Arizona republican., 1910-10-17

Department inaction has occasiOned great embarrassment to the purchas- CTS of lots in the Parker townsite, is threatening them with great financial loss and is even menacing the exist ence of the prosperous town of Park CT which depends upon the opening of . the adjacent Colorado River Indian reservation with its vast resources. The purchasers of the lots had been induced to become such by the be- lief that the reservation was shortly to be opened, this belief being based in part on assurances by the govern ment that it was to be done and by the knowledge that congress had ap- propriated a large sum for the purpose of the allotment of lands in severalty to the Indian occupants of the reservation. In this belief a large number of lots were bought at high prices in the adjacent townsite.
 That the government intends to car " out its more than implied agree ment with the purchasers may be be- lieved but that it has not yet done so has raised doubt which has cast a shadow on the town.
 It is to be hoped that the following telegram from the Parker Board of Trade and fifty citizens last week to the department will impress upon the department a sense of the need of ear ly action or the most positive assu- rance of action:
 Last spring congress appropriated fifty thousand dollars for purpose of allotment in severalty of lands in Col orado River Indian reservation to the four hundred Indians residents there on.
 Soon thereafter the secretary of the interior who had meanwhile visited the reservation caused a re-appraise- ment of lot values to be made, ordered public auction of lots in townsite of Parker, prescribing that buyers of lots selling for more than twenty-five dol lars, might have privilege of paying balance on last day of October.
 Naturally presuming that action of congress and secretary were steps pre- liminary to and presaging an early op- ening of reservation, citizens bought literally, at lot sale. Some thirty thousand dollars were paid in.
 As the secretary knows from per sonal examination the townsite of Parker is located on desert part of reservation. The only arable lands tributary being quarter million acres also on reservation.
 Without access to this land there is no reason for towns existence.
 Town has already lost five hundred inhabitants by reason of delay and uncertainty of opening.
 Proximity of river and wells on land show feasibility of cultivation by individual effort. Its great fertility would cause immediate settlement in forty acre tracts.
 Outlook so uncertain three-fourth lots purchased will be forfeited and contemplated further sale November 10th would be farce, unless date for opening reservation definitely fixed.
 Lot buyers had right under condi- tions to anticipate opening reservation long since, and paid money according ly.
 The law abhors a forfeiture. equity will not enforce one. Common justice demands, that, pending decision as to date opening reservation, date for pay ment of balance bid on lots, be indefi- nitely extended, or all payments re- funded.
 Secretary has power to act, and will surely not place government in posi- tion of speculator, who having failed to carry out reasonable anticipations of investors, by his own act renders it advisable for them to forfeit to him money already paid, rather than proceed with uncertainty.
 Citizens should not forfeit or lose the thirty thousand dollars paid in.
 No government can afford to take money so tainted.
 We confidently and respectfully ask therefore that forfeiture be not en- forced against those persons who have made partial payments on lots. and that equitable relief in the premises be granted forwith.
 An early reply will be appreciated.
 A Later Warning
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