session of the townsite or lot in advance of
the date fixed by the Presidents pro-
clamation.
TARSNEY OFFERED A SUBSTITUTE
for this amendment, providing that when
1t shall be shown by satisfactory evidence
that the claimant was at noon, on the 22d
OF April, 1899, a United States marshal, or
United States officer or agent, or was prior
to that date in Oklahoma representing him
self to be such officer, or if it is shown that
the claimant entered the territory in viola
tion of the Presidents proclamation, such
claimant shall not have the right to prove
up or purchase any townsite or lot Pend
ing action, the committee rose and the
house adjourned until 1 o'clock tomorrow,
to enable the members to attend the funeral
of Walker Blaine