THE INDIAN LAND OPENING.
Secretary Hitchcock Will be Ready to Meet the Disgruntled Obstructionists.
Washington, July 24.—Secretary Hitchcock said with reference to the effort to prevent the opening of the Oklahoma Indian lands to settlement by injunction proceedings at El Reno, that the preparations of the department for the opening would proceed as though no suit had been begun. “We shall not let the matter go by default,” he said, “but we apprehend no obstacle from that proceeding. Anyone can bring a suit.”
An Absurd Proposition.
The secretary took cognizance of reports coming from Oklahoma that men who are registering at Reno and Fort Sill are doing so with the intention of transferring their rights to others. “The report,” he said, “is to the effect that they can and will dispose of their numbers at enormous profits. That is absurd, because it is impossible, under the regulations, for them to transfer their rights. For any of them to attempt to do so would be a clear violation of the law. They take an oath not to do such a thing, and to use their rights for their own exclusive benefit. There can be no speculation in these numbers.”
Alleged Town Site Schemes.
The secretary also said that reports are coming to the department of schemes for disposing of numerous town sites, the promoters offering chances to the public. “The only town sites which have been authorized,” the secretary said, “are those of the three county seats. No others have been sanctioned, and no one knows where others will be. Hence all except those three are bogus, and reports of their establishment should be denounced as intended to deceive the public.”
Auction Plan Not Feasible.
Referring to the suggestion that the new lands should be sold at auction and the proceeds of the sale turned over to the Indians, the secretary said:
“These lands are as much government property as are any other part of the public domain. They have been purchased from the Indians and title is no longer in them. Hence the plan is not feasible. Moreover, it would not be wise if practicable, for if the lands were put up at auction they all would fall into the hands of men with money, and the poor man would have no chance whatever. Under the present plan all have equal rights regardless of conditions of wealth, and that this fact is recognized is made evident by the large number taking advantage of the opportunity for registration.”
The registration will close at 6 p.m. on the 26th.