Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1900-11-20
MESCALER0 RESERVATION
Indians Want II Thrown Open to
White Settlers.
PERiA OPPOSES the MEASURE.

The FL Paso Times say that Mr..
John II. Stephens, FL Paso's represent
alive in congress, came in last evening
from the Mescalero Indian reservation
and will leave this morning for his
home at Vernon, Texas.
A Times reporter called on Congress-
man Stephens at the Pierson hotel last
night TO ask what he thought Of OPEN
ing the Mescalero reservation since
visiting and studying the condition OF
the Indians.
81 am now" said the congressman,
more than ever pleased with my bill
providing for the opening Of the reser-
walton TO settlement. There are some
very fine farming lands on the creeks
and mesas, and also considerable tim.
Der land. | do not know anything
about the mineral deposits OF the coun-
try, but am informed that some OF the
richest mineral lands In New Mexico
are located on this reservation.
II talked with a number OF the
Indians, and those ! talked with ex-
pressed n desire TO have the land APP
portionod and the balance thrown open
to settlement. These Indians have
made more rapid progress towards
civilization than any other tribe In the
United States. Lieutenant Stottler,
who was formerly in charge OF the
agency, started the Indians of In the
right direction 10y making them cut
their hair and throw away their
blankets. Today, thanks to the lessons
OF L%ieutenont Stottler, the Mescalero
reservation Indians are almost self
supporting. There are many ucccss-
full farmers and stock raisers among
them.
There were 47I,2 $40 acres OF land in
the reservation and only 4i4 Indians.
II each individual Indian was given
an allotment OF 100 acres there would
still remain over 400, 200 acres OF land
to be opened to settlement.
NOT TREATY LAND.
but the Msscalero reservation is
not treaty land; the land was set aside
and closed for agency purposes by ex-
ecutive proclamation. IL did not be-
long to the Indians, consequently only
heads OF families will get a 100 acres.
The land opened TO settlement will he
the same as any other government
land, and money received for IL from
settlers will be turned into the United
States treasury. However, the gov
eminent will continue TO make an APP
preparation for the are OF the Indians
now on the reservation.
~ understand the present agent in
charge Of the agency is opposed TO its
being opened TO settlement, and has
made a report To the department ac-
cordingly. But that has been the
course pursued by every civilian APP
pointed TO the agency. They lose their
Job II the land is thrown open to settle
ment and they do not want 10 see Il
done. But every army officer who has
had charge OF the agency favored IL
being thrown open.
PEREA's OPPOSITION.
Mr.. Perea, New Mexico's delegate
to congress-, is bitterly opposed TO the
opening Of the reservation, and con-
sidered me an interloper for introduce
ing the bill. He said | had no business
meddling with matters In his territory.
| told him that the opening Of the
Mescalero reservation would affect my
| people in FL Paso more than IL would
any community In his territory, and
| for that reason / proposed to prosecute
| the matter theoretically. | hear that
Mr.. Rodey, the delegate to congress,
Is In favor Of throwing the reservation
| open TO settlement. IL that be true my
| bill will pass. As unanimous consent
| consent was necessary to take II up,
Mr.. Perea has been able to block Il.
| But ! compelled him TO be in his seat
| every day for two months TO object In
case ! called up my bill, and | am
going TO make him remain in his seat
next session"
Mr.. stephens believes his bill will
be passed at the next session OF con-
gress.