The Islander

THE INDIAN TERRITORY.

A Potent Argument for a Change in the Existing Conditions.

Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 31.—A special to the Journal from Washington says W. J. Watts and Colonel Hubbard, of Muldrow, I. T., will tomorrow file with the secretary of the interior a potent argument for a change in the conditions in their country. The document filed within due time, will reach the various committees in congress interested in legislation for the country. The information collected, it is insisted, will be enough to disprove the many statements made by the delegates from the tribes, that it is a very orderly country, and that there is no need of congressional interference because of lawlessness.

The document contains a partial list of murders committed in the Indian territory from March 5 to the last of October. In this time 186 murders have been committed and accounted for in the record, and the claim is made that the list is not complete. In each case a short statement is given. This is set forth as evidence of the need of a change in that country. This is a part of the basis for the position taken by the Dawes commission, and will be used by members thereof in justifying them for their recommendations and open that country to settlement after paying the Indians a fair and equitable amount for their lands.