The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1898-02-27


mine such rights. This amend
ment was opposed by Mr.. Little OH
the ground that such suits would
have the effect of recognizing, to
some extent, the validity of rail-
road land grants, and be a source
of unlimited expense and annoy
ance to the Indians, by whom the
suits would have to be defended.
The amendment was lost.
~
While the amendment agreed
upon by the townsite delegates
some weeks ago was not adopted
by the committee, some of its fea-
lures are apparent in the modifica-
tionS to the townsite clause of the
Curtis bill, as agreed upon by the
committee. For instance, the
manner of appointing the boards
of appraisers has been changed so
that one is to be appointed by the
secretary of the interior, one to be
elected by the town council, and
the third, if necessary, is to be ap-
pointed by the United States Judge.
Another feature likely to be adopt
ed is with reference to the CherO-
kee tOwnsites. While they will
not be wholly confirmed, it is like
ly that holders will be given credit
for such amounts actually paid
into the Cherokee treasury.
The tOwnsite delegates are now
directing their efforts to that part
rOf the clause relating to the extent
of improvements necessary 10 be
on the lot to entitle the owner to
purchase it. The Curtis bill says
that anyone owning buildings
thereon shall have the right to
purchase the lot. The delegates
think the word buildings" an un-
just term and that it should be
changed to substantial improve
ments" or valuable improve
ments, - so as to give the right to
purchase to those owning improve
ments other than buildings. This
is being practically pressed by
Messrs. McMurray of South Me-
Alester and Bledsoe of ArdmOre.
Senator Pettigrew says the SEN
ate will pass the Curtis bill when
it comes to that body. Since the
senate has added to the Indian ap-
preparation bill legislation on many
of the most important questions,
the idea has gone out that this is
all the senate is willing to do at
this session, and that the Curtis
bill will be shelved when it comes
over from the house.
yesterday called on the senator
and asked the question: IF the
house passes the Curtis bill, what
do you think the senate will do
with it,"
If the house will pass the Cur
tbs BILL" said he, we will pass it
in some form. / will insist that il
be taken up and considered as soon
as it reaches the senate. The SEN
ate will likely modify it to some
extent, but l think the general
disposition is to pass it,
| then asked the senator his
opinion as to the separate features
of the Curtis bill, and particularly
as to townsites. He said:
L think the townsite feature of
the Curtis bill reasonably fair and
just. My recollection is that
made some suggestions in the
meetings of the subcommittee that
led to its being drawn in its pres
ent form. The people in the towns
have made the values, and they
should, in all equity and fairness,
be given the benefit of them"
| In view of the recent senate
amendment giving the citizenship
claimants the right of appeal,
asked the senator for an opinion
as to just what the conference COM
mittee would finally agree on.
/ I think" said he, that the