The record-union., 1893-09-15
CHEROKEE STRIP HOMESEEKERS.
THOSE IN LINE SUFFER FROM THE
INTENSE HEAT.
RumOrs of a Plot to Burn Bridges to
Prevent People Entering
by Trains.
Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.

Special to the RECORD UNION.
ARKANSAS CITY, Sept. 1.-THE hot
weather which is causing home-seekers
so much suffering, continues. blazing
sun, hot winds, lack of water and
shelter, are producing increased sickness
and prostration. Six more registration
clerks were engaged this morning, and
the work is progressing somewhat faster.
The men in line have been there since
Monday evening and are literally ex-
hausted. Hundreds are afflicted with
throat and lung disorder caused by
breathing the dust-laden air. Many are
obliged to drop out and secu re the serv-
ices of physicians. Several strippers
were prostrated during the night and
this morning.
The Santa Fe trains arrived late last
night in five crowded sections. This
morning crowded trains came in ali over
the lines. Fully 10000 strangers are in
and about town. AS the day progresses
the wind gets hotter.
The thermometer registered 80 at
noon, but the hot wind died down, and in
its place came breeze from the north
west. which was comparatively refresh
ing. \ o deaths from sunstroke were re-
ported to-day. The action of the Inte-
rior Department in providing means to
facilitate registration is heartily COM
mended, and it is now believed all can be
provided with certificates before Satur-
day noon.
A runOr that owners of fast horses
have plotted to burn railway bridges in
the strip to handicap those who propose
to make the race in excursion trains has
caused much excitement. 1t is believed
the patrol OF troops established about the
border is sufficient to prevent the en-
trance OF all unauthorized persons, and
that the plot, if one really exists, can be
frustrated.
Cattlemen having ranges in the south
western country telegraphed the follow
ing protest to President Cleveland this
afternoon: THE undersigned cattlemen,
thoroughly posted upon the condition of
affairs here, respectfully protest against
the registration system as carried on at
the booths. Ten thousand people are now
In line, and thousands have arrived on
each train. A conflict between parties
not registered and troops is imminent
unless this system is abandoned. The
honor OF your administration is being
jeopaIdIzed. Common humanity de-
mands relief Tor honest settlers desiring
10 enter the strip, but who cannot reg
ister.'
At Orlando to-day over 5000 certificates
were issued, and the number of people
demanding an opportunity to register
was fully 10000. The force of clerks at
the booths there was increased again to-
day, and night force put to work.
At Caldwell the plentiful water supply
near the booths relieved the suffering Of
men in line. a brisk north wind came
up this afternoon and somewhat tenn
pered the heat. Fully 10000 people are
still waiting there an opportunity to Sc
cure the precious certificates. and hum
dreds OF people are coming in on every
Rock Island train. The number of certi-
ficates being issued every ten hours
has reached about 5000, and it is believed
all will be accommodated.
THE CLERICAL FORCE TO BE INCREASED.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14.-Land Com
missioner Lamorieux has been notified
that the force employed at the Cherokee
strip is insufficient. He has delegated
Chief Clerk Jacobs, Inspector Winetord
and Special Agent Womack unre-
stricted orders to employ all the help
necessary to be made. Each booth will
hereafter, it is stated at the Land Office,
be kept open twenty-four hours.