Bisbee daily review., 1911-10-27
PROTEST PUT FORTH
 AGA|NsT PLUNDERERS
Dr. WhiteSides of Mohave County Demands Pro
 lection of Antiquities

lection Of Antiquities
 The following letter written to international of Douglas b. Dr. ]. R. Whitesides, Of Kingman. is self-ex, planatory and Is published so that the people Of this vicinity may be acquainted with this important proposition.
 Kingman. Arizona. oct. 24. 1911 Editor Daily international. Douglas,
 Arizona.
 ! Dear Sir: There is matter that has occurred to me to he one of great and unusual importance 10 the citizens of Arizona.
 In the past and even today we are being robbed of the most val nable asset possible for us to leave to the coming generations-I refar 10 the systematic robbery going on within our borders Of all the pre- historic ruins.
 Our state seems 10 be the richest section known to man. Of this ciylll- zation that has passed. leaving no history except their descriptive writ ings or photographs. and the ruins Of their temples; these are some times only 10 be found by excava. ton: great many of these have been gone over and all of the pot tery and stone implements have been taken to other states, and even foreign countries are filling their museums with these priceless articles.
 We of this state have not one piece that we can leave to those who will come after us. and no pro- vision made for work of this kind. I am informed that the iime will be very short when every place will be gone over. and none will be left much as We would like 10 have these priceless articles. they will be beyond our reach. l am also ih- formed that the places known where the race Of Cliff Dwellers" had their dwellings there only re- mains two or three places that have not been disturbed.
 There are today expeditions being formed to visit these places and take everything of interest. If we are to prs up any objection, or take any action toward acquiring these that woman suffrage will arrive priceless relics for Arizona. It will | fnecessitate some action on the part of the citizens of Arizona.
 Much of the section where these ruins abound. and their villages, the largest happens to be on forest re- serves and Indian reservations and lands still owned by the government and not ceded to the new states.
 We of this state have no more right than other states or foreign governments to go upon these lands and make search for these ruins. To bring about results that will give to us some rights to acquire et least some, if not all Of these rel ics, of so great importance and value that are left, some action should be taken before it is too late.
 It occurs to me at this time, if there was an organization of some kind that would become interested in this work, that would be instru- mental in procuring appropriations sufficient to carry on this work and to secure from the interior depart ment the right to go upon these i lands and make the required search that we would amply be rewarded for all of our efforts in this direc- ton.
 The best plan to pursue to bring about the best results can best be determined after mature consider atiOn
 The office of Historian proba- bly would be the best one to have this matter in charge The present incumbent can do but little, having no means at hand 10 pursue the work that would bring 10 the state the results so much desired.
 I have thought that the best op- portunity to get together would be during the fair week at Phoenix. However, I would be gratified if you would make any suggestions, knowing that in matters Of this kind you hold opinions that would be of great value.
 I am sending out letters of this character to men in every county and ! should be gratified if any thing could be done
 Yours very truly,
 JOHN R. WHITESIDE, NJ. D.