New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-21
Mr.. HITCHCOCK AMAZED.
HE DENIES RUMORS.
No Public Moneys Deposited so as
to Benefit His Friends.
[rRoN - raIRrNs RuREAr.I

WASHINGTON AUG 2O-Secretary Hitchcock
returned to his desk at the Interior Depart
nent to-day, and when seen by representative
of The Tribune expressed himself as amazed at
the stories alleging INSTRUMENTATION of the af-
fairs of the Indians which had gained circula-
ton in some reputable newspapers. Referring
specifically to the charge that the funds of GER
tain towns. notably Lawton. Anadarlzo and Ho-
bart. had been deposited with trust companies in
st. Louis in which friends of the Secretary were
interested, and that necessary improvements had
been delayed in order that these companies
might profit By the interest. Mr.. Hitchcock said
the statement was absolutely without founda-
ton as every penny of these funds had been
deposited Immediately in the United States Sub
Treasury at ST. Louis.
With regard to the delay In expanding these
funds for the benefit of the towns for which
they intended the Secretary says that the
first bids for public improvements which had
been received by his department bore every evil
dence Of ar intention to defraud the communi-
ties which it was sought to benefit In one in
stance bidder had gone so far as TO make
plain offer Of $500 to a Delegate in Congress to
secure his services in having the bid accepted
The man who made this offer was, metophori-
cally speaking, kicked downstairs said the Sec
rotary. Waterworks had been mapped out in
locations where no adequate water supply was
obtainable and bridges had been erected on pill
ms that was rotten. Under these circumstances
the Secretary turned to the Geological Survey.
and experts Of the photographic Office of that
institution and geological engineers are now on
the ground making surveys and preparing speci-
fcations which will protect the residents OF
those towns from the fragrant frauds which it
has been attempted to perpetrate.
Secretary Hitchcock expressed reluctance to
make public his views regarding the charges
ron raj in fIa If
Of the Indian Rights Association. quoted in The
Tribune last Sunday. until he had ascertained
from President Garrett, Of that association, if
the Brosius letter had been made public with
his knowledge and consent, the Secretary hav-
ing to-day written to Mr.. Garrett asking for
Information on this point.
incidentally, however. Secretary Hitchcock
said that practically all the charges made in
the Brosius report had been brought to his at
tention long before, and as long ago as last
May he had made a trip to Indian Territory
to ascertain the facts. He had found many
frauds in connection with the sale of inherited
lands, and he had refused to confirm any deeds
thereto He had. in fact, ordered the return to
the bidders Of thousands of dollars deposited
as collateral; had issued order requiring
that all such lands before sale must be pub
Hcly posted. and, result, bids were now
being received from the same men who had
been bidders before. offering from 30 to 125
per cent more than in the first instance for the
same lands.
Asked as to the charge that members Of the
Dawes Commission We're interested in COM
panies which sought 10 profit at the expense Of
the Indians, Mr.. Hitchcock said that these were
very grave charges. He had no evidence OF
their truth, but they had been brought to the
attention of the members so charged Mean
While, it must be taken for granted that they
were gentlemen, as they were personal ap-
pointees of the President
Asked as to the status of District Attorney
he could not discuss as Mr.. Soper was a subor-
dinate Of the Attorney General. and not of the
Secretary of the Interior Mr.. Hitchcock init
mated that when he had heard from President
Garrett he might feel at liberty to make
more extensive statement regarding the Brosius
report.