The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-12-27
cpIwK IN INDIAN rkRRIToRE.
GOV. FI.hbnes's Letter TO the President May
Result In some Aetto, ny Congress.

Result In some AettoN ny ConEreTr'
WASHINGTON. Dec. 2o-Gov. Flshback's letter
10 President Cleveland urging some change
in the status OF the Indian Territory, 80 MS 10
give tho Federal Government better control
over n, has already attracted great deal OF
attention here. The ideas set forth by the
Governor Of Arkansas as to the evils growing
out OF existing conditions In the TERRITORY are
by no m cans new 10 hose iiar with the facts.
The Indian Territory has been a source oiw
riment to Govern ment officials having control
over affairs in that region for good many
years one measure alter another calculated
to remedy the difficulties without destroying
the existing autonomy OF the Indian Govern
ment has been passed by Congress WITHIN res
cent years but they have proved oil little await
During Mr.. Cleveland's former Administration
there was considerable trouble With the Choc-
taws in particular. and 1t kent tho Commits
sioner OF Indian Affairs and the Interior anu
War Departments busy for months preventing
the Indians Of that nation from killing each
other in civil warfare. The trouble grew out Of
tho tribal elections. and 1t has bocn renewed Mt
frequent intervals since. The same tribe Gu
gagged In fractional strife last spring that re-
suited in the murder Of several Indian citizens
aud the hanging OF several men. and the action
OF the Indian Government in defying the In
terror Department and the Department Of
Justice is still fresh in the minds OF the Of
ilclnls here.
1t was suggested at about that time that the
best way to end the troubles Of the Choctaws
and OF some Of the other Indians who were
constantly engaged in political strife OF vio-
lent and deadly sort would be to give the In
dian Territory the anne status as the other
Territories OF the United states. This would
enable the President to appoint Governor
md nthsr Tarritortal nnIlnarG and ~ wouid nj
the same time extend over the Indian citizens
the United States lawsthnt apply to the other
Territories. 1t is truo that the United States
has jurisdiction over the Indian Territory at
present but 1t is OF a limited sort, the admins
tration OF justice being left mainly to
the Indian courts The result OF this Is
that justice is but poorly administered and
criminals find within the Territory a con-
venlent refuge; II regular Territorial Gov;
citizenship be conferred upon ali Indians
having certain prescribed qualifications. It is
prevail Such change OF course. would be
followed by the invasion pr the country by
white men. but: as Coy: Eish6acS suggests.
have certain rights that ought to be- consid-
cred equally with those Of the Indians in tho
Territory. Bills comforting citizenship upon
the Indians and allotting the lands in severnliy
among the members of the Ave tribes have
been offered at various intervals during the
past few years. but a peculiar sentiment that
prevails. especially in the Fast has prevented
iavora bic action Ivy either House. The recent
and alarming growth OF crime in tho Indian
Terrific ry and the tact that II affords u shelter
for criminals from tho surrounding States
render 1t likely that some act on toward chang
ing the status OF this Territory will soon be
taken by Congress
The Kansas and Arkansas members will take
occasion to bring Gov: Fishback's letter prom
inently before the House and SENATE and 10
emphasize tho suggestions which he makes.
IL Is quite probable that when the Oklahoma
bill comes up Tor discussion after the holidays
the conditions in Indian Territory. point ed ont
so clearly in Gov. fishback's complaint will
proposed TO add the Indian Territory to Okla
homa and admit the two as one state. IL tins
were done II would doubtless solve tho proh-
lem OF governments in what is now known ns
the Indian Territory. While IL might not en-
actly suit the majority OF tho members OF the
five civilized Il ihes. il Is believed that IL would
certainly tend to the speedy extinction of tho
outlaws who now infcst that region aad make