Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1893-02-23
MOI In TIme to PLANT Crops.

WASHINGTON, d. c., February 15.-Dele-
gate Harvey, of Oklahoma, stated to the
Kansas City, Mo-, Journal correspondent;
II see by the many letters l receive from
those interested in the opening of the Cher
okee strip that they rely on the Journal for
information as to the status and standing of
the bill, and for this reason think it would
be we'll for you to state that it will be impOS-
sible to get the land open in time to plant
crops this spring.
''This is a sad statement and have hesi-
tated to make it, but as l now clearly sec
that 1t is true, 1t is my duty to those who are
SO deeply interested to make the fact known.
eve have been working with the hope that
the land would be thrown open IN Tune Tor
the settlers to commence farming this springs
but owing to the many delays 1t is now im-
possible TO do so, and hence | think the
boomers ought to know the exact situation
and facts 80 they can make arrangement,
accordingly. They had better rent lands IN
Kansas and Oklahoma for crops this year,
and as soon as the strip is opened they can
make their selections and then have time to
return and care for their crops, as now be-
lieve we will scarcely got the bill through
before the last day or days of the session.
We may be able to get 1t through next week,
but have had a long talk with Holman and
was given very little reason to expect it to
pass before the last days.
''There are some annoying things coming
up that force me to this conclusion. Then
it will be impossible to get the bill through,
as the agreement specifies. AS result the
whole matter will be sent back to the Cher
okees 10 be approved by them. They will
necessarily be given some time, not less than
thirty days, and possibly sixty, in which to
approve the work of congress. Then, as
Stunning that they approve 1t, they will not
do 80 until the very last moment. We can
safely rely on that If they approve it then
there will be an interregnum of thirty days
by way of notice to accompany the presi-
dents proclamation.
"If it is not approved by the Cherokees we
will aim to cover that emergency by making
it imperative on the part of the president to
open the lands within certain time after
the expiration of the time given the Chero-
KEGS to approve the changes. We must limit
the time which the Cherokees will be given
to consider the changes; also limit the time
in which the president is directed to act, and
in this way be sure of ending this contro-
versy by opening the lands.
"You will see, as will all those interested,
that it will be impossible, under the most
favorable circumstances, to get the land
open in time for the farmers this spring."
Chairman Peel, being accosted on the
question, said: II have just decided TO an
swer letters sent me from my people in
Arkansas that it will be impossible to get
the strip open in time. Those who contem-
plate moving on the strip should know this
fact We will do them great injustice to
represent anything but the facts. have al
ways hoped for better turn, but see no
way now of getting the land open until late
in May or June, which is very bad news for
the settlers and boomers"