The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-13
Neither Dent Nor Richard
 son Wishes to Return Home
FISHERS REPORT ON
 THE INDIAN LANDS
Most of the Land Held by Present Owners Was Legally Acquired. Warrants May Be Issued
 Without Trouble
BY WALTER HARPER

Washington. January 12-(Special.)-- Congressman Richardson and Congress- man Dent seem to bo worried but little over the fact that they are to have oppo- stion for renomination in their districts.
 Congressman Richardson was asked to- day if ho would return to his district to engage in any campaign. He said "I have noticed that Captain Blackwell has announced as a candidate for the demo- cratic nomination in ~the Eighth district. It is known to our people that I am q candidate for renomlnation. I hope tho opposition will not disturb me in the performance of my public duties in this Congress.
 This Congress will have before it questions of vital importance to tho whole country and believe the success of our party largely depends on tho course adopted by the House of Repre- sentatives In the present Congress. Thus far we have done we'll and every day, in my opinion, adds to Mir. Underwood's growth in public esteem in all the states of the Union as the most suitable cand- date for tue national democratic conNen- tion to name for President"
 
 very important work in Congress, and it would interfere greatly with the accom- plishment of this work if he is compelled to return to his district for a fight during the present session. He Is taking an ac- tive interest in pure food Legislation, and is now engaged on a bill to meet tho reaulrements of a recent decision of tho supreme court. ITe was especially se- lected for this work. He is also promI- nent on other committees that will have large part in the important questions to be handled at this session.
 Indian Lands
 Senator Johnston of Alabama received a comprehensive report today from inc Secretary of the Interior that will infer- est those andhoders in that part of Ala- bama once held by Creek, Choctaw and Chckasaw Indians.
 The report indicates that most of tho land acquired by treaty aud sale from these tribes in tho states of Alabama and NTsslssippi arc legally held by the present. owners, and where warrant for same has not been issued same may be issued with out trouble or expense to the owners.
 The Secretary of the Interior reconi- mends that the bill recently introduced in the Senate by Senator Johnston pro- viding for the appropriation of sln,oOo to investigate the claims of the land owners be passed.
 Tho secretary informs the senator that if the facts can he ascertained, it is his opinion that but few titles will be found to bo included in controversy. He says that a full investigator should be made before any congressional action Is taken.
 Bills introduced in the House to ease all titles to such Indian iands might eom- plicate matters and involve the govern ment in embarrassment. The secretary recommends tho Johnston bill providing for an investigation as to ascertain the true status of such tracts as have not been patented and cannot be patented on present records in the department and to ascertain which of said lands in pos session of innocent holaers who have held same by themselves or their predecessors for from 60 to 75 years under honest be- lief of title, with the view that Con- gress may provide adequate relief for such innocent holders.
 The secretary is of the opinion that tho department has information on which warrants may be issued to much of tho land that has not yet been warranted.
 Sufferers Appointment
 Tho appointment of John Sutterer as postmaster at Cullman has been favor ably reported by the committee and the appointment will probably be confirmed when the Senate meets again Monday. unless something new develops Many charges have been made against this ap- pointment in letters from citizens at Cnll- man. Some of the charges arc indictable in the courts of the state and the Senate committee i'm charge of such appointments seems to take the position that if such charges are true they should be investi- gated by the courts and not brought be- fore Senate committee or the Senate to pass upon.
 Conviction on some of the charges Is the best evidence of their truth. The senators who have to deal with the mat ter seem to take the position that wthout positive evidence of unfitness the appoint 1nent can be confirmed and that later proof of any charges can be used as good ground for removal
 Many letters have been received from some of the best citizens of Cullman roc the appointment and declar- ing that there is nothing to the charges that have been made by personal and t5olfical enemies.