1893_Report of the Governor of Oklahoma, 1893 (William Cary Renfrow) |
Previous | 1 of 4 | Next |
|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
|
This page
All
|
REP.ORT OF THE GOVERNOORF ,OKLAHOMTAE RRITORY Dup. 10 FOR THE D. of D. FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1893. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1893. R E P 0 R ‘I.‘ OF THE GOVERNOORF OKLAHOMTAE RRITORY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDIXG JUNE 30, 1893. WASHINGTON: GOVERNXENT PRINTING OFFICE. lS93. REPORT OF Y-B-E G-OVERXOR OF OKLAHOMA. GUT.HRIE, OKLA., November 3, 1893. DEAR SIR: In reply to your request for a report of the condition of Oklahoma Territory, I beg leave to submit the following: GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The growth of the Territory in the four years following the opening of the first lands has been in many respects wonderful. Where once the deer bounded in freedom over the plains now are found farm-houses and wheat fields not differing materially from those of the older States. Fine cities with electric lights, waterworks, and all modern conveniences have been built up. He who deplores that the red man has been driven back and back until he is almost gone will find in these happy homes of Oklahoma much to console him and justify God’s law of the survival of the fittest. INHABITANTS. There has been 110 official census of the inhabitants of the Territory since the census of 1890, and so the major portion of the figures I shall give subsequent t,o that date can at best be but approximate. Below I have prepared a table of the population of the Territory by counties for 1890,, according to the census for lS92, as estimated by Governor Seay in his report, and for IS93 I estimated the population by finding the ratio of voters to population in 1890, which was 7-1L6a, nd to find the population in 1893 I multiplied the number of votes for Xlepresentative to the Fifty-third Congress by the ratio with the result below. County. ;:f:toil;:::::::::: Eingfisher _ - _ -. . - - - Payne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canadian.. . . . . -. . -. A (Lincoln) . _ -. -. -. Cleveland . . _. . - -. . - B (Pot,tawatomie) . . gC (:B”, l#ay‘i n. ef) :‘y-:- . .:-; Is: .:. : : -: Beaver - _ . . . _ _ _ . . _ I . Total.... Cherokee Strip 1890. 1892. -- 14,254 22,000 12,794 21,000 8,837 16,500 6,835 13,000 7,703 15,500 None. 10,500 7,011 14,000 Eone. 10,000 None. 3,000 None. 1,000 Kane. 300 lSone. 700 n’one. 1,000 NOD& 1,600 2,982 3,000 60,416 .-..w-m-. 133,100 ‘...S..W . 1893. 30,995 25,363 20,640 15,967 15,580 13,401 12,844 8,911 3,204 554 215 .es.s..ss 723 -....-mmw 2,816 151,213 100,000 3 4 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOBIA, There were 115,000 certificates issued by the booths to int!ending set-tlers in the Cherokee Strip. Many of them, however, were just there for speculative purposes, and returned to their homes in a very few days. So that I place the population of the Cherokee Strip at 100,000, believing it to be full high for the winter season, but not far from right next spring when the settlers return. The immigration of colored people from the South has very largely stopped, and now there is not a very great number in the Territory. They have been useful as servants, and not a few of them have homes of their own and employment. Of the Indians I shall speak later. TAXABLE PROPERTY. -__ ..----- county. _-_____- Assessed valuation. 1892. I 1893. _------- LOofia hoahn;;. * . . . . -. . -. . . - - -. - I. - .,..--...-..-.-...----~...-l $2,747,2iG. 50 $3,107,710.44 . ..-..._.__--..-.-1--..--.--. --..--.---..-.-.-..-.-......... 2,661,22I. 70 3,084,SO7.00 Kingfisher. . I _. . _ . _ . - . . _. - - - _. .-..---.“--...I.--..-..-..----.-...--. 1: 252, O:JO. 67 1,606,493.17 Canadian _l_._..l._...l.._..---.-...--..---- --._.-.-.-.-.-.-_--...---- 1,943,853.40 1,498,646.66 Cleveland ..-...-.-.....-....--.-...----- ._.__.-_-_.__.--_.._---..-.--- 1,105,875.48 1,267,785.81 Paine.-..-...... . ..-.--.....-.-...---.- .____-.-_-..-.-.-.II-----.---. 665,629.90 900,126,00~ Pottnmatomie...--......-...... -..-----.-l--r-..-.-..--...-.--------. 314,665.78 552,098.OO Lincoln “‘.‘.,““““““‘. ~~I~~~.~--~. .___--.-----.--_...--.....---- 275,109.48 539,527.OO 13;;ige;...... -.___.._.._.I_..._I_-..-.--..-----.---....---.------ .smmwe 519,493.54 497,783.40 . _._._.-_-___.-_.-._...--.....----- ~~~~--.~~~~I .~~.-..--~--I.~~-~ m-----eme.esmmIe 297,322.OO Ef;;i$i Nills ..-...--...-...-.-.-*.-....-. -.-.I---L-._--...__I.-----.~.-----.--.-----. 186,369.84 1._....1__11.._-__.-------...----..----...--...----.---------.. ..ww-l..m..lslmm g&i. . . . . . . . . . . -..--- * -I..- 132,908.OO -_--.__*.-.-.---._-1-..-----------.--.-.._--_.-._..-___- 103,476.76 . . . .._...-.._-_I.-.-.-..-...-.-....---- .1-e-. .,--..-..--.._-_.__1---- ~-.---.--...~-.~ 96,029.OO D .-..--1--___1_..--__..--------....-----------.-----...----*----.--*-- .-s---m.m-a-am.e 80,473,30 Total .-.r.r...---.--..rrr-... -...-_...__..-..I.-..-....--...-.-- 11,485: 162.45 13,951,056. Total assessed value of property for 1891, $6,378,928.95. The greater number of people came to Oklahoma poor, but the above table will show that there has been a wonderful increase in wealth in the last four years. The above table includes both real and personal property, but by far the larger portion is personal prol)erty, as not many farms are as yet proved up. In the not very distant future the taxable property of the Territory will be multiplied many times. This coming winter most of the farmers in Oklahoma proper will take out their patents. RAILROADS AND TELEGRAPH. There are at present but two trunk lines of railroad in Oklahoma, with a short line-the Choctaw Railroad. Several other lines are pro: jetted, but; have not yet been built. We are in need of a few more lines, as many portions of the Territory are removed 60 to 100 miles from the railroad. A more direct connection with the pineries of Arkansas TVOLIM be of great advantage. The table below shows the miles of track and its nature, in Oklahomn, exclusive of the Cherokee Strip. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLiiHOJlA. 5 RAILROADS AND TELEGRAPH. Name. Miles. Value , per mile. , Total. - ____--__ ----_.- .-__- --- I-- b -I---- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe R. R. : Main track I . . . . ..--1..1......-.-.........--...-.--- .~.......~.~~.~...~’ 84 Side track ; $5,500 $462,000 . . . . ..-......-.1--1_-.-...- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..-.~~.....~~.~. I 12.32 t 2,000 24,640 Buildings . . . . . . . . . ..I------....-.......--.......................-............ . . . ..I...- 12,730 Rolling%tock ..‘....-...“.l...r...-..............----.....-..-.......--..’-. 1 i . . . . . . . . . . 117; 600 ---- Tqtal --..---......._........--.....--.....--.........-...----.----...*.......-.-.-.-.. 616,970 ---- Chicago. Rock Island and Pacific R. R. : ----- Nain track .-.-..-.....~.I.~-....~............~~..- .--w--1...-........ 56.76 5,500 Side track _ . . . . . 312,180 -___...-__-._.__.1__----..-.......-..--.----.---.----- 4.06 : 2,000 8,120 Buildings .--1...-----.._....--.-.---.- l..-_..l....-.l__--....-..----. s-...ms..m...B.... 6,550 Rolling stock . . . _. -___._.___-.....__.---...-....---......-...-...--..-\ .-..-_. s-e.-.-... 22,232 -a--/-- Total................... _._--_..I__._.__..._.-.....--------- .w.....- -.-..I.- l.B.ssel.e ] 349,082 Appended herewith is a report of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, showing thenature and amount of business transacted by it for the year ending June 30, 1893: Kame. 1 Miles. - -- -- -- I Choctaw Coal Road, main t.rnck.. . . . . _ _ _ _ _. . . . . . . --._--.._.....1.-.._.. I 31.40 Western Uuion Telegraph Co ......................................... Choctaw Telegr:\ph Co. .I 123.60 ................................................. i 3u Pullwan Palace Car Co. (5 cars). ....................................... !. ....... I Value i per mile. I Total. w; $125,600 18,520 75 2,250 m-.-w. .B.. 6,000 .P- : :53,370 BANKS AND BANKING. There me six na.tioml banks in Oklahoma, each hming a capital stock of &50,000, and IxeiQ-four private banks with capital stocks ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. I have written ,211th e banks of the Territory for st*atements, but as yet have not received amwers from but five national banks, which show for tlhe five a capital s6oc*k of $260,000; deposits, $686,547.87 ; loans and discounts, $322,573.&S. I have received answers from seven private banks which show an axerage capital. stock of $24,000 and average deposits of $31,000, with average loans and discounts of $30YOO0. I take it that those unreported would show about the same as those reported, and t!his would make the following showing for the thirty banks: Cnpital stock. ....................................... ................... $876,000 Deposits ............................................ ........... Loans and discounts.. ,.:::~,~~::. 1,429,ooo ............................ .......... 1,042,OOO These figures show the condition October 3, 1893. The deposits are very much lower than on June 30. However, the iinancial stringency here has very largely pmsed. When the very large wheat crop of this year is harvested the deposits will be lairger than now. 6 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOM~4. ’ PUBLIC FINANCES. The latest report of t.he auditor of the Territory I have is one made April 1, lS93, which is as follows: Total Territorial warrants issued to ,-ipril I, 1893 . Tota, Territorial v7arrants redeemed t 0 Xovember --- e 27.321.30 ---- _I Amount due from insurance licenses . Total due Territory for year 189‘2 .................................. 35,955.54 Deduct total standing indebtedness April 1,1893 ........... .: .......... 27,321.30 Balance in favor Of Territory.. . . . . . . . _ 8,634.24 Since this the Territory has incurred some considerable expense, but on the whole our finnaci& condition is excellent, and I .sinc&ely trust will continue so. The Territory has no bonded indebtedness. several of the counties have gone in debt1 to a, verv. . considerable extent, but with the increase of taxable property a81w1 ill be well. c PUBLIC SCHOOLS. When the settlers first came to Oklahoma t.hey found themselves without schoolhouses and without laws; but with a fortitude certainly admirable they built schoolhouses by private subscription alnd had schools the first winter. By act of Congress $50,000 wa*s appropriated for the use and bellefit of the public schools of Oklahoma; this materially aided the efforts of t-he people, anal schools have been main-tained in nearly every district ever since. Very few school districts but that have very comfoitable schoolhouses now, and that? too, in most iustances wit&out any bonded indebtedness. The second legislative assembly changed from township to the dis-trict system, and in most instances it has proved satisfactory. I am not able to speak as definitely about the public schools as I would like for the reason that reports from the school districts are very mealger. With the increase of taxable proyert,y and the increased funds derived from leasing the school lauds, the financial condition of the schools will be very much better in t*he future. Concerning the leas-ing of school lands more will be sa!id iu another place. A similar conditiou which confronted tlhe settlers of Oklahoma proper now confronts the settlers of the Cherokee Strip. Xo a,ssess-merit was made this year, and no ta’xes can come in until February, 1895. If Congress would make an apl~ropmiation for the benefit of the schools to be established in the Cherokee Strip it would be money well spent. The people in general have manifested a very great interest in the public schools of the Territory, and justly, for in the schoolhouse rather than in the forts and arsenals must a nation find its true strength. COLLEGES. By act of the Territorial legislature a Territorial university was located at Norman, and a Territ,orial normal ‘school at Edmond, and the Agricultural and Mechanical oollege at Stillwater. The univer- REPORT OF THE GOVEWWR OF OKLAHOMA. 7 sity has made a very excellent start towards accomplishing the pur-pose for which it was created. It is supported by a one-half mill tax, which will amount to about $8,000 per year. The course would corre-spond favorably with that of Eastern colleges. A new building has just been completed for the university. The Normal school at Edmond aims to prepare teachers for the pub-lic schools, and has just completed a, fine building. The Agricultural and Mechanical College at Stillwater is the best endowed of any of the schools of the Territory, and bids fair to do most excellent work. It was established in. pursuance of an act of Congress authorizing the establishment and endowment of colleges for the benefit of agriculture and mechanic arts, appropriating $16,000 for the fiscal year 1890, and providing for $1,000 increase each year for ten years. The experimental station issues a bulletin of the results of their inves-tigation, which promises much good to the Territory. . theT hteh irtPeerensthid ent%se ctiporno clfaomr attihoen benoepfiet ninogf tthhee Cthhreeero kceoel leOgeustl.e t Trheisse rvweilsl make a very neat income for e.ach of the colleges, once it is leased. Each of the institutions has in attendance about one hundred stu-dents, and new ones constantly coming. It is the aim to have these colleges correspond with the high school and make a complete system of education from the lowest to the highest. There are several priva#te institutions doing good work a.nd which have a good attendance. -r. AGRICUL!WRE. Situated as it is, midway between the North ahd the South, with aI soil and climate unsurpassed, Oklahoma is admirably adapt$ed to growing almost every kind of plant. In agriculture the Territory has a never-failing source of support and income. With the exception of one year the seasons have been escellent. Wheat this year made a very fine yield, averaging about 30 bushels to the acre all over the Territory. Some pieces are reported as yielding G2 bushels to the acre. I person-ally know of several pieces that have made 40 bushels all over tlhe field, This has placed most of the farmers, very few of whom are in debt, in comfortable circuulstances, notwithsiancling the very low price of wheat. Those who have seen the hardships passed through in t#he early days can apprecia,te the advances made by the farmers of this Territory. Corn, too, has made a very good crop, as well as oats, each making about 40 bushels to the acre. Very little grass has been sown as yet, and so there are not very many meadows. I can not pass this subject by without mentioning the colored man’s delight, sweet potntoes and watermelons, both of which grow to enormous size and have a very delicious flavor. The figures given below show the acreage of various agricultural products : . AGRICULTURE:. Farm land in use _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ o - _ _ _ _ _. _ _. - . _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ ___ acres-- 2,37”,482 Cash value of farms,. _ _ . _ _ _ _. . _ - _. . _ _ _ - _ _ - _ _ - _ _ . . _. . _ - -. . _ _ _. _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - $13; 022,345 Cash value of farm implements- _ _ - _ _ _ _ _. . - _ -. . . _ _ _ _. _ _ _ - _ - _ _ __ _ _ _ - _ _ _. $340! 761 Corn (average yield 40 bushels) _ ~~.-~-~.-~~~~.~~.- ,-r.-----r-- ‘acres _ _ 284,254 Wheat (average yield 20 bushels) _ _ . . . _ _ _ -. _ . _ _ _ _ . -. . _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ . - do _ _ _. 222,310 Oats (average yield 35 bushels) -_ ----. ___. -_ - __. __. __. _- _- do -_-. 109,374 &~t~u~erage yield 500 pounds) _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ . _._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ do- _. _ 21,311 ~~~~~~ .w H&arian millet- - - l * - - - -..--~~..~-~-...~-~. --I. M. .--Mm. w .-m--e dO--- 18,755 .----...---.r----r.-,---r.----- --e-e .-we-. w-m. do--. Broo& corn. _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ . . _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _. - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ _ _. . _ _ __ _ do, _. . 14,121 4,422 k9f REPORT OF THE GOVERXOR OF OKLAHOMA. HORTICULTURE. 4,983 1,907 984 929 807 596 545 538 194 153 8,059 683,611 648,222 69,242 51,147 36,865 26,711 1,808 * 2,437 1,402 640 The entire Territory is well adapted to fruit-raising, and in a short time will have a large surplus to export. The more hilly portions are .eq)ecMly adapted to apples and grapes. It is a matter of satisfaction to see the acreage of fruit at this early day. STOCK-RAISING. There has not been as much done at this as ought to have been done, because many of the farmers were very poor on coming to the Territory and did notI bring with t)hem much stock. However, most fizmers have gotten a start now, n,nd before long this will be one of the princlp@ occupatious. The portions of the Territory removed from the railroad aze very well adapted to f&eclillg Btock, owing to the cWiculty of mar-keting the grain it] any other way, MINING. As yet tlhnost nothin g has been tloue by way of opening up mines in the Territory saving those of building stone, of which an excelle71 t quality is fo7.z11rl itr various parts of the Territory. There is a very fine quarry of fl ag@g and building stone in the Cherokee Strip near Arkansas City, Many buildings in all the cities of Oklahoma are built of native stone. Ver, y littIle has been done by way of prospect,ing for coal or other 1 ninerals. Coal has been found at various places atid some iron ore, but no mines have as yet been opened. In due courst~ of time, how-ever, this will become an iwportsnt inclustry. There are exhaustless deposits of salt and gypsu~~~ MANUFACTURING. Mmufhcturing is in its infancy, but is certaiilly a hopeful youth and ofiers great inducements to capital. Every city has its mills, and some as fine ftouring mills as caln be found anywhere may be found in Oklti-homa. There are several planing mills turning out good work of all REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 9 kinds and cabinet works capable of doing as fine work as can be done . anywhere. There has been talk of an iron foundry, but as yet none has been established in the Territory. It would certainly be a paying insti-tution. A great deal of lumber is being sawed from oak, cottonwood, and walnut. Eastern capitalists will find it to their advantage to visit Oklahoma. SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS. Society, which. at first was disorganized, is now in much better con-dition and the worthy moral element is fast coming to the front, while the rough element, at first so prominent, are seeking their level as they become known. Nearly all the fraternal societies are represented here by a good, strong membership. There are very few caste lines, and in the msin the people are sociable and friendly. The churches recognizing the importance of this new and promising field early sent strong missionary forces here. I judge that the several churches are expending in this home mission work not less than $60,000 per annum. A large portion of the people came here to better their firmncisl condition and do not have much concern for other matters, but there is a small portion of earnest and philanthropic persons who are vorking very hard for the advancement of the whole people. I have written to tlhe ministers of the va!rious denominations for sta-tistics concerning their churches, and the table below will show the esti-matesfurnishedby such as have answered. The YoungPeoples’Society of Christian Endeavor have been doing good work. Humanism in Oklahoma is fast on t*he wane and will soon be a thing of tihe pa&St. - -- - _ . - -_ . --_.--‘-.- --- - -.e INDIANS. I can not in this place enter upon a)ny esteuded discussion of Indian problems, nor is it desirable. We have within the Territory, upon their allotments, Iowas, Sac and Foxes, Pottawat80mies, and Absentee Shawnees, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes, in Oklahoma proper, and in the Cherokee Strip the Pawnees, Cherokees, and Tonkawas. Full I statistics may be found in the report of the Commissioner of Indian AfYairs. In my judgment tlhe best. solution of the Lndiati problem lies in allot-ment of ‘their lalnds in severalty and bringing them directly in contact with civilizaltion. The portions of the Indian Territory not yet opened to settlement are very wild and the Indians see only the worst side of civilization, and their progress will be very slow until they come in closer contact with the white man. Where lands have been taken in severa1t.y the Indians ha,ve generally made an effort to accommodate 10 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. themselves to civilization and many have gone to work and are doing very well in agricultural and mercantile pursuits. I earnestly recom-mend that negotiations be kept on foot with a view to the ultimate allot-ment in severalty of all the lands of the Indian Territory. THE CHEROKEE OUTLET. Almost a new empire has just been opened to the north of us and now, or soon, there will be lOO;OOOp eople finding homes there. No such a wild exciting run for homes was ever yet made as when the guus fired the signa, at 12 o’clock noon, September 16, and yet all was orderly and not many were hurt. There were 115,000 booth certificates issued to intending settlers. Just here I may saly that the booth system has done a vast amount of good in keeping out illegal claimants and will long continue to do so. The difficulty experienced in registering at the booths was far overbalanced by the check it was upon fraud. In spite, however, of all that faithful officialls could do there were a vast number of ii sooners’s who took possession of some of the best lands and lots. 30 effort should be spared to bring them to justice. The enstern part of the Cherokee Outlet is very fertile and will soon make a very wealthy community. I have had a very arduous task on my hands in matking the appointments of county officials in the new counties and have . already issued upward of a hundred commissions. In a place where persons are as newly acquainted as in Oklahoma this has been no small task, but I have discharged it to the best of my ability. Several very fine towns have grown up on the Cherokee Strip and large and perma-nent building are in process of erection. This office is in receipt of a very heavy mail daily asking ofa the school lauds in the Cherokee Strip. No more useful and beneficent thing was ever doue than the reservation by the President of sections 13 and 33 in each township. This makes a very much needed fund for education and benevolence, and I sincerely hope that the same policy may be followed in future opening of lands. I would recom-mend that these school lands be immediately leased to the highest bidder. THE FIVE NATIONS. It is certaintly very desirable that the five nations of Indians be included in any State that may be formed so that the whole may come in as one State. The coudition of afGirs in the Indian Territory is cer-tainly very deplorable, and with the crudity of their forms of govern-ment it will always be difficult to suppress crime. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. As yet no public buildings have been erected by the Territory for the public officers. It would be much better if some buildings could be erected at an early date. Very few of the counties have county build-ings at present. The United States have no public buildings of any consequence, though it has much business to transact here. WORLD’S COLU&lBIAN EXPOSITION. The second legislative assemby appropriated $15,000 for the Okla-homa exhibit at Chicago. With this a very nice building has been erected and a very creditable exhibit prepa!red. Our exhibition of . cereals is considered especially fine. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 11 LEASING SCHOOL LAND. The results obtained from leasing the school lands of Oklahoma are eminently satisfactory, and this will in the near future be a very great source of income to the public schools. Already very nearly $100,000 in cash and notes has been received from leasing the school lands. The leases of lands in Oklahoma proper expire next April, and these lands ought to be re-leased this winter. This will probably be upon us at very nearly the same time as the leasing of the Cherokee Strip lands and will make the business of that department very large. I trust that some equitable rule for re-leasing, protecting both the lessee in his improvements and the school fund, will be made at an early date. It is very desirable that provision be made for leasing the school lands of the Cherokee Strip during this coming winter, so t,hat lessees may begin work next spring. G . Below I have made a tabulated statement1 of funds received from the leasing of school la$nds for the year ending June 30, 1893: . Total cash received, for fiscal year ending June 30,1893. _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _. - _ _ _ _. $21: 021.83 Total expenses for fiscal year ending June 30,1893 - _ _ - . _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _. . - - -. . 1,857.16 Balance -. _ - - _ - _ . - _ . I-----.-----..----..---.------.-----.----. -.-. 19J64.67 Total amount covered into Territorial treasury for fiscaOl year ending June 30,1893 .-VW.. m-*--w .I---- m-m-m. .-em-a .weess --em-w .-a--- -.-a am-e.- -m-m 18,941.48 Cash on hand Juue30,1893 .____-_____-.____-._____ ~____--- --.. 223.19 -- Net proceeds from leasing school lands for fiscal year ending June 30,1893 .-----.----..----..----..----..-----------.-----.------- 19,164.67 -- Notes on hand June 30,1893 : Due January 1,1892 ..a--- w-m*-. .-me-e .-w-w- .-m-s- .----- .-e-m. -.-me. $478.47 Due April I,1892 - __ _ -I-- mm-mm-m- -w-. --me-. w-s-em w-ma-.--w--. e-mm-m 485.40 Due April 1, 1893 . _ _ _ _ - _ _. _ -w--m. .-we-. .-M-w. .----.------.--------- 1,137.15 Miscellaneous - _ _ _ - - _ _ _ _ _. . _ - _ _. . _ _ _ . - ------.-----.----.-----..----. 640.75 Due January I, 1894 -w-m .--w-w -w--w- .-e-w- .-*-a. .-m-m. .-mm-. .--e-w w- 10,694.46 Due April 1,1894 -__.. .--.. -- -..--. --.----.------w- ____ -_- $494.00 Due December 15,1893 _ - -. - _ - _ .----a w--w .---a. m-m. ..mm-..ww-m. .-mm. 13,760.97 Due December 15,1894 -------w.- .-m--w -e-w-. .-w-w- w---m. .-we-- --mm - 8? 808.93 DueDecember 15,1895.----. --.- -_- - -._-. .-- ..--- -. 3J77.46 Due December 15,1892 .---...-----.--------.-----.-------------.-.. 3,838.65 -- Total . _ _ _ _ . . _ _ _ _ _ .----..-----.----.---.--.. .----..----..----.---. 45,516.24 A GREAT FUTURE. Anyone acquainted with thevast resources of Oklahoma and Indian Territories can but feel that there is a very enviable destiny before the State that will one day be carved from this Territory. Its soft Italian climate,its fertile soil, and genuine American inhabitants are elements that can not fail to produce a Commonwealth equal to any in that glorious galaxy of States that are at once the hope and inspiration of humanity. Your most obedient servant, WILLIAM C, RENFROW, Governor. Hon. HOKE SMITH, Becretayy of the Interior, TVashington, D. C. 0
Object Description
Title | TerrGov-4, 1893-1897---Renfrow. Report of the Governor of Oklahoma (William Cary Renfrow 1893-1897) |
Author |
Renfrow, William Cary, 1845-1922 |
Subject |
Renfrow, William Cary, 1845-1922 Oklahoma (Territory)--History Oklahoma--History--Sources Oklahoma--Politics and government--To 1907 Governors--Oklahoma |
Description | The Governors of Oklahoma Territory issued annual reports from 1891 through 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. These reports, submitted to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, vary from a few pages to many pages, and report on anything and everything that the current Governor believed to be important. |
Physical description | various pagings |
Original Publication Date | 1893; 1894; 1895; 1896 |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf (.pdf) |
Source | Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries, U.S. Government Information Division. Sudocs classification numbers: I 1.26:(year); also in I 1.1:(year) |
Coverage | 1893; 1894; 1895; 1896 |
Copyright and Permissions | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/ |
Holding Institution | Oklahoma Department of Libraries, 200 N.E. 18th, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 |
Metadata/Digital Resource Librarian |
Kitty Pittman |
CONTENTdm file name | 1500.cpd |
CONTENTdm number | 1498 |
Description
Title | 1893_Report of the Governor of Oklahoma, 1893 (William Cary Renfrow) |
Transcript | REP.ORT OF THE GOVERNOORF ,OKLAHOMTAE RRITORY Dup. 10 FOR THE D. of D. FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1893. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1893. R E P 0 R ‘I.‘ OF THE GOVERNOORF OKLAHOMTAE RRITORY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDIXG JUNE 30, 1893. WASHINGTON: GOVERNXENT PRINTING OFFICE. lS93. REPORT OF Y-B-E G-OVERXOR OF OKLAHOMA. GUT.HRIE, OKLA., November 3, 1893. DEAR SIR: In reply to your request for a report of the condition of Oklahoma Territory, I beg leave to submit the following: GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The growth of the Territory in the four years following the opening of the first lands has been in many respects wonderful. Where once the deer bounded in freedom over the plains now are found farm-houses and wheat fields not differing materially from those of the older States. Fine cities with electric lights, waterworks, and all modern conveniences have been built up. He who deplores that the red man has been driven back and back until he is almost gone will find in these happy homes of Oklahoma much to console him and justify God’s law of the survival of the fittest. INHABITANTS. There has been 110 official census of the inhabitants of the Territory since the census of 1890, and so the major portion of the figures I shall give subsequent t,o that date can at best be but approximate. Below I have prepared a table of the population of the Territory by counties for 1890,, according to the census for lS92, as estimated by Governor Seay in his report, and for IS93 I estimated the population by finding the ratio of voters to population in 1890, which was 7-1L6a, nd to find the population in 1893 I multiplied the number of votes for Xlepresentative to the Fifty-third Congress by the ratio with the result below. County. ;:f:toil;:::::::::: Eingfisher _ - _ -. . - - - Payne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canadian.. . . . . -. . -. A (Lincoln) . _ -. -. -. Cleveland . . _. . - -. . - B (Pot,tawatomie) . . gC (:B”, l#ay‘i n. ef) :‘y-:- . .:-; Is: .:. : : -: Beaver - _ . . . _ _ _ . . _ I . Total.... Cherokee Strip 1890. 1892. -- 14,254 22,000 12,794 21,000 8,837 16,500 6,835 13,000 7,703 15,500 None. 10,500 7,011 14,000 Eone. 10,000 None. 3,000 None. 1,000 Kane. 300 lSone. 700 n’one. 1,000 NOD& 1,600 2,982 3,000 60,416 .-..w-m-. 133,100 ‘...S..W . 1893. 30,995 25,363 20,640 15,967 15,580 13,401 12,844 8,911 3,204 554 215 .es.s..ss 723 -....-mmw 2,816 151,213 100,000 3 4 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOBIA, There were 115,000 certificates issued by the booths to int!ending set-tlers in the Cherokee Strip. Many of them, however, were just there for speculative purposes, and returned to their homes in a very few days. So that I place the population of the Cherokee Strip at 100,000, believing it to be full high for the winter season, but not far from right next spring when the settlers return. The immigration of colored people from the South has very largely stopped, and now there is not a very great number in the Territory. They have been useful as servants, and not a few of them have homes of their own and employment. Of the Indians I shall speak later. TAXABLE PROPERTY. -__ ..----- county. _-_____- Assessed valuation. 1892. I 1893. _------- LOofia hoahn;;. * . . . . -. . -. . . - - -. - I. - .,..--...-..-.-...----~...-l $2,747,2iG. 50 $3,107,710.44 . ..-..._.__--..-.-1--..--.--. --..--.---..-.-.-..-.-......... 2,661,22I. 70 3,084,SO7.00 Kingfisher. . I _. . _ . _ . - . . _. - - - _. .-..---.“--...I.--..-..-..----.-...--. 1: 252, O:JO. 67 1,606,493.17 Canadian _l_._..l._...l.._..---.-...--..---- --._.-.-.-.-.-.-_--...---- 1,943,853.40 1,498,646.66 Cleveland ..-...-.-.....-....--.-...----- ._.__.-_-_.__.--_.._---..-.--- 1,105,875.48 1,267,785.81 Paine.-..-...... . ..-.--.....-.-...---.- .____-.-_-..-.-.-.II-----.---. 665,629.90 900,126,00~ Pottnmatomie...--......-...... -..-----.-l--r-..-.-..--...-.--------. 314,665.78 552,098.OO Lincoln “‘.‘.,““““““‘. ~~I~~~.~--~. .___--.-----.--_...--.....---- 275,109.48 539,527.OO 13;;ige;...... -.___.._.._.I_..._I_-..-.--..-----.---....---.------ .smmwe 519,493.54 497,783.40 . _._._.-_-___.-_.-._...--.....----- ~~~~--.~~~~I .~~.-..--~--I.~~-~ m-----eme.esmmIe 297,322.OO Ef;;i$i Nills ..-...--...-...-.-.-*.-....-. -.-.I---L-._--...__I.-----.~.-----.--.-----. 186,369.84 1._....1__11.._-__.-------...----..----...--...----.---------.. ..ww-l..m..lslmm g&i. . . . . . . . . . . -..--- * -I..- 132,908.OO -_--.__*.-.-.---._-1-..-----------.--.-.._--_.-._..-___- 103,476.76 . . . .._...-.._-_I.-.-.-..-...-.-....---- .1-e-. .,--..-..--.._-_.__1---- ~-.---.--...~-.~ 96,029.OO D .-..--1--___1_..--__..--------....-----------.-----...----*----.--*-- .-s---m.m-a-am.e 80,473,30 Total .-.r.r...---.--..rrr-... -...-_...__..-..I.-..-....--...-.-- 11,485: 162.45 13,951,056. Total assessed value of property for 1891, $6,378,928.95. The greater number of people came to Oklahoma poor, but the above table will show that there has been a wonderful increase in wealth in the last four years. The above table includes both real and personal property, but by far the larger portion is personal prol)erty, as not many farms are as yet proved up. In the not very distant future the taxable property of the Territory will be multiplied many times. This coming winter most of the farmers in Oklahoma proper will take out their patents. RAILROADS AND TELEGRAPH. There are at present but two trunk lines of railroad in Oklahoma, with a short line-the Choctaw Railroad. Several other lines are pro: jetted, but; have not yet been built. We are in need of a few more lines, as many portions of the Territory are removed 60 to 100 miles from the railroad. A more direct connection with the pineries of Arkansas TVOLIM be of great advantage. The table below shows the miles of track and its nature, in Oklahomn, exclusive of the Cherokee Strip. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLiiHOJlA. 5 RAILROADS AND TELEGRAPH. Name. Miles. Value , per mile. , Total. - ____--__ ----_.- .-__- --- I-- b -I---- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe R. R. : Main track I . . . . ..--1..1......-.-.........--...-.--- .~.......~.~~.~...~’ 84 Side track ; $5,500 $462,000 . . . . ..-......-.1--1_-.-...- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..-.~~.....~~.~. I 12.32 t 2,000 24,640 Buildings . . . . . . . . . ..I------....-.......--.......................-............ . . . ..I...- 12,730 Rolling%tock ..‘....-...“.l...r...-..............----.....-..-.......--..’-. 1 i . . . . . . . . . . 117; 600 ---- Tqtal --..---......._........--.....--.....--.........-...----.----...*.......-.-.-.-.. 616,970 ---- Chicago. Rock Island and Pacific R. R. : ----- Nain track .-.-..-.....~.I.~-....~............~~..- .--w--1...-........ 56.76 5,500 Side track _ . . . . . 312,180 -___...-__-._.__.1__----..-.......-..--.----.---.----- 4.06 : 2,000 8,120 Buildings .--1...-----.._....--.-.---.- l..-_..l....-.l__--....-..----. s-...ms..m...B.... 6,550 Rolling stock . . . _. -___._.___-.....__.---...-....---......-...-...--..-\ .-..-_. s-e.-.-... 22,232 -a--/-- Total................... _._--_..I__._.__..._.-.....--------- .w.....- -.-..I.- l.B.ssel.e ] 349,082 Appended herewith is a report of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, showing thenature and amount of business transacted by it for the year ending June 30, 1893: Kame. 1 Miles. - -- -- -- I Choctaw Coal Road, main t.rnck.. . . . . _ _ _ _ _. . . . . . . --._--.._.....1.-.._.. I 31.40 Western Uuion Telegraph Co ......................................... Choctaw Telegr:\ph Co. .I 123.60 ................................................. i 3u Pullwan Palace Car Co. (5 cars). ....................................... !. ....... I Value i per mile. I Total. w; $125,600 18,520 75 2,250 m-.-w. .B.. 6,000 .P- : :53,370 BANKS AND BANKING. There me six na.tioml banks in Oklahoma, each hming a capital stock of &50,000, and IxeiQ-four private banks with capital stocks ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. I have written ,211th e banks of the Territory for st*atements, but as yet have not received amwers from but five national banks, which show for tlhe five a capital s6oc*k of $260,000; deposits, $686,547.87 ; loans and discounts, $322,573.&S. I have received answers from seven private banks which show an axerage capital. stock of $24,000 and average deposits of $31,000, with average loans and discounts of $30YOO0. I take it that those unreported would show about the same as those reported, and t!his would make the following showing for the thirty banks: Cnpital stock. ....................................... ................... $876,000 Deposits ............................................ ........... Loans and discounts.. ,.:::~,~~::. 1,429,ooo ............................ .......... 1,042,OOO These figures show the condition October 3, 1893. The deposits are very much lower than on June 30. However, the iinancial stringency here has very largely pmsed. When the very large wheat crop of this year is harvested the deposits will be lairger than now. 6 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOM~4. ’ PUBLIC FINANCES. The latest report of t.he auditor of the Territory I have is one made April 1, lS93, which is as follows: Total Territorial warrants issued to ,-ipril I, 1893 . Tota, Territorial v7arrants redeemed t 0 Xovember --- e 27.321.30 ---- _I Amount due from insurance licenses . Total due Territory for year 189‘2 .................................. 35,955.54 Deduct total standing indebtedness April 1,1893 ........... .: .......... 27,321.30 Balance in favor Of Territory.. . . . . . . . _ 8,634.24 Since this the Territory has incurred some considerable expense, but on the whole our finnaci& condition is excellent, and I .sinc&ely trust will continue so. The Territory has no bonded indebtedness. several of the counties have gone in debt1 to a, verv. . considerable extent, but with the increase of taxable property a81w1 ill be well. c PUBLIC SCHOOLS. When the settlers first came to Oklahoma t.hey found themselves without schoolhouses and without laws; but with a fortitude certainly admirable they built schoolhouses by private subscription alnd had schools the first winter. By act of Congress $50,000 wa*s appropriated for the use and bellefit of the public schools of Oklahoma; this materially aided the efforts of t-he people, anal schools have been main-tained in nearly every district ever since. Very few school districts but that have very comfoitable schoolhouses now, and that? too, in most iustances wit&out any bonded indebtedness. The second legislative assembly changed from township to the dis-trict system, and in most instances it has proved satisfactory. I am not able to speak as definitely about the public schools as I would like for the reason that reports from the school districts are very mealger. With the increase of taxable proyert,y and the increased funds derived from leasing the school lauds, the financial condition of the schools will be very much better in t*he future. Concerning the leas-ing of school lands more will be sa!id iu another place. A similar conditiou which confronted tlhe settlers of Oklahoma proper now confronts the settlers of the Cherokee Strip. Xo a,ssess-merit was made this year, and no ta’xes can come in until February, 1895. If Congress would make an apl~ropmiation for the benefit of the schools to be established in the Cherokee Strip it would be money well spent. The people in general have manifested a very great interest in the public schools of the Territory, and justly, for in the schoolhouse rather than in the forts and arsenals must a nation find its true strength. COLLEGES. By act of the Territorial legislature a Territorial university was located at Norman, and a Territ,orial normal ‘school at Edmond, and the Agricultural and Mechanical oollege at Stillwater. The univer- REPORT OF THE GOVEWWR OF OKLAHOMA. 7 sity has made a very excellent start towards accomplishing the pur-pose for which it was created. It is supported by a one-half mill tax, which will amount to about $8,000 per year. The course would corre-spond favorably with that of Eastern colleges. A new building has just been completed for the university. The Normal school at Edmond aims to prepare teachers for the pub-lic schools, and has just completed a, fine building. The Agricultural and Mechanical College at Stillwater is the best endowed of any of the schools of the Territory, and bids fair to do most excellent work. It was established in. pursuance of an act of Congress authorizing the establishment and endowment of colleges for the benefit of agriculture and mechanic arts, appropriating $16,000 for the fiscal year 1890, and providing for $1,000 increase each year for ten years. The experimental station issues a bulletin of the results of their inves-tigation, which promises much good to the Territory. . theT hteh irtPeerensthid ent%se ctiporno clfaomr attihoen benoepfiet ninogf tthhee Cthhreeero kceoel leOgeustl.e t Trheisse rvweilsl make a very neat income for e.ach of the colleges, once it is leased. Each of the institutions has in attendance about one hundred stu-dents, and new ones constantly coming. It is the aim to have these colleges correspond with the high school and make a complete system of education from the lowest to the highest. There are several priva#te institutions doing good work a.nd which have a good attendance. -r. AGRICUL!WRE. Situated as it is, midway between the North ahd the South, with aI soil and climate unsurpassed, Oklahoma is admirably adapt$ed to growing almost every kind of plant. In agriculture the Territory has a never-failing source of support and income. With the exception of one year the seasons have been escellent. Wheat this year made a very fine yield, averaging about 30 bushels to the acre all over the Territory. Some pieces are reported as yielding G2 bushels to the acre. I person-ally know of several pieces that have made 40 bushels all over tlhe field, This has placed most of the farmers, very few of whom are in debt, in comfortable circuulstances, notwithsiancling the very low price of wheat. Those who have seen the hardships passed through in t#he early days can apprecia,te the advances made by the farmers of this Territory. Corn, too, has made a very good crop, as well as oats, each making about 40 bushels to the acre. Very little grass has been sown as yet, and so there are not very many meadows. I can not pass this subject by without mentioning the colored man’s delight, sweet potntoes and watermelons, both of which grow to enormous size and have a very delicious flavor. The figures given below show the acreage of various agricultural products : . AGRICULTURE:. Farm land in use _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ o - _ _ _ _ _. _ _. - . _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ ___ acres-- 2,37”,482 Cash value of farms,. _ _ . _ _ _ _. . _ - _. . _ _ _ - _ _ - _ _ - _ _ . . _. . _ - -. . _ _ _. _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - $13; 022,345 Cash value of farm implements- _ _ - _ _ _ _ _. . - _ -. . . _ _ _ _. _ _ _ - _ - _ _ __ _ _ _ - _ _ _. $340! 761 Corn (average yield 40 bushels) _ ~~.-~-~.-~~~~.~~.- ,-r.-----r-- ‘acres _ _ 284,254 Wheat (average yield 20 bushels) _ _ . . . _ _ _ -. _ . _ _ _ _ . -. . _ _ - _ _ _ - _ _ . - do _ _ _. 222,310 Oats (average yield 35 bushels) -_ ----. ___. -_ - __. __. __. _- _- do -_-. 109,374 &~t~u~erage yield 500 pounds) _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ . _._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ do- _. _ 21,311 ~~~~~~ .w H&arian millet- - - l * - - - -..--~~..~-~-...~-~. --I. M. .--Mm. w .-m--e dO--- 18,755 .----...---.r----r.-,---r.----- --e-e .-we-. w-m. do--. Broo& corn. _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ . . _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _. - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ _ _. . _ _ __ _ do, _. . 14,121 4,422 k9f REPORT OF THE GOVERXOR OF OKLAHOMA. HORTICULTURE. 4,983 1,907 984 929 807 596 545 538 194 153 8,059 683,611 648,222 69,242 51,147 36,865 26,711 1,808 * 2,437 1,402 640 The entire Territory is well adapted to fruit-raising, and in a short time will have a large surplus to export. The more hilly portions are .eq)ecMly adapted to apples and grapes. It is a matter of satisfaction to see the acreage of fruit at this early day. STOCK-RAISING. There has not been as much done at this as ought to have been done, because many of the farmers were very poor on coming to the Territory and did notI bring with t)hem much stock. However, most fizmers have gotten a start now, n,nd before long this will be one of the princlp@ occupatious. The portions of the Territory removed from the railroad aze very well adapted to f&eclillg Btock, owing to the cWiculty of mar-keting the grain it] any other way, MINING. As yet tlhnost nothin g has been tloue by way of opening up mines in the Territory saving those of building stone, of which an excelle71 t quality is fo7.z11rl itr various parts of the Territory. There is a very fine quarry of fl ag@g and building stone in the Cherokee Strip near Arkansas City, Many buildings in all the cities of Oklahoma are built of native stone. Ver, y littIle has been done by way of prospect,ing for coal or other 1 ninerals. Coal has been found at various places atid some iron ore, but no mines have as yet been opened. In due courst~ of time, how-ever, this will become an iwportsnt inclustry. There are exhaustless deposits of salt and gypsu~~~ MANUFACTURING. Mmufhcturing is in its infancy, but is certaiilly a hopeful youth and ofiers great inducements to capital. Every city has its mills, and some as fine ftouring mills as caln be found anywhere may be found in Oklti-homa. There are several planing mills turning out good work of all REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 9 kinds and cabinet works capable of doing as fine work as can be done . anywhere. There has been talk of an iron foundry, but as yet none has been established in the Territory. It would certainly be a paying insti-tution. A great deal of lumber is being sawed from oak, cottonwood, and walnut. Eastern capitalists will find it to their advantage to visit Oklahoma. SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS. Society, which. at first was disorganized, is now in much better con-dition and the worthy moral element is fast coming to the front, while the rough element, at first so prominent, are seeking their level as they become known. Nearly all the fraternal societies are represented here by a good, strong membership. There are very few caste lines, and in the msin the people are sociable and friendly. The churches recognizing the importance of this new and promising field early sent strong missionary forces here. I judge that the several churches are expending in this home mission work not less than $60,000 per annum. A large portion of the people came here to better their firmncisl condition and do not have much concern for other matters, but there is a small portion of earnest and philanthropic persons who are vorking very hard for the advancement of the whole people. I have written to tlhe ministers of the va!rious denominations for sta-tistics concerning their churches, and the table below will show the esti-matesfurnishedby such as have answered. The YoungPeoples’Society of Christian Endeavor have been doing good work. Humanism in Oklahoma is fast on t*he wane and will soon be a thing of tihe pa&St. - -- - _ . - -_ . --_.--‘-.- --- - -.e INDIANS. I can not in this place enter upon a)ny esteuded discussion of Indian problems, nor is it desirable. We have within the Territory, upon their allotments, Iowas, Sac and Foxes, Pottawat80mies, and Absentee Shawnees, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes, in Oklahoma proper, and in the Cherokee Strip the Pawnees, Cherokees, and Tonkawas. Full I statistics may be found in the report of the Commissioner of Indian AfYairs. In my judgment tlhe best. solution of the Lndiati problem lies in allot-ment of ‘their lalnds in severalty and bringing them directly in contact with civilizaltion. The portions of the Indian Territory not yet opened to settlement are very wild and the Indians see only the worst side of civilization, and their progress will be very slow until they come in closer contact with the white man. Where lands have been taken in severa1t.y the Indians ha,ve generally made an effort to accommodate 10 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. themselves to civilization and many have gone to work and are doing very well in agricultural and mercantile pursuits. I earnestly recom-mend that negotiations be kept on foot with a view to the ultimate allot-ment in severalty of all the lands of the Indian Territory. THE CHEROKEE OUTLET. Almost a new empire has just been opened to the north of us and now, or soon, there will be lOO;OOOp eople finding homes there. No such a wild exciting run for homes was ever yet made as when the guus fired the signa, at 12 o’clock noon, September 16, and yet all was orderly and not many were hurt. There were 115,000 booth certificates issued to intending settlers. Just here I may saly that the booth system has done a vast amount of good in keeping out illegal claimants and will long continue to do so. The difficulty experienced in registering at the booths was far overbalanced by the check it was upon fraud. In spite, however, of all that faithful officialls could do there were a vast number of ii sooners’s who took possession of some of the best lands and lots. 30 effort should be spared to bring them to justice. The enstern part of the Cherokee Outlet is very fertile and will soon make a very wealthy community. I have had a very arduous task on my hands in matking the appointments of county officials in the new counties and have . already issued upward of a hundred commissions. In a place where persons are as newly acquainted as in Oklahoma this has been no small task, but I have discharged it to the best of my ability. Several very fine towns have grown up on the Cherokee Strip and large and perma-nent building are in process of erection. This office is in receipt of a very heavy mail daily asking ofa the school lauds in the Cherokee Strip. No more useful and beneficent thing was ever doue than the reservation by the President of sections 13 and 33 in each township. This makes a very much needed fund for education and benevolence, and I sincerely hope that the same policy may be followed in future opening of lands. I would recom-mend that these school lands be immediately leased to the highest bidder. THE FIVE NATIONS. It is certaintly very desirable that the five nations of Indians be included in any State that may be formed so that the whole may come in as one State. The coudition of afGirs in the Indian Territory is cer-tainly very deplorable, and with the crudity of their forms of govern-ment it will always be difficult to suppress crime. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. As yet no public buildings have been erected by the Territory for the public officers. It would be much better if some buildings could be erected at an early date. Very few of the counties have county build-ings at present. The United States have no public buildings of any consequence, though it has much business to transact here. WORLD’S COLU&lBIAN EXPOSITION. The second legislative assemby appropriated $15,000 for the Okla-homa exhibit at Chicago. With this a very nice building has been erected and a very creditable exhibit prepa!red. Our exhibition of . cereals is considered especially fine. REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 11 LEASING SCHOOL LAND. The results obtained from leasing the school lands of Oklahoma are eminently satisfactory, and this will in the near future be a very great source of income to the public schools. Already very nearly $100,000 in cash and notes has been received from leasing the school lands. The leases of lands in Oklahoma proper expire next April, and these lands ought to be re-leased this winter. This will probably be upon us at very nearly the same time as the leasing of the Cherokee Strip lands and will make the business of that department very large. I trust that some equitable rule for re-leasing, protecting both the lessee in his improvements and the school fund, will be made at an early date. It is very desirable that provision be made for leasing the school lands of the Cherokee Strip during this coming winter, so t,hat lessees may begin work next spring. G . Below I have made a tabulated statement1 of funds received from the leasing of school la$nds for the year ending June 30, 1893: . Total cash received, for fiscal year ending June 30,1893. _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _. - _ _ _ _. $21: 021.83 Total expenses for fiscal year ending June 30,1893 - _ _ - . _ _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _. . - - -. . 1,857.16 Balance -. _ - - _ - _ . - _ . I-----.-----..----..---.------.-----.----. -.-. 19J64.67 Total amount covered into Territorial treasury for fiscaOl year ending June 30,1893 .-VW.. m-*--w .I---- m-m-m. .-em-a .weess --em-w .-a--- -.-a am-e.- -m-m 18,941.48 Cash on hand Juue30,1893 .____-_____-.____-._____ ~____--- --.. 223.19 -- Net proceeds from leasing school lands for fiscal year ending June 30,1893 .-----.----..----..----..----..-----------.-----.------- 19,164.67 -- Notes on hand June 30,1893 : Due January 1,1892 ..a--- w-m*-. .-me-e .-w-w- .-m-s- .----- .-e-m. -.-me. $478.47 Due April I,1892 - __ _ -I-- mm-mm-m- -w-. --me-. w-s-em w-ma-.--w--. e-mm-m 485.40 Due April 1, 1893 . _ _ _ _ - _ _. _ -w--m. .-we-. .-M-w. .----.------.--------- 1,137.15 Miscellaneous - _ _ _ - - _ _ _ _ _. . _ - _ _. . _ _ _ . - ------.-----.----.-----..----. 640.75 Due January I, 1894 -w-m .--w-w -w--w- .-e-w- .-*-a. .-m-m. .-mm-. .--e-w w- 10,694.46 Due April 1,1894 -__.. .--.. -- -..--. --.----.------w- ____ -_- $494.00 Due December 15,1893 _ - -. - _ - _ .----a w--w .---a. m-m. ..mm-..ww-m. .-mm. 13,760.97 Due December 15,1894 -------w.- .-m--w -e-w-. .-w-w- w---m. .-we-- --mm - 8? 808.93 DueDecember 15,1895.----. --.- -_- - -._-. .-- ..--- -. 3J77.46 Due December 15,1892 .---...-----.--------.-----.-------------.-.. 3,838.65 -- Total . _ _ _ _ . . _ _ _ _ _ .----..-----.----.---.--.. .----..----..----.---. 45,516.24 A GREAT FUTURE. Anyone acquainted with thevast resources of Oklahoma and Indian Territories can but feel that there is a very enviable destiny before the State that will one day be carved from this Territory. Its soft Italian climate,its fertile soil, and genuine American inhabitants are elements that can not fail to produce a Commonwealth equal to any in that glorious galaxy of States that are at once the hope and inspiration of humanity. Your most obedient servant, WILLIAM C, RENFROW, Governor. Hon. HOKE SMITH, Becretayy of the Interior, TVashington, D. C. 0 |
Copyright and Permissions | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/ |
CONTENTdm file name | 1496.pdf |
CONTENTdm number | 1494 |
Tags
Add tags for 1893_Report of the Governor of Oklahoma, 1893 (William Cary Renfrow)