The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-11-30
MAKES A FINE SHOW
OKLAHOMA OF THE HIGH ROAD TO
WEALTH AND FAME.
Evidence OF the Assessors Books.
Four Great Iron High ways-Splen-
did Educational Outlook-Agrl-
cultural Resources - BouudlesS
Mineral Deposits.

| WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov. 29-The an
| nual report of the secretary OF the interior
| upon the territory of Oklahoma is as fol-
| lows:
The governor William G.. Renfrow, in
| his report. expresses himself highly
! gratified at the progress of Oklahoma dur
Ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894
| Capital has not as yet sought investment
to any great extent. but there has been a
real and substatjal increase in wealth from
the great natural resources Of Oklahoma
The total population OF the territory is at
least $50 900. An unusually large number
OF the Inhabitants are engaged in agri-
culture, and some in manufacturing. The
| percentage of foreigners is very small.
| The tal.assessed valued of property is
reported as sl9, 947. 922. Sc, but this does not
| include very much real property, save In
the cities. In a great number of cases
| parties made proof too late to be included
in the assessments of 1894, therefore the
| assessment is very much less than it will
! be when the title of land is vested i'll
| citizens.
J RAILWAYS AND EDUCATION.
There are four lines of railroad in Okla
| homa ia active operation. No doubt, with
! times, capital Will many profitable
| lines of investment in railroads in Okla
! homa. An east and west line is very much
| needed to bring into close contact Okla
homa and Indian territories.
The assessment of railroads, telegraph
lines and sleeping cars is given as =, 227,-
5336S. The public finances make Il credit
able showing.
There is a fine system of free schools in
Oklahoma. supported from direct tax aud
money derived from the leasing of school
lands.
porous institution, with Ia students at.
tending. The normal school is very eff
clent and well equipped and has 1l6
students. The Agricultural ard Mechani-
Cal college has AL attendance of over 100
students, ana has $50, 900 in funds available
this year.
The report recommends that the school
lands In the western part of the territory
be located in body and that all land not
HE'D on at this time be donated to the ter
rltory. The net proceeds from leasing
school land for the fiscal year ending June
80, 1884, is given as sat, $50 %.
AGRICULTURE AND MINERALS.
The governor reports satisfactory pro-
greSs in agriculture. The soil of Okla
homa Is In the main very fertile, consist
ing largely of a sandy loan, and grows to
ucts.
There are many fine Touring mills and
grain elevators. Oklahoma flour took
second premium at the worlds fair.
Fine deposits Of salt and gypsum are re-
ported. In Wichita mountains many rich
specimens of gold ore have been found
also lead, zinc, copper, coal, Ignite,
asbestos, asphalt, aud other minerals
The mineral resources of the territory,
however, have not as yet been developed.
INDIANS AND STATEHOOD.
There are on their aliotments in Okla
homa the following tribes of Indians:
Iowa, Sac and Fox, Absentee, Shawnee,
Pottawatomie, kckapoo. Cheyenne and
Arapaho, Pawnee and Tonkawa.
A large number of these indians are
well TO do and are adopting the ways of
civilization. They have farms and good
farm implements, horses and carriages,
and dress In citizens clothes.
The governor says that the people are
divided upon the much-sgitated question
of statehood. Some desire statehood for
Oklahoma with its present boundaries;
others prefer to have the matter of state
hood deferred until such time as Okla
homa and the Indian Territory may be
admitted as one state
The opening of the Cherokee outlet, by
which 6,50O,OO0 acres or land were added TO
the pubic DOMAIN, was fully treated in
last years report, although the actual
opening occurred during the present year.