The daily sentinel., 1901-07-30

Value of $4,000 Each---
Expectant People.
Ell Reno, o. T., July 29.-The great
land lottery began at II o'clock this
morning with 10000 excited. expectant
people jammed and crowded about the
platform on which. from the wheels Of
fortune, tho government officials super
intended the drawing OF the lucky num-
bers OF those Of the 1871, ,OO9 applicants
who will receive the 1900 homestesds
in the Kiowa-Comanohe country.
The approach to the stand Of the COM
missionere, guarping tho precious bun
dies Of envelopes containing the thou
sands Of applications, was the signal for
great demonstratisn, that was renewed
with fetvor from time to time during
the progress OF the arrangements.
When finally ton boys. Ave for the FL
Reno district and fve for tho Lawton
district, were lined up before the two
wheels, and awaited thu word TO draw
out the first envelopes from the recepta-
cles, the throng failed to control itself
A mighty cheer arose and was repeated
sgaiu and again. and the multitude
pushed closer to the platform. Eager
faces watched every movement OF thoss
about the wheels and necks were craned
to hear the name OF the first winner A
moment later when deputy marshal
called loudly for order the crowd was
stilled instantly.
At 9:35, Colonel Dyer, ono Of the three
commissioners read the presidents proc
lamation relating to the drawing. This
finished, the envelopes were placed in
the wheels. each was turned repeatedly
to insure a generous mixing up, and
then in another moment the drawing
was on.
The first envelope was taken from the
wheel at II o'clock. 1t contained the
name OF James R. Wood OF Weather
ford, Oklahoms, who had registered for
q homestead in the Lawton district.
Matte q. Beals OF Wichita, Kan
drew No. 2, also in the Lawton district.
The multitude went frantic over the
announcement, but became quiet in
stantly and listened intently to hear the
names Of the other fortunates
Without doubt Wood and Miss Beals,
who thus have the right to make the
first fIings, will select the two quarter
sections adjoining the Lawton townsite
distric. believed to be worth $4,000
each.
When Colonel Dyer. the commissioner
in thunderous tones, announced the
woman's age as %, her height the Same
as that OF Mr.. Wood. 10000 persons
shoueed in chorus: "Dhey must get
Stephen A. Holcomb Of Paul's Valley,
l. t.. and No 2 Leonard Lamb of Au.
gusta, o. T.
The drawing took place on . platform
built for the purpose in tho open air .
few blocks from the center of Ell Reno
Situated at the foot OF several small
hills. which form a perfect amphitheatre,
the platform was the oy ynosure Of thou
sands OF eyes. People occupied every
inch almost OF the space around about,
and every movement OF the government
officials on the small space below was
watched with tina most intense interest
A dramatic entertainment will be
givsn August Goth under the manage
nent Of Leon Chapman, assisted by the
Of the old Grand Junction
Dramatic club. The proceeds will 60 to
fund Of st. Matthews Episco-
,al church.) Mr.. Chapman spent last
'ear a. = student in the Broadway
rsmstic school and won acknowledg
nents there, which has placed him in
he fore a. ono Of the young actors Of
he state.