Indian Chieftain

Townsite Features,

Soon after the Curtis bill was sent to the conference committee, says the South McAlester Capital, a gentleman of that city wrote to Delegate J. F. McMurray asking him what the views were as near as possible of the senators and representatives on the provisions of the bill relating to the townsite feature.

The following questions were propounded:

1. What kind of building will be necessary to hold a lot?

2. When will the time expire in which an improvement can be made upon a lot necessary to hold it under the law?

3. How much ground will said improvements carry with them, and who is to determine the size of lots?

Answering the above questions Mr. McMurray writes:

1. I think any kind of a building, that would not be classed a "shack," would protect a lot. This is the opinion of all concerned in the formation of the bill.

2. The time will expire when commission goes to make appraisement. I have discussed this matter at length with a number of congressmen, also Captain McKennon.

3. The commission to make the appraisement will lay out lots and fix their size. They will control this feature. All here think they will be liberal. I think so, but as to exact size, no one could say.

The above is perhaps the nearest an exposition of the intents and purposes of the law as far as relates to the questions asked as is possible to obtain at this time. The practical workings of the law may show a difference, but it will not be a radical one.