Volume 17 , Issue 34

Strip Opening Chance Looks Dubious (December 1892)

There was an interesting news article dated Saturday, 24 December 1892, in "The Evening Kansan," in Newton, Kansas, concerning "The Strip Opening." Its chance of success was reported as looking very dubious. Chairman Peel had little hope. And the head of the Indian affairs committee blamed objector Holman for the delay. One more supreme effort was to be made to pass the measure during the session of congress.

Found on Newspapers.com

Washington, Dec. 24 (1892) -- "The Cherokee strip opening," said representative Peel, chairman of the Indian committee, to a correspondent, "as well as the opening of other Indian lands for which there are several bills pending begins to look dubious. The trouble is that Holman, chairman of the appropriations committee, and some other members of that committee seem disposed to fight the opening, claiming that a lack of money in the treasury makes it impracticable to present. Holman's attitude is not at all constant with promises made at the last session, and is a direct violation of his agreement last session. When I was presenting my bills for the opening of the strip Holman said, and other members of that committee came to me and told me that if I would let the whole matter go over to the second session they would join heartily with me, offer no obstruction and would pass the bills in December, which would give plenty of time for an opening of the strip by March 5, 1893, which would be as soon as possible, even if we passed the bills then.

"So I yielded to them and let the bills go over. Now I understand from Holman that he will oppose the bill. That he may do' but I shall bring up the bills and tell the house in open session just what Holman agreed to and just how he has broken his promise, and we shall see what is what. I see other members have had similar experiences with Mr. Holman and he may find a majority against him and his buncombe, promise-breaking economy. There will be a fight made and as good a one as I can put up to carry those bills through in spite of Mr. Holman."

General Catchings of the rules committee said Peel could bet a day as soon as he wished it after the holidays to consider the strip opening. A strong lobby, including Major Ross, Attorney Henry Asp and others would come to Washington from Oklahoma Territory to make a fight for the opening. Representatives Mansur and Simpson also announced an intention to vigorously engaged in the fight on the side of opening. As most of the representatives would favor it, Holman's opposition was likely to come to naught.
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