Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1901-10-03
LAwTON, o. T.
Interesting Letter From a
Former Sequachian.


Editors Sequachee Valley News;
| have been requested by a num-
Der of people of Marion County TO
write them the condition of affairs in
this country which is now open for
settlement. | thought at first TO
write them individually, but finding
the task too ponderous have decid-
ed to write them through the col.
umns of your paper.
Lawton, which was a town Of tents
a few days ago is being rapidly trans
formed into a town of houses. Bus
mess of every kind, however, is still
being carried on in tents. There are
tent residences, tent offices, tent
churches, tent laundries, tent grocery
stores, tent restaurants, tent lodging
houses, tent livery stables, tent hos
pitals and tent saloons.
There is not a great difference be-
tween prices of groceries here and
prices at home. Farm products
show marked difference. Corn is
worth a dollar per bushel, eggs 25c
per dozen, potatoes 50 per bushel.
The most fabulous prices are paid
for rent in the business part OF the
town. For instance, a lot 25-ft front
rents for $40 a month without a
building on it. Prices, however,
vary according to location.
The town is under good control.
The rough element tried to have
their way in the beginning, but a po-
lice force of twelve men have
brought them to quietude.
The railroad reached here more
than a week ago, which dispenses
with great deal of draying.
never saw a place so crowded
with professional men, especially
lawyers. Every business is full to
overhowing in this place and in the
other towns which were set apart as
county seats.
1t will be nearly two years before
a saleable crop can be harvested on
the land. The farm is the only sup
port to western town, hence it oc-
ours TO me that business will be very
dull here in the course of six months,
or a year. Hundreds of men who
have all their capital invested in their
business will be compelled to close
it and go home "busted," leaving the
business IN control of the men who
have plenty Of money in reserve.
There are many other towns start
ing in the country and the rapidity
with which they are booming is
amazing.
There is an Indian college in sight
of Lawton where Indian children are
boarded, clothed and taught at the
expense of the Government, but it il
SAID that after completing then
course of study they go back to theil
parents and live the same wild and
indolent life which is characteristic
of an Indian.
Shortly after arriving at Lawton
took trip to the country accompan
led by four other men who were GO
ing out to see their new homes.
We skirted the foot of the Wichi
ia Mountains for several miles wher,
the mineral prospector is actively a
work On the way we killed rabbit
and various kinds of birds which W.
cooked and ate when we went int,
camp.
Occasionally we found a rattle
snake or tarantula in the road whicl
we always took time to kill.
When we retired at night to re
fresh ourselves with sleep, we coul
hear the howl of the coyotes in tn
distance, and as day dawned W
could see them standing at distanc
beyond gunshot, gazing at us.
l could not describe the countr
to you. l don't know whether tn
land will prove as valuable as mo,
people think or not but l do kno,
that the vast stretch Of land whic
looks almost as level as a floor, co,
cred with green grass on whic
thousands OF cattle are grazing, is
! sublime sight TO behold.
As look over this land, without