OKLAHOMA 
 
OrraA.SHUTTEEJREAS. 
 
 EL RENO. 
 
 JOS-MEIBERQEN, CHAIRMAN* 
 
 ENID. 
 
THE 
 
 OKLAHOMA BOOK 
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 OFFICIAL REPORT 
 
 GOV. T. B. FERGUSON 
 
 SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR 
 
 ♦ Showing the Marvelous Growth of Oklahoma, 
 the Youngest Child of the 
 Louisiana Purchase. 
 
 THE STATE CAPITA!, COMPANY 
 Guthrie, Oklahoma. 
 
.0^ 
 
 i 
 
 0.1>rD',''' 
 
RE P O ET 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Territory of Oklahoma, 
 
 Executive Department, 
 Guthrie, Ohla., Septemher 15, 1903. 
 Sir: In compliance with, your communication dated June 27, 
 1903, I take pleasure in transmitting to you herewith my report of 
 the affairs, progress, and development of the Territory of Oklahoma 
 for the year ended June 30, 1903. 
 
 Very respectfully T. B. Ferguson, 
 
 Governor. 
 Hon. E. a. Hitchcock, 
 
 Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. 
 
 A perusal of the following pages will disclose the fact that the 
 Territory of Oklahoma has an area of 38,830 square miles, is subdivided 
 into 2G counties, and has an aggregate population of 650,000. She 
 has 178,964 school children and 2,192 district schoolhouses valued at 
 $1,347,257; also 7 higher institutions of learning, having a total en- 
 rollment of 2,818 last year; a school fund arising from the leasing of 
 school land amounting to $181,828.88, which was apportioned during 
 the year. 
 
 Oklahoma leads in railway building, having completed over 1,000 
 miles of new railroad, and on March 1 had over 2,500 miles of main 
 track and grade completed. The assessed value of the eight lines of 
 railway is $7,851,187. The Territorial tax levy was 6 1-4 mills and the 
 assessors, which was on a basis of about one-fourth actual value. The 
 Territorial indebtedness is only $461,766.43. There were 7,451,918 
 acres of land returnable for taxation. 
 
 Oklahoma has 232 Territorial banks having a combined capitaliza- 
 tion of $2,026,330. with deposits of over $7,000,000, and an average 
 reserve of 52 per cent, being nearly four times the legal requirement. 
 There are 79 national banks, whose combined capital amounts to 
 
4 REPOKT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 $3,792,500; the deposits therein are over $10,000,000, and they have 
 and average reserve of 30 per cent. 
 
 There are 193 licensed dentists, 403 registered pharmacists, and 
 1,200 practicing physicians. 
 
 There are 243 weekly newspapers published in the Territory. The 
 public law library located at Guthrie is valued at $50,000. The Okla- 
 homa National Guard is composed of 945 enlisted men. There is a 
 church membership of nearly 100,000. There are 60 flouring mills 
 whose combined capacity is over 10,000 barrels per day; 280 grain 
 elevators having a combined capacity of 3,525,000 bushels. This 
 year's wheat crop was 36,000,000 bushels, and the corn is estimated 
 about the same as last year— 65,000,000 bushels. 
 
 Oklahoma's commerce amounted to over 27,000 carloads of various 
 commodities shipped into and over 35,600 carloads shipped out of the 
 Territory. 
 
 There has been a phenomenal growth of all cities and towns, as in- 
 dicated by statistics given. 
 
 There are undeveloped resources in the immense gypsum deposits, 
 which are estimated to be over 125,000,000,000 tons; also jn uioun- 
 taius of red granite and limestone beds. 
 
 There are yet over 3,000,000 acres of vacant land subject i:-) home- 
 stead, 
 
 ; " OKLAHOMA. 
 
 The portion of country now called Oklahoma was included in the 
 Louisiana purchase and embraces some 24,000,000 acres of as fertile 
 and productive land as can be found in any country. 
 
 Oklahoma is situated between the thirty-fourth and thirty-seventh 
 parallels north latitude, and principally between 96 degrees, 30 min- 
 utes, and 100 degrees west longitude. Kansas bounds it on the nortb, 
 Indian Territory on the east, and Texas on the south and west. That 
 portion of the Territory called Beaver County was once known as "No 
 Man's Land," and while only 32 miles wide extends westward 160 
 miles from the boundary of original Oklahoma, along the south lines 
 of Kansas and Colorado, to New Mexico. 
 
 By comparison Oklahoma is as large as the combined area of tbe 
 States of Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and 
 New Jersey. Tt is larger than either Indiana, Maine, or West Vir- 
 ginia, and nearly the size of Obio. Its extreme length from north to 
 south is 210 miles and extreme width from east to west 365 miles. 
 
 According to the United States census of 1900 the population of 
 Oklahoma was greater in proportion to area than that of 12 other 
 States. Since the census was taken the population has nearly doubled 
 in number. 
 
 The climate of OklahonLa is similar to that of other States in this 
 latitude, as northern Texas, fTejioeggee, and North Carolina. Portions 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OP OKLAHOMA. 5 
 
 of the Territory have been opened to settlement on six different occa- 
 sions, one county added from the State of Texas and one made from 
 No Man's Land. The altitude ranges from 3,900 feet in Beaver 
 County, in the extreme northwest, to 776 feet in Payne County, in 
 the east. The country as a whole is well watered, there being many 
 small streams and rivers, the general course of which is to the south- 
 east. Certain portions of the Territory are heavily timbered, and some 
 30 varieties of wood are found. 
 
 The wonderful progress made by our citizens is due not only to 
 their energy and activity, but to the great fertility of soil, favorable cli- 
 mate, abundance of rainfall, and the resultant bounteous crops of fruits 
 and cereals. Oklahoma's natural resources are many and varied, and 
 as yet have been but little developed. In the space of fourteen years 
 the wealth of the inhabitants has steadily increased, until at the present 
 time it approximates $400,000,000. 
 
 In intelligence, energy, industry, and general progressiveness our 
 inhabitants are the equals of any other Commonwealth. Oklahoma, 
 for fourteen years under a Territorial form of government, with her 
 650,000 inhabitants, seven Territorial educational institutions, Indus'- 
 trial achievements, railway mileage, growing cities, extensive commerce, 
 and fertile soil, compares favorably with States that were admitted into 
 the Union fifty years ago. 
 
 OPENING OF OKLAHOMA TO SETTLEMENT. 
 
 What is now known as Oklahoma was not all opened to the home- 
 steader at one time, but on six different occasions portions were, by 
 act of Congress, thrown open to settlement. The first lands to be oc- 
 cupied were some 3,000,000 acres lying in the center of the Territory, 
 opened April 22, 1889. The Sac and Fox and Pottawatomie reserva- 
 tions, containing 1,282,434 acres, were opened in September, 1891. The 
 Ch'^yenne and Arapahoe reservations, comprising 4,287,771 acres, were 
 opened in April, 1892. The Cherokee Strip, containing 6,014,239 acres, 
 was opened on September 16, 1893. The Kickapoo Reservation, com- 
 prising 206,662 acres, was opened in 1895. The Kiowa, Comanche, 
 Apache, and Wichita reservations, comprising about 4,000,000 acres, 
 were opened on August 6, 1901. There was also added in 1890 that 
 portion of country known as No Man's Land, containing 3,681,000 acres, 
 and now called Beaver County. 
 
 In 1896 Greer County was acquired from Texas by decision of the 
 Supreme Court of the United States and added to the Territory of 
 Oklahoma. 
 
 STATEHOOD. 
 
 Oklahoma is entitled to statehood — entitled to it now. There are in 
 the Territory 650,000 intelligent American citizens who arc deprived of 
 the right of self-government. A conservative estimate of the wealth of 
 
6 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Oklahoma places it at $400,000,000. There are seven educational insti- 
 tutions of higher learning under the control of the Territory, beside? 
 numerous high schools and college under the control of religious de- 
 nominations. Our people are in every respect entitled to that which is 
 dear to the heart of every progressive American — the right to govern 
 themselves. 
 
 Against this proposition there can be no logical objection. Okla- 
 homa has the intellect, the wealth, the moral force, the energy, the nat- 
 ural resources, the development already achieved, and the promise of a 
 splendid future sufficient to justly entitle her to careful consideration 
 and Congressional action. No logical reason can be urged against her 
 early admission into the sisterhood of States. 
 
 POPULATION, 
 
 Commencing back in 1890, when the population of Oklahoma was 
 only 60,000, it is interesting to note the successive increase in biennial 
 enumerations. From 1890 to 1892 the population more than doubled. 
 The census taken during the following years, 1894 to 1896, showed a 
 gain of from 60,000 to 80,000 people at each enumeration. The census 
 of 1898 shows an addition of over 35,000, although at that time the 
 attention of the American people was directed to affairs in Cuba and 
 the Philippines. To this excitement may be attributed the temporary 
 falling off of immigration. Since 1898 our growth has been most re- 
 markable. It reached its maximum during the past two or three years, 
 but, as is shown by the table arranged below, the increase during any 
 two-year period has not been less than 35,000, while in one instance 
 (1900-1902) it has attained more than 143,000. 
 
 The enumeration this year is incomplete, owing somewhat to the 
 change from county to township assessors when the former were half 
 through with their assessment, and to the fact that annual enumeration 
 is not mandatory and no penalty follows when not taken. The above- 
 mentioned change was occasioned by an act of the recent legislature, 
 which became operative from and after its passage. The gain in pop- 
 ulation shown in those counties and townships from which returns have 
 been received evidences a growth of about 25 per cent during the past 
 year. Hence I feel that a conservative estimate of the present popula- 
 tion of Oklahoma is 650,000. 
 
 The immigration to the Teritory during the past five years is, no 
 doubt, unprecedented in the history of any commonwealth covering a 
 similar period of time. Immigration to Oklahoma has been largely 
 from the States lying to the east and north. Indomitable energy has 
 characterized our inhabitants from the start. Success in accomplish- 
 ing things and acquiring a home, and not infrequently a competence in a 
 few years, has encouraged immigration to Oklahoma. This element 
 of "push and get there" is evidenced in our numerous successful man- 
 ufacturing enterprises, our cities, as well as the high state of our agri- 
 cultural development. 
 
 ii^c..^.f:. 
 
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RASPBERRY BUSH FROM THE FARM OF J. E. FREEMAN. SECY. LOGAN 
 CO. HORTICULTURAL. SOCIETY. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. < 
 
 The number of foreign born in the Territory is exceedingly small, 
 being not over 5 per cent. The percentage of illiteracy is still less, but 
 this need not be surprising when it is stated that we have 180,000 en- 
 rolled school children, and the money to maintain our common schools 
 and higher educational institutions fully eight months in the year. 
 
 GROWTH IN POPULATION. 
 
 Year 
 
 Census 
 
 Growth 
 
 Per cent of 
 gain over 
 preceding 
 enumera- 
 tion 
 
 J89 
 
 60,416 
 133,100 
 212,635 
 275,587 
 311,400 
 398,331 
 541.480 
 
 
 
 1892 
 
 72,684 
 79,535 
 62,952 
 35,813 
 88,931 
 143,149 
 
 *120 
 
 1894 . . 
 
 *60 
 
 1896 - 
 
 *30 
 
 1898 
 
 *13 
 
 1900 
 
 *28 
 
 1902 
 
 *36 
 
 
 
 * Nearly. 
 
 The atmosphere of hospitality and good-fellowship that pervades 
 our Commonwealth is peculiarly western. It is most noticeable to the 
 "stranger, and induces a cordiality of feeling and results in a unanimity 
 of purpose where the good of all is concerned, such as the preparation 
 and upbuilding of a new State. Because of this spirit and owing to 
 the friendships which are its outgrowth, enterprises of considerable 
 magnitude have been fostered, and institutions which speak well for the 
 intellectuality of our future State have developed and prospered. 
 
 The character of our citizenship is of the highest, and crime and 
 lawlessness, as evidenced by the dockets of our courts, is much less than 
 in many of our older sister States. 
 
 TAXABLE PROPERTY. 
 
 The sum of $84,134,472 is returned by the assessors for the year 
 1903. This represents a gain of $11,457,049 over last year's assessment. 
 
 When the fact is taken into consideration that property is assessed 
 at not over one-fourth its actual value, and often some of it is overlooked 
 entirely, these figures become all the more gratifying. The actual value 
 of our taxable property is not far short of $400,000,000 to-day. 
 
 The following table of comparison shows the steady growth of values 
 of certain classes of property during the past three years. 
 
 Farm lands 
 
 Town property 
 
 Railroads 
 
 Monej-s and credit 
 Other property..... 
 
 $17,279,809 
 
 8,062,567 
 
 4,538,67) 
 
 2,552.932 
 
 28,031,013 
 
 1902 
 
 $22,614,650 
 
 11,629.199 
 
 6,339,462 
 
 3,068,273 
 
 29,025,839 
 
 1903 
 
 $27,204,160 
 
 14,397.329 
 
 7,851,187 
 
 3,612,131 
 
 31,069,665 
 
 The Territorial tax levy being 6 1-4 mill will produce the Bum of 
 $525,839. This is a decrease of $41,111.90 over 1902. 
 
8 
 
 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Below is given a comparative table of the assessment of each of the 
 counties for the past four years. 
 
 TAXABI,E VAl,UATION FOR FOUR YEARS PAST. 
 
 Beaver 
 
 Blaine 
 
 Caddo , 
 
 Canadian 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 Comanche 
 
 Custer 
 
 Day 
 
 Dewey 
 
 Garfield 
 
 Grant 
 
 Greer 
 
 Kay 
 
 Kingfisher 
 
 Kiowa 
 
 Ivincoln 
 
 lyOgan 
 
 Noble 
 
 Olclahoma 
 
 Pawnee 
 
 Payne 
 
 Pottawatomie.. 
 
 Roger Mills 
 
 Washita 
 
 Woods 
 
 Woodward 
 
 Total 
 
 Kaw Reservatiion 
 
 Osage Reservation. 
 
 ,573,563 
 633,775 
 
 501,056 
 844,744 
 
 ,278,194 
 435,012 
 674,200 
 ,825,294 
 ,864.393 
 ,049,585 
 647,044 
 576,510 
 
 ,967,596 
 ,432,980 
 ,647,120 
 ,386,337 
 ,920,093 
 ,277,618 
 ,933,734 
 738,150 
 ,124.241 
 ,030,963 
 ,386,469 
 
 Jl,614,072 
 996,096 
 
 4,971,229 
 2,177,522 
 
 1,651,724 
 477,813 
 810,725 
 3,105.801 
 2,725,624 
 3,363,101 
 3,404,931 
 3,261,709 
 
 2,626,580 
 4,690,417 
 2,029,942 
 4,738,133 
 1,674,296 
 8,215,641 
 2,951,073 
 913,713 
 1,433,309 
 4,848,204 
 2,079.114 
 
 60,464,696 
 
 $2,006,128 
 1,689,512 
 1,679,335 
 8,274,929 
 2,137,309 
 1,735,739 
 
 . 2,025,795 
 407,514 
 826,821) 
 3,759,453 
 8.802,209 
 3,853,541 
 3,775,955 
 3,448,792 
 l,4.il,270 
 3,217,845 
 4,928,450 
 2,290,011 
 5,683,067 
 1,652,590 
 3,214,212 
 8,366 895 
 1,833,691 
 1,821,742 
 6,553,761 
 2,279,910 
 
 71,707,918 
 211,738 
 757,767 
 
 72,677,423 
 
 $1,843,148 
 2,161,518 
 2,541,944 
 3,341,445 
 2,320,879 
 4,088,702 
 2,478,304 
 519,756 
 979,067 
 4,545,038 
 3,423,856 
 4,165,534 
 4,414,011 
 3,369,469 
 2,275,211 
 3.611.487 
 4,811,079 
 2,782,807 
 7,062,444 
 2,742,974 
 3,473,888 
 3,670,103 
 1,514,375 
 2.269,957 
 6,831.022 
 2,801,844 
 
 84,134,472 
 
 Note — The assessment of 1908 in the Kaw, Ponca, and Osage reservations has been appor- 
 tioned among the counties of Kay, Noble, and Pawnee, and is included in the above valuations 
 of said counties. 
 
 TAXES. 
 
 Taxes in Oklahoma are not high. This year the Territorial board 
 of equalization has lowered the levy from that of the two preceding 
 years. The levy for 1903 is 6 1-4 mills. The bond interest fund has so 
 increased, as the result of last year's levy, as to give assurance that the 
 entire sum of $48,000 will be in the treasury by the end of the present 
 year. Over four-fifths of this sum is now in the hands of the treas- 
 urer, and the Territory will soon have paid the first and only bonds it 
 has ever issued. 
 
 TERRITORIAL INDEBTEDNESS. 
 
 The Territorial indebtedness on June 30, 1903, as shown by the re- 
 port of the Territorial treasurer, was $461,766.43 
 
 To offset the bonds issued for educational purposes some years ago, 
 amounting to $48,000, there is now in the bond interest fund the sum 
 of $43,738. Thus it will be observed that the total indebtedness of the 
 Territory has decreased during the past year. 
 
EEPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 SETTLEMENT OF LANDS. 
 
 The niunber of acres appropriated by the homesteader during the 
 past year was considerably less than that of some former years. This 
 may be acounted for by the fact that much of the land unappropriated 
 in Beaver and Woodward counties, where the bulk of vacant land is lo- 
 cated, is not as suitable for agriculture as stock raising. They are what 
 is termed grass lands, and are most valuable for grazing, being watered 
 by numerous rivers, creeks, and running springs. The altitude is higher 
 than that of Dewey, Day or Eoger Mills, where considerable land is yet 
 unoccupied. Occasional tracts of good farming land can yet be found. 
 While this land has in the past been mostly used by the cattlemen, dur- 
 ing the past three or four years the people of the Territory have been 
 so prosperous and have raised such immense crops, that the vacant land 
 is now being settled up and the cattlemen driven to other parts. 
 
 The climate is mild in winter and hot in summer, yet the heat of 
 summer is tempered and most of the days made delightful by a steady 
 Gulf breeze. The "nights are cool and refreshing. 
 
 Eailroads are rapidly pushing forward into these newer counties, 
 and will soon furnish transportation for the newcomer and his neces- 
 sary supplies, and also bring him in touch with the best markets of the 
 country for his products. 
 
 The following table indicates the number of acres filed on during 
 the past year, in the respective counties, and the amount of land still 
 vacant : 
 
 COUNTT. 
 
 Filed on 
 
 during 
 
 year 
 
 Still 
 vacant 
 
 County 
 
 Filed on 
 during 
 year 
 
 Still 
 vacant 
 
 Beaver 
 
 Acres 
 293 699 
 1,589 
 
 Acres 
 
 2,738.709 
 
 895 
 
 2,867 
 
 882 
 
 14,610 
 
 1,703 
 
 109,402 
 
 7,000 
 
 Greer 
 
 Acres 
 
 120,000 
 
 872 
 
 3,226 
 
 86,882 
 
 400 
 
 67,273 
 
 234,349 
 
 916.036 
 
 Acres 
 34,000 
 
 
 Kingfisher 
 
 Kiowa 
 
 Roger Mills 
 
 
 Caddo 
 
 5,081 
 
 Canadian 
 
 
 16,218 
 
 
 3,004 
 
 974 
 
 92,198 
 
 12 000 
 
 70 
 
 Washita 
 
 Woods 
 
 Woodward 
 
 Total 
 
 
 Custer 
 
 43,916 
 
 Day 
 
 114,985 
 
 
 
 Grant 
 
 3,089,768 
 
 PUBLIC LANDS. 
 
 The Government land of the Territory is divided into eight districts, 
 viz., Alva, El Eeno, Guthrie, Lawton, Kingfisher, Mangum, Oklahoma 
 City and Woodward, the registers and receivers of which have kindly 
 furnished me with the following statistics concerning their respective 
 districts : 
 
 ALVA. 
 
 Woods County alone comprises this district. 
 
 Total area of land in district 1,732,000 
 
 Number acres vacant 43,916 
 
 Number acres Saline Reservation 17,26^ 
 
 Number acres filed on during year 67,273 
 
 Number homestead entries made during year 509 
 
10 
 
 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 EL RENO. 
 
 This district is composed of the public lands in six counties. Total 
 area of district is 3,781,000 acres. 
 
 County 
 
 Unappro- 
 priated 
 
 Reserved 
 
 Appropri- 
 ated 
 
 Total area 
 
 Blaine 
 
 Acres 
 
 22 
 
 2,867 
 
 882 
 
 37 
 
 3,010 
 
 Acres 
 
 ■27",547" 
 
 26,080 
 
 Acres 
 
 71,978 
 948,586 
 257,038 
 339,963 
 434,390 
 645,440 
 
 Acres 
 
 72,000 
 
 Caddo 
 
 979,000 
 
 Canadian 
 
 284,000 
 
 Custer 
 
 340,000 
 
 Kiowa 
 
 21, '600 
 1,560 
 
 459,000 
 
 Washita 
 
 647,000 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 6,818 
 
 76,787 
 
 2,697,395 
 
 2,781,000 
 
 
 
 The character of the unoccupied land in the above counties is either 
 mountainous or sandy. 
 
 GUTHRIE. 
 
 In the seven counties which compose this district there are but 90 
 acres of vacant land, and all figures remain the same as last year. 
 
 County 
 
 Area un- 
 
 appopri- 
 
 ated 
 
 Area re- 
 served 
 
 Area Ap- 
 propriated 
 
 Total area 
 
 Kay 
 
 Acres 
 
 Acres 
 46,579 
 56,622 
 16,894 
 30,345 
 3,840 
 30,949 
 66,836 
 
 Acres 
 425,421 
 333,346 
 343,106 
 468,655 
 88,160 
 301,993 
 417,164 
 
 Acres 
 
 472,000 
 
 I<incoln . . . 
 
 32 
 
 390,000 
 
 Logan 
 
 360,000 
 
 Noble 
 
 
 499,000 
 
 Oklahoma 
 
 Pawnee 
 
 58 
 
 92,000 
 383,000 
 
 Payne 
 
 484,000 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 90 
 
 252,065 
 
 2,377,845 
 
 2,630,000 
 
 KINGFISHER. 
 
 This district is next to the largest in size, and embraces lands in 
 eleven counties. Total area of land surface in district, 4,421,000 acres. 
 
 County 
 
 Area un- 
 appropri- 
 ated 
 
 Area ap- 
 
 proDri- 
 
 ated 
 
 Area re- 
 served 
 
 Total area 
 
 Blaine 
 
 Acres 
 373 
 
 Acres 
 
 290,687 
 100,280 
 165,274 
 521,680 
 518,198 
 596,665 
 565,538 
 498,760 
 105,600 
 21,720 
 114,622 
 
 Acres 
 
 228,040 
 38,720 
 43,060 
 
 108 320 
 38.400 
 75,335 
 74,462 
 74,240 
 6,400 
 1,280 
 12,160 
 
 Acres 
 519,000 
 
 Canadian 
 
 139,000 
 
 Cu-ter _ 
 
 1,066 
 
 7,000 
 
 109,402 
 
 310,000 
 
 Dewey 
 
 637,000 
 
 Day _ 
 
 Grant 
 
 666,000 
 672,000 
 
 Garfield 
 
 
 640,000 
 
 Kingfisher 
 
 
 568,000 
 
 lyOgan . 
 
 
 112,000 
 
 Oklahoma 
 
 
 23,000 
 
 Roger Mills _ 
 
 8,218 
 
 135,000 
 
 Total 
 
 126,059 
 
 3,598,924 
 
 700,417 
 
 4,421,000 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 11 
 
 LAWTON. 
 
 There are 2,120,000 acres embraced in this district, which is com- 
 posed of Comanche County and a portion of Kiowa. 
 
 County 
 
 Area un- 
 appropri- 
 ated 
 
 Area ap- 
 propri- 
 ated 
 
 Area re- 
 served 
 
 Total area 
 
 Comanche 
 
 Acres 
 14,610 
 2,071 
 
 Acres 
 
 1,238,670 
 271,609 
 
 Acres 
 591,720 
 1,320 
 
 Acres 
 1.845,000 
 
 Kiowa 
 
 275,000 
 
 Total 
 
 16,681 
 
 1,510,279 
 
 503.040 
 
 3,120,000 
 
 
 
 There was cancelled or relinquished in Comanche County, 128,157 
 acres. There was cancelled or relinquished in Kiowa County, 44,860 
 acres. Total land filed on during year ending June 30, 1903, 176,604 
 acres. Number of homestead entries, 1,223. 
 
 MANGUM. 
 
 There are but two counties in this district, which covers an area 
 of 2,133,575 acres. 
 
 County 
 
 Area 
 vacant 
 
 Filed on 
 
 during 
 
 year 1903 
 
 Total area 
 
 Area 
 can- 
 celled 
 
 Greer 
 
 Roger Mills 
 
 Acres 
 
 34,000 
 8,000 
 
 Acres 
 
 120,000 
 80.000 
 
 Acres 
 
 1,511,575 
 622.000 
 
 Acres, 
 75,000 
 60,000 
 
 Total 
 
 42,000 
 
 200,000 
 
 2,133,575 
 
 135,000 
 
 
 
 The above is given in round numbers. There were about 550 final 
 proofs made during the year, and about the same number of homesteads 
 commuted to cash. The receipts of the office amounted to over $76,000. 
 
 OKLAHOMA CITY. 
 
 This district has since been consolidated with the Guthrie district. 
 
 There is no vacant land in this district, it being composed of five 
 of the older counties. Total area is 1,581,630 acres. 
 
 County 
 
 Area 
 reserved 
 
 Area ap- 
 propriated 
 
 Total area 
 
 Canadian 
 
 Acres 
 
 8,375 
 80,000 
 
 118,000 
 32,000 
 
 273,380 
 
 Acres 
 
 147,255 
 268.000 
 111,000 
 316,000 
 227,620 
 
 Acres 
 
 155,630 
 
 Cleveland „ 
 
 348,000 
 
 Lincoln 
 
 Oklahoma 
 
 229,000 
 348,000 
 
 Pottawatomie 
 
 501,000 
 
 
 
 Total .. 
 
 511,755 
 
 1.069,875 
 
 1,581 630 
 
 
 
12 
 
 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 WOODWARD. 
 
 This is the largest land district, comprising 5,805,000 acres, and 
 covers two counties. 
 
 County 
 
 Total va- 
 cant land 
 
 Total area 
 of appro- 
 priated 
 lands 
 
 Total area 
 
 of laud 
 surface of 
 the county 
 
 Character of unappropriated 
 lands 
 
 Beaver 
 
 Woodward 
 
 Acres 
 
 2,738,709 
 114,985 
 
 Acres 
 
 942,291 
 2,007,335 
 
 Acres 
 
 3,681,0U0 
 2,124,000 
 
 [• Grazing and farming lands 
 
 
 
 During the past year the total area filed on in Beaver County was 
 328,711 acres, and in Woodward County 364,956 acres. Total number 
 of entries for the year in the two counties, 4,390. 
 
 SCHOOL AND OTHER RESERVED LANDS. 
 
 The total amount of land reserved for the future State of Oklaho- 
 ma under the provisions of the various acts opening the portions of 
 Oklahoma to settlement aggregates 2,055,000 acres, practically all of 
 which is leased for agricultural and grazing purposes, and the income 
 from same for the year 1903 will amount to probably $375,000, or an 
 average of over $1,000 a day. 
 
 When the privilege of renting the school land was first granted to 
 the Territory it was considered a matter of little moment, but the car- 
 ing and looking after these lands, providing for their leasing, and the 
 collection of the rentals has now come to be one of the most important 
 functions of the Territorial government. The responsibility of dir- 
 ecting the carrying on of this work imposed by Congress upon the gov- 
 ernor, secretary and superintendent of public instruction, has become 
 quite a burden when added to their other official duties, and requires 
 much time and attention. The school-land department as administered 
 by a secretary working under the direction of the board, is now one of 
 the most important parts of the Territorial government, handling 
 large sums of money, dealing with nearly 8,000 leases, and entailing 
 constant supervision and watchfulness to prevent the abuse of the lands 
 and the robbing of the future State by the illegal cutting of timber, 
 quarrying of stone, and removing of mineral and other valuable deposits. 
 
 While in a few instances lands have been leased for townsite and 
 manufacturing purposes, the board has maintained as a rule that the 
 intent was to lease these lands only for agricultural and grazing pur- 
 poses, and have insisted that the timber, stone, clay, cement, and min- 
 eral was a part of the land, and consequently intended to be reserved 
 for the future State of Oklahoma and not subject to removal at this 
 time. 
 
 The present system of leasing the land for a term of three years, 
 with the privilege of renewal for another and succeeding terms at the 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 13 
 
 ■appraised rental, gives general satisfaction. In the past there has been 
 some difficulty in securing an equitable and uniform appraisement in 
 all parts of the Territory, so it has been decided for this year to have 
 a force of viewers go upon the lands whereon the lease is about to ex- 
 pire, obtain a complete description of same, and file it with the depart- 
 partment, together with a plat of the land. These descriptions and 
 plats will be taken up and passed upon by a board of five practical far- 
 mers and business men, to be selected by the board for leasing school 
 lands, and they will classify the lands and fix the rentals for the entire 
 Territory. The care a man takes of his land and the manner in which 
 he farms it will be taken into consideration in fixing the rental, and it 
 is believed that this will result in satisfying all reasonable objections 
 that may have been raised to any of the rentals in the past. 
 
 Owing to a tendency to speculate in these lands, the board has 
 amended its rules to prevent the hypothecating of leases as security for 
 loans and the transferring of same in blank, and has required that in 
 the future all leases and transfers shall be executed before a notary pub- 
 lic or other officer empowered to take acknowledgments in the same 
 njanner as required for a transfer of real estate. 
 
 Lessees residing within the Territory will be allowed to rent for a 
 single season such portion of their land as is deemed advisable by the 
 board, upon application. 
 
 The question of timber cutting has always been a troublesome one, 
 but there has been less of it the last year than heretofore, owing to 
 the policy of careful supervision of all the timber lands. In every case 
 where any timber is cut lessees are compelled to pay full value for same, 
 and no land is allowed to be cleared except upon application to the 
 board and a showing that it is desirable to remove the timber in order 
 to put the land under cultivation, and that the land would be more val- 
 uable when so cultivated. Even when permit is given to clear timber 
 land for cultivation the lessee is required to pay for all timber taken off, 
 and every application is thoroughly investigated by a special agent of 
 the department. There has been less trouble in relation to the cutting 
 of walnut and other valuable timber the past year, but it requires con- 
 stant watching over and caring for the timber lands to prevent this, and 
 even then some of the valauble trees will occasionally be cut and the 
 logs stolen. Whenever a person not a lessee of school land has entered 
 upon the land and cut any timber, action has been brought against him 
 in the courts, and the aid of the Government has been asked in carrving 
 these prosecutions to a succcessful termination. 
 
 The unprecedented building of railways in the Territory in the last 
 year has in many cases damage*^, school land to a considerable extent, 
 but on the other hand the development of the country, the opening of 
 markets contiguous to the land, and the general rise in values brought 
 about has resulted in benefit much greater than the damage. In every 
 case where railways cross or touch upon school land they have been com- 
 pelled to comply with the provisions of the Territorial statute relating 
 
14 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 to "eminent domain/' and to pay into the permanent fund in the treas- 
 ury the damages assessed. This fund now aggregates the sum of 
 $19,601.28. 
 
 The rapid development of the western portion of the Territory has 
 resulted in the dividing up of the leases originally made there for graz- 
 ing purposes, into smaller tracts. Whenever this is done the rental has 
 been fixed on the basis of agricultural land, and the revenue for the 
 Territory is constantly growing larger in the west. 
 
 The legislature at its session the past winter provided for a special 
 distribution from the school-land fund to the school children of the new 
 counties who were missed in the distribution last year, owing to a tech- 
 nical failure to comply with the law. The amount so distributed aggre- 
 gated $36,363.23, which will cut down the per capita distribution to be 
 made to the entire Territory this month considerably, but it is a matter 
 of justice that this should be done, and there is no cause for complaint 
 from the other districts who had the benefit of the distribution of the 
 large cash rental collected from these new counties last year. 
 
 I present herewith statement of the receipts for the past year,, 
 and for every year since the leasing of the lands began. 
 
 NET PROCEEDS FROM LEASING LANDS. 
 Fiscal year ending June 30 — 
 
 1891 $4,536.82 
 
 1892 21,346.13 
 
 1893 19,164.67 
 
 1894 45,989.98 
 
 1895 88,627.97 
 
 1896 71,740.68 
 
 1897 98,467.81 
 
 1898 173.442.83 
 
 1899 133,047.19 
 
 1900 177,190.24 
 
 1901 213„203.67 
 
 1902 435,915.85 
 
 1903 ' 322,880.54 
 
 Total 1,805,654.38 
 
 PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 
 
 The public schools have enjoyed a year of unexampled prosperity. 
 Many new and more commodious schoolhouses have been erected, more 
 thorough equipment provided, the curriculum systematised, mainte- 
 nance was more liberal, teachers more efficient, the attendance more 
 prompt and regular, and a healthier educational spirit developed. 
 
 The last annual reports of the counties show that there are 2.192 
 schoolhouses in Oklahoma, valued at $1,347,257.15. The 303 new 
 school-houses erected the current year cost $190,861.44. The same 
 reports show 2,857 organized school districts in which 2,290 schools were 
 taught. 
 
 The sources of income for the common schools are three: Direct 
 
J 
 
 ^' *^\ ^LLwlj'^ES l^ 
 
 O 
 
 u 
 < 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 15 
 
 district tax, county tax, and the rent from the leasing of the school lands. 
 During the last biennium this office apportioned from the income of 
 leasing school lands $417,754.58, or $3.04 per capita. 
 
 The total expenditures for teachers' salaries, sites, building, rents, 
 repairs, library, and apparatus was $1,116,230.77. 
 
 The enumeration of children of school age was 178,964, of which 
 131,959 were enrolled in the public schools. The salaries paid teach- 
 ers for the year ending June 30, 1902, were as follows : For first grade, 
 $45; for second grade, $37; for third grade, $32. The salaries for the 
 year ending June 30, 1903, are higher by 10 per cent. The prospects 
 for the coming year promise an increase of 20 per cent over those of 
 1903. 
 
 The course of study for common schools was introduced in 1896. 
 In the eight 3^ears 2,973 students have graduated. In 1903 there were 
 1, 162 common school graduates. 
 
 The 3'ear 1902 was the first in the Territory that every county held 
 a normal institute. These institutes encourage the teachers and greatly 
 assist in equipping them for their important work. The institutes are 
 in session from two to six weeks. In addition to the regular instruc- 
 tion formerly given, much is gained by social contact and the free ex- 
 change of ideas. The institute stimulates and encourages to more thor- 
 ough equipment and better effort, and develops a splendid professional 
 spirit. 
 
 The Territorial county, and district teachers' associations are of 
 great value. During the year 1902 the various county superintendents 
 attended 162 such meetings. The official work of the county superin- 
 tendents shows 2.098 schools visited in 1902 and 5,209 consultations 
 with school boards. The various offices were kept open 5,832 days. The 
 majority of the superintendents keep their records in good condition, 
 and perform their labors with not only zeal and enthusiasm, but also 
 with a spirit consecrated to the work. 
 
 The Territorial board of education dictates the educational policy 
 and controls to a greater or less extent the educational system. This 
 work is done gratuitously and well. During the biennium just closing 
 the board held 25 meetings and has prepared questions for 25 teachers* 
 examinations. It has revised the plans of examinations for county, city. 
 Territorial, and normal institute certificates, and also the course of study 
 for normal institutes and for common school, and has many plans in 
 view for the future improvement of, the school system. 
 
 The union graded school and county high school laws have not been 
 taken advantage of generally. There are now organizing in "Washita, 
 Logan and Greer counties union graded schools, and we expect much 
 from them. 
 
 The proposition to vote a county high school has not met with favor 
 where tried except in Logan County. In Kay, Cleveland, and Garfield 
 counties the proposition was defeated. The defeat, however, was oc- 
 casioned by local conditions. In Logan County, at the last general elec- 
 
16 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 tion, the proposition carried with about 600 majority. Within a year 
 Logan Comity will have established and running a county high school 
 at Guthrie. 
 
 The separate school law is working very satisfactory. Last year 
 there was some misunderstanding of the law and a misinterpretation 
 of its provisions. It takes some time for a law to become operative. 
 This year the county superintendents' reports show the erection of many 
 separate school buildings and the creation of equal school facilities for 
 both races. Better feeling prevails more generally than ever before in 
 the history of the Territory. 
 
 The statute enacted by the legislature of 1901, returning 15 per cent 
 of the rentals received from the leasing of the indemnity school lands 
 to the districts in which they are situated, while a great burden upon 
 the Territorial treasurer, has been a great relief to these people and has 
 materially benefited the schools. 
 
 In conclusion, allow me to state that I ])elieve that our general edu- 
 cational system is the best 3'et known to man. Our people have very 
 great cause for encouragement. The public school is the university of 
 the masses. Upon it depends the education of the future man, the cit- 
 izen. That our people realize its immense importance is plainly de- 
 monstrated by their generous financial support and personal interest in 
 this institution. So long as the public school accomplishes its purpose, 
 60 long will the Territory continue to grow. 
 
 The school is not merely a preparation for life, "it is life itself." 
 It developes the intellect, inspires higher ideals, greater ambitions, and 
 loftier conceptions of life, thus building character and fitting individuals 
 for complete living. 
 
 HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. 
 
 There are seven institutions of learning under Territorial supervis- 
 ion, viz: The University of Oklahoma, located at Norman; the Agri- 
 cultural and Mechanical College at Stillwater; Edmond Normal; North- 
 western Normal at Alva; Southwestern Normal at Weatherford; the 
 Colored Agricultural and Normal at Langston, and the University Pre- 
 paratory School at Tonkawa. Oklahomans are justly proud of the ex- 
 cellent facilities with which they are enabled to educate the youth of the 
 Territory. Each of these institutions is well equipped in every way for 
 teaching by the most modern and approved methods. The total enroll- 
 ment during the past year was 2,818. 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 The university is founded by authority of an act of the legislature 
 of the Territory of Oklahoma entitled "An act to locate and establish 
 the University of Oklahoma." The act provides that when $10,000 and 
 40 acres of land should be donated to the Territory by the city of Nor- 
 man, the institution should be located at that place. These require- 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 17 
 
 ments having been met, the university was established at Norman in 
 1892. 
 
 Location. — Norman, the county seat of Cleveland County, is a grow- 
 ing town of 3,500 inhabitants. It is situated 18 miles south of Okla- 
 homa City, on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Eailroad, on high 
 ground sloping to the Canadian Eiver. It is preeminently healthful. 
 The citizens are from all parts of the United States and are united in 
 their hearty sympathy with the work of the university. 
 
 Grounds. — The university campus comprises 60 acres, 20 of which, 
 lying just east of the old campus, were lately donated to the university 
 by the citizens of Norman. It lies at a good elevation 1 mile south of 
 the business portion of town. The campus and approaching boulevard 
 have been- set out in trees, which have already obtained a size to render 
 the spot one of the most pleasing in Oklahoma. 
 
 BuUdings. — By the opening of the second semester, February 8, 
 1904, the university will have seven buildings ready for use. 
 
 ' University Hall. — By an act of the legislature approved March 8, 
 1901, the university was granted the income for two years from the 
 tax of seven-tenths of a mill on the dollar on all taxable property of the 
 Territory; the amount to be spent, however, not to exceed $90,000. As 
 a result of that appropriation. University Hall was built. It is built 
 of buff brick with terra-cotta trimmings and basement of planed lime- 
 stone, in the renaissance style of architecture. It contains ample office 
 room for the president, secretary, registrar, and regents, together with 
 suites of recitation rooms and private offices, society halls, etc. The 
 west wing as planned was not built under the present appropriation. 
 The formal entrance into University Hall took place on March 15, 1903. 
 
 Science Hall. — Work on this building has been delaj^ed by the failure 
 of the first contractors to complete their bond. At a meeting of the 
 board of regents held in July the contract was relet to a reliable con- 
 tractor and the work is now being pushed forward rapidly. The build- 
 ing is to be ready for use by February, 1904. It is Romanesque in de- 
 sign, and will be built of gray brick with limestone trimmings. It will 
 be 64 by 125 feet, with a basement and two floors. The department of 
 chemistry will occupy the basement, the departmenet of biology the 
 first floor, and the department of geology the second floor. 
 
 Carnegie Library. — The university has lately received from Mr. 
 Carnegie a gift of $30,000, to be used in erecting a library building. 
 Provisional plans for the building were accepted by the board of regents 
 in July, and they are now being matured by the architect. 
 
 Heating Plant. — In accordance with the bill above refeered to, a 
 suitable heating plant has been put in at a cost of about $10,000. 
 
 Gymnasium. — This building is now enclosed and will be ready for use 
 
18 REPORT OP THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 by the opening of school, September 15. It is 100 by 55 feet. The large 
 apparatus room is 40 by 80. In front of it, facing the athletic field on 
 the east, are the directors' offices, each 15 by 20 feet, with a 5-foot hall 
 between. On the south is the locker room, 52 by 15. On the southwest 
 are the bath rooms, a shower bath, 12 by 15, and a tub bath, 11 by 15. 
 
 Anatomical J ah oratory. — The anatomical laboratory occupies a sepa- 
 rate building, designed and constructed for the purpose. It contains the 
 dissecting room, a class room and library, and a workroom for the prep- 
 aration and storage of material. It is a frame building 50 by 24. 
 
 Engineering building. — This building is 80 by 46, frame, one story, 
 located adjacent to the heating and power plant. At present it is oc- 
 cupied by the chemical, biological, and geological laboratories, which 
 will be removed to Science Hall as soon as it is completed. 
 
 Organization. — The university organization consists of the following 
 schools: College of arts and sciences, school of pharmacy, preparatory 
 course in medicine, preparatory school, school of fine arts. 
 
 The college of arts and sciences embraces an undergraduate course, 
 in the main elective ; a combined course in collegiate and medical studies ; 
 combined courses in collegiate and engineering studies: {a) civil engin- 
 eering, (&) mining engineering. 
 
 The school of prarmacy covers two years' work and leads to the degree 
 of pharmaceutical chemist. 
 
 The medical course includes the first two years' work. 
 
 The preparatory school covers a three years' course, leading to the 
 freshman class. 
 
 The school of fine arts embraces {a) a preparatory course in vocal and 
 instrumental music, (&) an advanced course in music. 
 
 Support. — The university is supported by appropriations made by the 
 legislature of the Territory of Oklahoma and by the income from certain 
 lands reserved for university, normal school and agricultural school 
 purposes, the aggregate from all sources being about $40,000 per annum. 
 
 Faculty. — The faculty consists of 33 members. The instructors are 
 specialists in their work, chosen from such schools as Harvard, Prince- 
 ton, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, etc. At the annual meeting of the board 
 of regents, held in June, an instructor in economics, an instructor in 
 mathematics, and an assistant in English were added. There are no 
 student teachers. 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY SCHOOL. 
 
 The university preparatory school for Oklahoma was created by the 
 legislature of 1901 and was located at Tonkawa, a rapidly growing town 
 of 1,500 in the Salt Fork Valley. The town of Tonkawa donated 20 
 acres of land for a school site. The building, a brick and stone structure 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. li:* 
 
 5-i by 96, having four floors, was erected and equipped just in time for 
 the opening of the school on the scheduled date, September 8, 1902, at 
 which time the school opened with a faculty of 7 instructors and an en- 
 rollment of 227 students. The building was erected and the school main- 
 tained the first year by means of a tax on one-fifth mill on all the taxable 
 property of Oklahoma. The legislature of 1893 changed the method of 
 support and gave the institution, annually for two years, a direct appropri- 
 ation of $12,000 and one-seventh of the rentals from section 13, reserved 
 for higher education by Presidential proclamation of 1893, and subse- 
 quent similar proclamations. 
 
 During the year four additional instructors were added, and the en- 
 rollment increased to 315 students. At the close of the year the board 
 of regents added three more instructors, thus giving the school a faculty 
 of 14 teachers for the opening of the second year. The faculty are men 
 and women of special fitness, chosen on account of their training, en- 
 ergy, and successful experience as teachers in the public schools of the 
 North and West. 
 
 Early in the spring of 1903 the grounds were accurately surveyed 
 and the campus platted, and over 1,600 trees (elms, locusts, maples, North 
 Carolina poplars, and evergreens) were set out and are in a thriving con- 
 dition. During the summer vacation (1903) the fourth floor of the 
 building was finished and equipped, at a cost of about $1,000, for music 
 and society halls. 
 
 There were no regular graduates at the close of the year, but a class 
 of 11 young men and women completed courses in the commercial de- 
 partment. 
 
 The purpose of the University Preparatory School is, primarily, to 
 prepare young men and women for freshman standing in the Territorial 
 University at Norman. The school aims to meet the wants and needs 
 of all classes of secondary students. That this may be accomplished, 
 the school is organized as follows : 
 
 (1) The regular preparatory school with three courses of study of 
 three years each, the latin, the modern languages, and the scientific. 
 
 (2) The school of commerce, with two courses of one year each. 
 
 (3) The school of music, offering courses in piano, voice, violin, man- 
 dolin, guitar, and reed and valve instruments. 
 
 (4) The school of oratory and physical culture, providing a course of 
 two years. 
 
 (5) The school of art, which offers a two year course. 
 
 (6) A year of subpreparatory work in the common branches for those 
 who are not qualified to take up the regular first year work. 
 
 (7) A teachers' review course during the spring term. 
 
 Tuition is free in all departments, the only restriction being that in 
 order to obtain free instruction in music students must take at least 
 three rr^gular studies. 
 
20 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 THE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE. 
 
 The Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College was established 
 and located at Siillv/afer by an act of the Territorial legislatnrp, which 
 took effect December 25, 1890, accepting the provisions of the Federal 
 statutes in aid of colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the me- 
 chanic arts. The town of Stillwater was requited to vote bond^ in the 
 sum of $10,000, and to provide not less than 80 acres of land. The 
 bonds were voted and 200 acres of land provided. 
 
 The past year has been one of satisfactory growth and development. 
 0\\ing to the advancing of the age limit of entrance to the preparatory 
 departments to 16 years of age, and to more stringent requirements fcr 
 entrance to the collegiate department, the attendance was not materially 
 greater than during the preceding year — the enrollment standing at 
 435. The departments of mechanical engineering, of domestic econ- 
 omy, and of botany and entomology were able to move into new and 
 commodious quarters, greatly contributing to the effectiveness of the 
 work. For the first time in the history of the institution, also, adequate 
 auditorium and chapel room has been provided. ' Twenty-three students 
 — twelve young men and eleven young women — received the degree of 
 bachelor of science. This is the largest class graduated to this time 
 Seven of these students graduated in the general science and literature 
 course, ten in the chemistry course, and six in the mechanical engineer- 
 ing course. 
 
 New features of importance have been determined upon. A two 
 years' course in agriculture and domestic science has' been established, 
 to be known as the school of agriculture and domestic economy. It 
 purposes to give to young men such theoretical and practical instruction 
 in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry as every man on the 
 farm should have; and to young women, theoretical and practical train- 
 ing in cooking, sewing, sanitation, hygiene, and home management. In 
 connection with this work instruction in the common school branches is 
 given to those who desire or need it. This course begins October 15 and 
 closes March 15 of each year, to accommodate those who are doing work 
 on the farm. It does not in any manner take the place of the regular 
 agricultural course or the short courses in agriculture and mechanic arts. 
 
 The preparatory department will be discontinued, except as work in 
 the common school branches will be given in the school of agriculture 
 and domestic science. A subfreshman class has been instituted, taking 
 largely the work heretofore given in the freshman class. This is re- 
 garded as a collegiate class under the laws of the Territory, and extends 
 the regular course over five years. It will result in noticeably raising 
 the standard of work in the college. 
 
 The resources of the college "now amount to about $59,500 per year. 
 Of this $37,500 comes from the government to the college and experi- 
 ment station (Morrill and Hatch funds, respectively), and the greater 
 portion of the remainder from the Territory. Of the government fund 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMxV. ' 21 
 
 of $37,500 above mentioned, however, $15,000 (the Hatch fund), goes 
 exclusively to the experiment station, and is used solely for purposes 
 of experimentation and the publication of results. This leaves about 
 $44,500 per year applicable to purposes of maintainance, equipment and 
 instruction. The equipment for instruction show a valuation of about 
 $80,000, and the equipment of the building about $100,000. 
 
 Three regular courses, each leading to the degree of bachelor of sci- 
 ence, are given — the general science course, the agricultural course and the 
 mechanical engineering course. In the course first mentioned oppor- 
 tunity is given for specialization in chosen sciences. Special courses are 
 given in stenography, typewriting, bookkeeping, and printing, and a 
 special short course (eight weeks) is given during the winter term in ag- 
 riculture and mechanic arts. During the last winter a similar short 
 course was given in domestic economy, for which there were more appli- 
 cants than could be accommodated. 
 
 The agricultural experiment station is connected with this institution 
 and a department of it. While its work, as above stated, is devoted solely 
 to experimentation and the publication of results, incidently it is a val- 
 uable scource of illustration, and affords a stimulus to students in every 
 branch of science. Its bulletins now go to 20,000 farmers of Oklahoma 
 and Indian Territory. 
 
 Tuition is free, except to students outside of Oklahoma and Indian 
 Territory. An incidental fee of $1 per term is charged. Text-books 
 cost from $3 to $4 per term. Board with room in private families can 
 be obtained from $2.50 to $3.50 per week. Furnished rooms from $3 
 to $6 per month. A considerable number of the students board in 
 students' clubs, thus reducing expenses in that line $2 to $2.25 per week. 
 Very many of the students are practically self-supporting, making their 
 way by work done during the summer vacation and by labor during 
 the academic year in town, about the college, and in connection with 
 the operations of the college farm. 
 
 The athletic interests of the college were favorably affected during 
 the past year by the fitting up of a comfortable gymnasium in the 
 basement of the library building. 
 
 THE TERRITORIAL NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 The iSTormal School of Oklahoma was located and established at 
 Edmond by legislative enactment in 1890, upon the conditions — which 
 were promptly met — that Oklahoma county donate $5,000 in bonds 
 and the town of Edmond donate 40 acres of land for a school site. 
 Two thousand dollars additional in bonds was donated by the town. 
 
 Edmond is a thriving town of about 2.000 inhabitants, situated about 
 midway between Guthrie and Oklahoma City, on the highest point on 
 the Santa Fe Eailway, and is preeminently distinguished for its health- 
 fuln-^ss and for the beauty of its surroundings. It is distinctively a 
 
22 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 college town, its citizens having established homes here largely because 
 the town is free from many of the vices commonly prevalent in county- 
 seat towns. 
 
 The main building of the normal school, built of brick, was com- 
 pleted in 1893; the wings, built of stone, were erected in 1894 and 1895. 
 The entire building contains fifteen classrooms and an assembly hall of 
 500 seating capacity. The unprecedented growth of the institution in 
 the two years just past has made additional room imperative. Accord- 
 ingly, the legislative assembly made an appropriation of $40,000 for the 
 erection of a new building which is now under construction. This build- 
 ing will contain an assembly hall of 800 seating capacity, offices, cloak- 
 rooms, library and reading rooms, and physical laboratories, together with 
 fourteen recitation rooms. The plans of the building are in accordance 
 the highest attainments possible in modern educational facilities. 
 
 In addition to the new building mentioned above, a power house and 
 central heating building wall be erected this summer. Both the old and 
 the new normal school building will be supplied with heat and water 
 from the central building. Such changes will be made in the old build- 
 ing as to render possible its equipment with the most improved modem 
 conveniences and appliances. 
 
 The library and the reading room are furnished with the best books 
 and current magazines that the market affords. These are open to all 
 students every day except Sunday. The laboratories — Chemical, phys- 
 ical, psychological, and biological — are well supplied with modern ap- 
 pliances for scientific experimentation and investigation. A new tele- 
 scope has been added recently to the department of astronomy. 
 
 The normal school is maintained by a Territorial tax levy and a sev- 
 enth part of the rentals obtained from sections numbered 13 in the so- 
 called Cherokee Outlet, and similar sections in the Kiowa, Comanche, 
 Apache, and Wichita lands opened to settlement on August 6, 1901. 
 
 The special function of the normal school is to prepare young men 
 and young women for the work of teaching. This result is accomplished, 
 first, through thorough and liberal academic work; seco;id, through the 
 study of the child ; third, through studying the philosophy of teaching, 
 and, fourth, through practice and training in the model department. 
 
 The diploma given to the student upon graduation is a five-year Ter- 
 ritorial certificate and is renewable by the Territorial superintendent of 
 public instruction upon evidence of satisfactory work done in teaching. 
 The diploma is therefore practically a life certificate. 
 
 Eighty-eight students have within the past eight years completed the 
 normal-school course of study and hundreds of others are now 
 teaching in the Territory who have received a partial training in this 
 school. About one-half the students who attended this institution the 
 past year expect to teach in some of the schools of the Territorv next 
 year. More than 300 schools will be directly benefitted, therefore, 
 through the efforts of the normal school the past year. It will be seen 
 
A SCENE ON THE CANADIAN RIVER X KA K OKLAHOMA CITY. 
 
 SCENE AT ONE OF THE COTTON SHIPPING POINTS IN OKLAHOMA. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 23 
 
 from these facts that the institution is subserving the ends for which it 
 was established. 
 
 The aggregate enrollment of the school for the first decade of its his- 
 tory is a little more than 2,000, making an average attendance of 200 a 
 year. The entire enrollment last year was 484; the enrollment for this 
 year is 758. This is an increase of about 60 per cent over the preceding 
 year. 
 
 There is a fair prospect that the attendance for the ensuing year will 
 be greater than in any former year. But a large attendance of students 
 is not the object sought; it is excellence of work done, rather. 
 
 A large number of the students attending this institution earn the 
 money necessary to pay their way through school by teaching a part of 
 the year; they then attend school the remaining part. Tuition is free 
 in all departments, except that of instrumental music. 
 
 The faculty consists of 24 members, all of whom are men and women 
 of special training, education, and teaching ability, who take a sympa- 
 thetic interest in the welfare of the student. 
 
 THE NORTHWESTERN NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 The Northwestern Normal School, of Alva, was the second normal 
 to be established in Oklahoma. The law establishing it was enacted by 
 the legislative assembly of 1897, ^nd the purpose of its founding was 
 for the instruction of persons in the art of* teaching and in all the vari- 
 ous branches pertaining to the public schools of Oklahoma Territory. 
 The faculty was at first composed of a president and two teachers, and it 
 has grown from year to year until now the faculty is composed of a pres- 
 ident and 23 teachers. The enrollment has increased from year to year 
 until it reached 610 for the past school year. The Northwestern Normal 
 School is located in the beautiful city of Alva, the county seat of Woods 
 county, the most populous county in Oklahoma. The site of this school 
 is one of the finest in the West, being situated on an eminence one-half 
 mile south of the center of town. 
 
 The sanitary history of the school and the city has demonstrated 
 beyond any reasonable doubt that no more healthful place can be found 
 than Alva and its immediate surroundings. The purest of spring water 
 is furnished the school and city, which largely assists in maintaining a 
 high degree of healthfulness. 
 
 The city has a population of about 3,500 people, made up of people 
 from all parts of the Union. Many fine homes have been built during 
 the past year, and there is an effort on the part of all residents to make 
 Alva a beautiful and refined town, one that by its outward appearance 
 would indicate culture and refinement to the most casual observer upon 
 first visitation. The school is the pride of all citizens, and to it they 
 give most loyal support. 
 
 During the past year many permanent improvements have been made 
 which add largely to the better equipment of the building. The cost of 
 
24 KEPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 these improvements amount to $8,515.51. Besides these improvements, 
 $2,800 of past indebtedness has been cancelled. The seventh legislative 
 assembly appropriated $2,200 and the literary societies paid the balance. 
 The commercial department that was organized one year ago, and thor- 
 oughly equipped with all modern conveniences, has proven to be one of 
 the popular departments, having enrolled between 40 and 50 pupils dur- 
 ing the past year. A biological workshop with all modern tools and a 
 museum of more than 100 specimens, in a fine cabinet, have been 
 a part of the improvements along scientific lines. New steel cases for 
 the library and about $1,200 worth of books have been added to this 
 part of the institution. The interior of the building has been much im- 
 proved by the addition of an electric light system throughout. 
 
 The seventh legislative assembly made it mandatory upon the normal 
 schools of Oklahoma Territory to establish kindergarten departments 
 within one year after the passage of the bill. The Northwestern Normal 
 School has established such a department to carry out the provisions of 
 the act. 
 
 The course of study has been much extended and improved and is 
 now equal to the best normal school in the West. 
 
 One of the contemplated improvements for the coming year is to en- 
 large the seating capacity of the assembly hall. The hall is now seated 
 with desks, and it is the purpose to have the hall seated with 600 opera 
 chairs, thus improving the seating accommodations. 
 
 There are now six courses maintained in the institution — English- 
 scientific, Latin, modern language, commercial, kindergarten, and music. 
 Graduates of the first three courses receive diplomas, which are equal to 
 five-year certificates, and may be renewed at the end of each five years by 
 the Territorial superintendent. 
 
 Teachers of Oklahoma holding first grade certificates are admitted to 
 the freshman year of the normal department without • examination. 
 Students from accredited high schools, other normal schools, university, 
 agricultural college, and the preparatory university are admitted to 
 the normal department without examination and are given credits com- 
 mensurate with the progress made in the other schools. Owing to the 
 very satisfactory work done in all the departments during the past year, 
 but little change was made in the membership of the faculty for the 
 coming year. 
 
 The Northwestern Normal School is taking a very creditable rank 
 with the very best institutions in the Territory. With its magnificent 
 building, thoroughly equipped, and with a faculty of 23 able and ex- 
 perienced teachers, and a student body of six or seven hundred pupils, 
 this institution is bound to haVe a very excellent influence on Oklahoma 
 and her institutions. 
 
 THE SOUTHWESTERN NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 The Southwestern Normal School was established by an act of the 
 legislature of 1901. This act provided for a normal school to be located 
 
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 H 
 
 of 
 
 H 
 
 h:) 
 O 
 
 H 
 
 ;j 
 o 
 
 ffi. 
 
 o 
 
 Q 
 
 w 
 
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 o 
 
 <: 
 
OKLAHOMA'S GOLDEN HARVEST. 
 
 \ 
 
 AX UKLAllU.ALV WATEILM ELiJX ■ 1 'A'I'CI 1. 
 
 A ROADSIDE SCENE IN OKLAHOMA. 
 
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 1 
 
 IT 
 
 ''-' ^^ mHIB 
 
 ri9P3IIM^ 
 
 [ 
 
 
 ji 
 
 fefe#: 
 
 i,:' ~ ^'* 
 
 TYPICAL SCENES ON OKLAHOMA FARMS. 
 
KEPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 25 
 
 in the southwestern part of Oklahoma. A committee appointed by the 
 governor located the school in the city of Weatherford, in Custer County. 
 This is one of the newest and most promising districts of the Territory. 
 The citizens of Weatherford are filled with the progressive spirit, which 
 is characteristic of their district. They are proud of the normal school 
 and will spare no pains in seeing that the wants of the normal and the 
 student body are readily supplied, so far as lies within their power. The 
 city is of an altitude of 1,700 feet above sea level, and is one of the most 
 healthful of the Southwest. It is on the main line of the Choctaw Rail- 
 road which makes connections on the east at Geary and El Eeno with the 
 Eock Island system from the north and south, and on the west at Clin- 
 ton with the Frisco and Orient roads. 
 
 The building when equipped will cost about $52,000. It is a modem 
 structure of pressed brick, heated by steam, lighted by either gas or elec- 
 tricity, and when completed will have both hot and cold water distributed 
 throughout the building. It contains 18 class rooms, a library and read- 
 ing room, offices, physical, chemical, and biological laboratories, a chapel, 
 music rooms, cloakrooms, toilet rooms, lavatories, and a number of shower 
 baths. The building will be ready for occupancy November 1. The 
 normal will open up in temporary quarters in buildings which have been 
 carefully fitted for the purpose. 
 
 A campus of 40 acres of land was donated by the city of Weatherford 
 as a normal site. The city has also expended $5,000 in fitting up and 
 beautifying the grounds. The campus has been carefully graded, drives 
 and walks have been laid out, and several hundred trees have been set 
 out and are growing nicely. The drainage is perfect and the most san- 
 itary conditions prevail. 
 
 The legislature of 1903 appropriated $12,500 for the support of the 
 school for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1904, and a like amount for the 
 year ending June 30, 1905. 
 
 The course of study for the Southwestern Normal School is as complete 
 in every particular as that of normal schools generally. In many re- 
 spects the course offered is more advanced than those of ordinary nor- 
 mals. It is the aim of the administration to offer ample opportunity for 
 professional work, but along with it a thorough academic training. A 
 subnormal course of three years is ofPered preparatory to the four years* 
 normal course. Students , coming with diplomas from approved high 
 schools are admitted to the normal with the standing of juniors in 
 the regular course. Those students coming with public school diplomas 
 issued by the Territorial superintendent of public instruction are ad- 
 mitted to the second year of the subnormal course without examination. 
 The course of study is arranged with particular regard to specializa- 
 tion. Sufficient work is required in each department to warrant a cer- 
 tain degree of breadth and general culture. Then the course is made flex- 
 ible enough to allow students to elect branches of work along the line 
 for which he seems specially fitted or adapted. The head of the depart- 
 
26 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 ment under which the student elects his work becomes his patron and 
 with the president constitutes a committee to plan and arrange his work 
 thereafter. Thus students will have the advantage of an all-round 
 course in the fundamentals of education and also special preparation in 
 a particular field of related subjects. In this way special teachers of 
 English, of mathematics, of science, of languages, of kindergarten, or 
 of any other branch are trained for the city or public schools. They 
 are trained with special reference to that which they can do best. This 
 puts experts in place of teachers with a general training and cannot 
 help but raise the standard of teaching. 
 
 A special course in kindergarten is offered, arranged with regard to 
 the preparation of teachers for kindergarten and primary grades. This 
 is considered one of the advanced semi-professional courses and is open 
 only to those having the standing of juniors in the regular normal course. 
 
 The normal offers also a commercial course embracing two years of 
 work. Students are admitted to this course who have standings equiva- 
 lent to those of public school graduates. The department of music offers 
 six years of work in instrumental and four years of work in vocal music. 
 The department is well equipped with pianos and everything necessary 
 for efficient work and thorough training. 
 
 Since the Southwestern N'ormal School is so advantageously located 
 the prospects are good for a full attendance from the very first. 
 Judging from the number of applications and communications already 
 received, the first year's enrollment will far exceed the estimates of ths 
 most hopeful and optimistic observers. The board of regents has selecced 
 a faculty of 15 members to have charge of the work of the school, but 
 the prospects are that this number will be far inadequate for the vast 
 amount of work which will be required of them. 
 
 THE COLORED AGRICULTURAL AND NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 This institution was established by an act of the legislature in 1897, 
 for "the instruction of both male and female colored persons in the art 
 of teaching, and in the various branches which pertain to a common school 
 education; also, in such higher education as may be deemed advisable 
 by such board, in the fundamental laws of the United States, in the riglits 
 and duties of citizens, and in the agricultural, mechanical, and industrial 
 arts." Forty acres of land were donated for building and agriculturr.l 
 purposes by the citizens of Langston and its immediate vicinity, and the 
 regents of the institution soon after took steps to erect a building with 
 the appropriation which had been made by the legislature. School was 
 opened in the fall of 1898 with four teachers and an enrollment of 40 
 •tudents. By having night as well as day sessions during the greater 
 part of the first year, the enrollment by the close of the year had reached 
 181. Owing to the fact that the regents were not able to employ a suf- 
 ficient number of teachers, the night sessions were not continued after the 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 27 
 
 first year. The enrollment at the end of the second year was 187; at 
 the close of the third year, 192; at the close of the fourth year, 211; at 
 the close of the fifth year, 237. 
 
 The faculty at present consists of 13 teachers, five of whom give their 
 entire time to instructing students in the various industrial arts. The 
 40 acres of land have increased to 160. There are now five 
 commodious buildings, the main building, the mechanical building, two 
 dormitories, and the president's residence. These buildings 
 are all two stories in height. The main building, the mechanical build- 
 ing, and the boys' dormitory are stone structures, while the girls' dor- 
 mitory and the president's residence are frame. The main building has 
 an auditorium with a seating capacity of 500, a fine society hall, an office 
 for the president, and ten recitation rooms. The mechanical building has 
 a drawing room, a large machine shop, and a carpenter shop. Connected 
 with this building is a large blacksmith shop built of corrugated iron. 
 Each one of the dormitories has a sufficient number of rooms to accommo- 
 date over 60 students. The library has over 900 volumes, the reading 
 room is well supplied with newspapers and periodicals, the laboratory 
 and museum are well equipped, and the departments of agriculture, 
 mechanic arts, and domestic economy are supplied with tools, imple- 
 ments, stock, machinery, and apparatus worth not less than $10,000. 
 
 That the investment made by the Territory in the establishment and 
 equipment of this institution was wisely made is shown by the record of 
 its teachers and students. During the past five years much good work 
 has been done in the various departments. Besides the usual exercises 
 which are conducted for the purpose of training the mental powers of 
 the students, considerable stress has been placed upon the training of 
 their moral powers. The effect of this training is seen in the fact that 
 the conduct of the students from year to year has been of such a char- 
 acter as to reflect no discredit upon the school, and has been the means 
 of raising among the colored people of the Territory a higher standard 
 of citizenship. While proper attention has been given by the management 
 to mental and moral training, manual training has not been neglected. 
 In addition to the work which is done from day to day under instructors 
 in agriculture, domestic economy, machine work, carpentry, and black- 
 smithing the students do all the work which is necessary to keep their 
 dormitories in proper condition, conduct the laundry, perform all labor 
 in connection with the boarding department, and see to it that the 
 grounds about the buildings in which they live are kept clean. In this 
 way industrial education is given a prominent place in the university, and 
 the students are taught the importance and dignity of labor from the 
 time they enter until they leave the institution. 
 
 Judging from the efforts which are now being made to create a great- 
 er interest among the colored people of the Territory in the work of this 
 institution, and from the success which it has had in the past, I am 
 satisfied that the attendance next year will be the largest in its history. 
 
28 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 OTHER SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 
 
 There are several sectarian educational institutions located in various 
 parts of the Territory. Among these may be mentioned the Kingfisher 
 College (Congregational), located at Kingfisher, which occupies three 
 large buildings, costing together with their equipment, $75,000. This 
 institution enjoys a large endowment, and is annually increasing enroll- 
 ment. 
 
 The Epworth University located at Oklahoma City will open this year 
 under peculiar auspicious circumstances, having a magnificent building 
 costing $50,000 and equipment $25,000 more. The institution has an 
 endowment of $40,000 at present. The enrollment will be 250. 
 
 The Baptist College is located at Blackwell. Their new building which 
 is very commodious, was completed in 1901. 
 
 The Presbyterians have an academy at Newkirk, the Congregation- 
 alists at Jennings, the Friends at Stella, and the Catholics a college for 
 boys at Ponca and one for girls at Guthrie. 
 
 UNITED STATES INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AT CHILOCCO. 
 
 The Chilocco Indian Industrial School was established by the Hon. 
 James M. Haworth, the first superintendent of Indian schools. The 
 school was opened in January, 1884, in what is now known as the boys' 
 home. From this small beginning has grown the large institution known 
 at present as the Chilocco Agricultural School. The school plant now 
 consists of some thirty-five buildings, principally of stone, mostly heated 
 by steam or hot water and lighted with electricity by the school plant, 
 and has many other modern conveniences. Chilocco is a money-order 
 postoflfice; it has telephone connections north and south, and flag stations 
 on the Santa Fe and Frisco railway systems, both railroads running 
 through the school lands. 
 
 The Chilocco Agricultural School is endeavoring to do for the Indian 
 what the State agricultural colleges and experimental stations are doing 
 for the white man, i. e., teach agriculture, dairying, and stock and poul- 
 try raising in all their branches both scientifically and practically, at the 
 same time striving to instill in the Indian youth a love and desire for 
 such pursuits. It is the ambition of the present management to bring 
 the Chilocco Agricultural School up to the standard and pace set by the 
 older institutions in the various states; hence every effort is concen- 
 trated along these lines, everything else taking a secondary place. Only 
 such trades and shopwork are taught as are necessary for keeping up 
 the repairs of the school plant and equipment thereof. High school ed- 
 ucation is not attempted, while foot-ball and kindred sports do not re- 
 ceive the best attention or energy of the pupils. The superintendent has 
 endeavored to secure a high class of instructors experienced along the 
 various lines of agricultural tutelage, and in a measure has been quite 
 successful. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOYERXOR OF OKLAHOMA. 29 
 
 A more magnificent tract of land has never been set aside for ed- 
 ucational purposes than has been provided for Chilocco, consisting of 
 thirteen and one-half sections of land. The area in cultivation has been 
 largely increased the last two years, over 2,000 acres now being in crop 
 or ready for planting this fall. A wheat crop of 700 acres has just been 
 harvested. 
 
 It is the desire to still further increase the cultivated area, but large 
 tracts will be reserved for pasturage and hay land. It is hoped in the 
 near future to inaugurate a colonization scheme, which provides for the 
 leasing to worthy graduates small farms for a series of years, thus en- 
 abling them to apply lessons learned, as well as to acquire a small capital 
 for further farming operations elsewhere. Many other improvements 
 in the way of buildings, machinery and other equipments of a general 
 and special nature are contemplated. 
 
 INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS. 
 
 The government maintains several boarding schools for Indian pu- 
 pils. The following shows the attendance at each : 
 
 Boarding schools: 
 
 Absentee 60 
 
 Cheyenne 140 
 
 Fort Sill 170 
 
 Kaw 43 
 
 Osage 163 
 
 Otoe 82 
 
 Pawnee 182 
 
 Ponca Ill 
 
 Rainy Mountain 100 
 
 Cantonment 105 
 
 Red Moon 43 
 
 Riverside 175 
 
 Sac and Fox 94 
 
 Seger 109 
 
 MISSION SCHOOLS. 
 
 Several religious denominations are maintaining industrial schools 
 and academies at the locations mentioned below : 
 
 Friends Mission Tecumseh. 
 
 St. Louis Catholic Pawhuska. 
 
 St. Johns Catholic Pawhuska 
 
 South Methodist Anadarko. 
 
 Roman Catholic Anadarko. 
 
 Presbyterian (two) Anadarko. 
 
 St. Benedicts Industrial for boys .• Sacred Heart. 
 
 St. Marys Academy for girls Sacred Heart. 
 
 The institutions located at Sacred Heart were established twenty-five 
 years ago. by the Jesuit fathers. 
 
30 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 RAILWAYS. 
 
 Oklahoma is well supplied with railroads, the principal trunk lines of 
 the Southwest being represented. To the old lines of railway which were 
 the pioneers have been added many extensions reacliing out into new ter- 
 ritory and acting as feeders for the main lines. New trunk lines are 
 building into the principal cities, and scarcely a town of importance or 
 county seat is not now in touch with the markets of cities of other states 
 and the Gulf or seaboard by some more or less direct line of railroad. 
 Every county in the Territory has some railway mileage. 
 
 Eailroad building has been an important factor in the rapid develop- 
 ment of our Western prairies. Builders' materials and agricultural ma- 
 chinery are thus early at hand to supply the requirements of the home- 
 steader. 
 
 The Galveston branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe covers 
 the eastern portion of the Territory from north to south, from which 
 are built connecting branches leaving the main line at Kewkirk, Guthrie, 
 and Pauls Valley, which furnish transportation to those counties lying 
 to the east. Direct communication is thus afforded to the Gulf ports as 
 well as the eastern markets, Kansas City and Chicago. This road also 
 has a line running through Woods and Woodward counties, in the north- 
 west portion of the Territory. 
 
 The Chicago and Eock Island parallels the Santa Fe from north 
 to south, being about 35 miles distant at the nearest point. A branch 
 from the main line runs west through the counties of Caddo, Kiowa, 
 and Greer. At Enid another branch leaves the main line which it par- 
 allels in its southerly course, passing through several counties and join- 
 ing the main line at Waurika. An other branch passes through Beaver 
 County, in the extreme northwest portion of the Territory. 
 
 The Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Eailway passes across the Ter- 
 ritory from east to west, crossing several other railways in its course. 
 It transports a large quantity of the coal consumed in the Territory, 
 coming direct through the coal fields on the east. It is a direct line to 
 Memphis and points in northern Texas. 
 
 The St. Louis and San Francisco runs diagonally through the Ter- 
 ritory from St. Louis to Quannah, Texas. Another lien traverses the 
 Territory from north to south in the western portion. 
 
 The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient is now completed about half- 
 way through the Territory and runs in a southwesterly direction through 
 some of the western counties. Eventually this line will afford direct* 
 communication with Pacific ports and open up new markets for Okla- 
 homa products. 
 
 The Fort Smith and Western enters the Territory from the south- 
 east, and has several important cities on its line, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 
 being its eastern terminus. This new line will cross the Frisco four 
 times, the Eock Island three times, the Katy twice, the Santa Fe four 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 31 
 
 times, the Kansas City and Southern once, and the Orient once when 
 completed to Pueblo. 
 
 The Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma enters from the northeast and 
 crosses a fertile and productive country. It is practically all graded, 
 and steel is being laid as fast as they can. The connecting line from 
 Wybark on the north and south line in the eastern part of the Territory 
 is practically completed, as nearly all the steel has been laid and train 
 service established. 
 
 The Denver, Enid and Gulf is just completed between Guthrie and 
 Enid, but is pushing on to the northwest. 
 
 The Arkansas Valley and Western enters from the ea.-t and crosses 
 several lines of railway in its course to the northwest. 
 
 The following lines are under construction : Guthrie, Shavynee and 
 Colgate; Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas; St. Louis, Oklahoma and 
 Western; Oklahoma City and Northwestern. 
 
 There is also under construction an electric line connecting the cities 
 of Guthrie and Oklahoma City. Other lines are projected between Nor- 
 man, Lexington, Tecumseh, and Shawnee. 
 
 RATI, WAY MII^EAGE BY COUNTIES 
 
 Beaver 
 
 Blaine 
 
 Caddo 
 
 Canadian 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 Comanche 
 
 Custer 
 
 Day. . 
 
 Dewev 
 Garfield . 
 
 Grant 
 
 Greer 
 
 Kay 
 
 Kingfisher 
 
 Kiowa 
 
 I,incoln 
 
 I.ogau 
 
 Noble 
 
 Oklahoma 
 
 Pawnee 
 
 Payne 
 
 Pottawatomie . 
 
 Roger Mills 
 
 Washita 
 
 Woods 
 
 Woodward 
 
 Main Track Side track 
 
 Total. 
 
 55.57 
 
 114.10 
 
 128.26 
 
 71.96 
 
 21.63 
 
 149.71 
 
 70.38 
 
 3 78 
 
 2.48 
 
 129.36 
 
 81.66 
 
 103.53 
 
 118.64 
 
 46.51 
 
 116.83 
 
 177.43 
 
 149.63 
 
 39.86 
 
 128.64 
 
 62.24 
 
 89.76 
 
 95.07 
 
 21.36 
 
 39.67 
 
 223.06 
 
 65.72 
 
 3.41 
 
 9.56 
 11.02 
 13.48 
 
 3.57 
 13.40 
 
 8.95 
 
 2,306.84 
 
 .96 
 
 18.11 
 7.13 
 3.83 
 
 19.05 
 5.79 
 9.71 
 4.79 
 
 14.17 
 4.02 
 
 21.48 
 4.97 
 8.43 
 
 11.31 
 7.13 
 4.23 
 
 14.25 
 7.76 
 
 225.47 
 
 MII,EAGE OF THE RAILROADS IN OKLAHOMA TERRITORY. 
 
 Atchinson. Topeka and Santa Fe. 
 
 St. Louis And San Francisco 
 
 Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 
 
 Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf 
 
 Kansas City, Mexico and Orient... 
 Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma .. 
 
 Fort Smith and Western 
 
 Denver, Enid and Gulf 
 
 Total 1,929.06 
 
 Main 
 track 
 
 586.87 
 417.40 
 509.34 
 374.63 
 14.47 
 
 26.85 
 
 Side 
 track 
 
 71.06 
 48.13 
 53.59 
 54.24 
 .49 
 
 2.96 
 
 225.47 
 
 Grade 
 
 49.99 
 
 30.00 
 88.58 
 121.42 
 61.10 
 27.69 
 
 378.78 
 
 Total 
 
 657.43 
 510.52 
 562.93 
 458.87 
 103.54 
 121.42 
 61.10 
 57.50 
 
 2,533.31 
 
32 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 The figures above given were taken from assessors' returns and in- 
 dicates the status of railway building March 1, 1903. A report of new 
 mileage at this time would show an increase of over 200 miles built 
 since March 1. 
 
 RAILWAY BUILDING. 
 
 The large amount of railway mileage complete and now under con- 
 struction in the Territory is particularly noteworthy. Fully 1,000 miles 
 of main track, besides about 250 miles of side track, has been com- 
 pleted. Much more will be finished and opened for traffic before the 
 end of the year. In many localities new territory has been opened up, 
 and its future development will doubtless soon equal that of the older 
 settled communities. According to the Eailway Age, Oklahoma Terri- 
 tory leads all other States and Territories in railway building, Texas 
 being second, and the Indian Territory third. 
 
 COMMERCE. 
 
 Oklahoma ships annually thousands of cattle, sheep, and hogs. 
 During the months succeeding harvest the the deluge of wheat to be sent 
 by rail to the Gulf and eastern markets completely congests the arteries 
 of traffic. The remarkable production of potatoes, peaches, and melons 
 often taxes to the utmost the facilities of the railroads for moving them. 
 ■Of her other crops, such, as corn, oats, castor beans, cotton, and cotton 
 seed, Oklahoma ships thousands of tons to the markets beyond her bor- 
 ders 
 
 The great development along agricultural lines makes an increasing 
 •demand for farm machinery and implements. 
 
 Continued immigration to the Territory brings hundreds of cars of 
 ^household goods and other belongings of new settlers on our vacant 
 lands. Upwards of 20,000 carloads of coal have been shipped into the 
 Territory during the past year. 
 
 TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. 
 
 In addition to the Western Union Telegraph system, that has so 
 long given its excellent service to all portions of the Territory, there will 
 soon be in operation the Postal system, which will add its facilities for 
 the rapid transmission of messages. 
 
 There are several telephone companies doing business in the Terri- 
 tory, among which may be mentioned the Pioneer Telephone Company, 
 the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Telephone Company, and Southwestern 
 Telephone Company. 
 
 During the past year several extensions have been made by the man- 
 agement of the Pioneer Company. New lines, with two metallic cir- 
 cuits have been completed between the following-named cities and towns : 
 
 Oklahoma City and El Eeno; Oklahoma City and Shawnee; Okla- 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 33 
 
 homa City and Guthrie; Chandler and Wellston; Braman to South 
 Haven, Kansas; Guthrie and Sparks; Gushing to Avery and Kendrick; 
 Guthrie to Agra; Blackwell to Perry; Chandler to Shawnee. 
 
 The exchange in Oklahoma City has been practically rebuilt. About 
 $75,000 has been expended in construction and betterment of the toll 
 lines and exchanges. 
 
 The Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company have nearly 2,500 
 miles of wire distributed among the following-named counties : 
 
 Blaine, Canadian, Cleveland, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Lin- 
 coln, Logan, Oklahoma, Noble, Payne and Pottawatomie. 
 
 They have installed excellent exchanges in Guthrie, Oklahoma City, 
 El Eeno, Shawnee and Ponca City, and have just finished a new line 
 from Oklahoma City to Shawnee. 
 
 AGRICULTURE. 
 
 Oklahoma is primarily an agricultural region. Distant from tide 
 water and devoid of navigable rivers, it has never* possessed the advan- 
 tages of commercial waterways. Coal deposits, if such exist, have not 
 been discovered, and water power, while not lacking, has been very dif- 
 ficult to develope. The agricultural possibilities of Oklahoma, however, 
 have never been open to question. The fertile soil, the sunny skies, the 
 equable climatic conditions, the indigenous flora and fauna, all betok- 
 ened the possibilities of which men dreamed before Oklahoma was open- 
 ed to settlement and which have now become living realities. Originally 
 Oklahoma was a vast pasture ground, upon which buffalo, elk, deer, and 
 antelope grazed in countless thousands. It was not strange, therefore, 
 that when these had passed away the ranchman was quick to see and 
 seize the opportunity and drive in herds of cattle from the ranges of 
 Texas. But, as the huntsman of the roving aboriginal tribes had to 
 give way to the herdsman, even so the herdsman had in time to give 
 place to the husbandman, and a single generation was permitted to wit- 
 ness this most remarkable transformation. 
 
 The soils of Oklahoma are variable in character, the color, texture, 
 and composition often presenting marked differences within the limits 
 of relatively small areas, conditions that can be readily accounted for by 
 the geologist. Among the soils that may be found in one part of Okla- 
 homa or another are limestone or calcareous soils, sandstone or siliceous 
 soils, gj'psum soils, granitic soils, and even lava soil, the latter only oc- 
 curring in the western part of Beaver County. This variation in the 
 character and composition of the soil accounts not only for the large 
 measure of natural fertility, but also for the extent and variety of native 
 flora and the ready adaptability of these soils to the support of vegeta- 
 tion which has been introduced by civilization with the certainty that 
 it will find conditions peculiarly suited to successful culture somewhere 
 in Oklahoma. 
 
 Situated as it is, in the latitude of North Carolina and Tennessee, 
 
34 KEPOET OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Oklahoma's climate might be classed as being distinctly southern, and 
 yet, at the same time, its maximum summer temperature is seldom, if 
 ever greater than that of Nebraska or the Dakotas. But, while this is 
 true, it has a much longer growing season than any of the States to the 
 north and its minimum winter temperature is much higher, seldom 
 reaching the zero point, and then only for a few hours. Lying west of 
 the region of extreme humidity in the Mississippi Valley, for the most 
 part it is east of the semi-arid region of the Great Plains, and usually has 
 sufficient precipitation of moisture to mature the ordinary field, garden, 
 and orchard crop of the Temperate Zone. 
 
 Wheat, oats, and corn are the staple crops in the northern part of 
 Oklahoma, supplemented by cotton in the central and southern counties, 
 and Kaffir corn and the other non-saccharine sorghums in the western 
 part of the Territory. Other important crops are cultivated success- 
 fully, but not so extensively. 
 
 • WHEAT. 
 
 The wheat product of Oklahoma has been gradually increasing since 
 the settlement of the country, subject, of course, to the fluctuations in- 
 cident to more or less unfavorable seasons. Within the past fix years, 
 however, the wheat growing industry of Oklahoma has become a recog- 
 nized factor in the grain supply of the nation. According to the Federal 
 census the total yield of wheat in Oklahoma in 1899 was 18,124,520 
 bushels, an average of 14.16 bushels per acre. Since then the acreage 
 of wheat has been increased in the older-settled portions of the Territory, 
 while the thousands of r'v farms which have been opened up in the wes- 
 tern and southwestern counties have augmented the acreage to almost 
 double that of 1899, while the aggregate yield for 1903 is believed to be 
 more than twice that of four years ago. Estimates range from 36,000,- 
 000 bushels to 40,000,000 bushels. 
 
 Comparatively little soft wheat is produced in Oklahoma, and the 
 acreage of spring wheat is insignificant in comparison with that of win- 
 ter wheat. Macaroni wheat has been introduced in the western part of 
 Oklahoma, and, because, of its hardiness and drought-resisting qualities, 
 it bids fair to become a staple crop there as elsewhere in the region of the 
 Great Plains. 
 
 In addition to the amount of grain produced, wheat is utilized by 
 the farmers of Oklahoma as a winter pasture, thus effecting a great sav- 
 ing in the matter of winter feed. Many, if not most, of the wheat fields 
 of Oklahoma are thus pastured every winter, and that too, apparently 
 without an appreciable reduction of the yield. 
 
 The local milling interests furnish a home market for about 10,000,- 
 000 bushels of Oklahoma's wheat product 
 
 CORN. 
 
 The yield of corn in Oklahoma in 1899 was 38,239,880 bushels, an 
 average of 29.03 bushels per aero. Since that time the relative acreage 
 
REPOKT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 36 
 
 of corn has decreased in several of the wheat-growing counties of cen- 
 tral and northern Oklahoma, but with the acreage of the new farm* 
 which have been opened up in the western and southwestern parts of the 
 Territory added, the aggregate area devoted to com culture has been in- 
 creased during the years that have elapsed since the census was taken. 
 The estimate of the crop for 1903 is 60,000,000 bushels. 
 
 Comparatively little of Oklahoma's corn crop is shipped beyond the 
 borders of the Territory, the home demand for stock-feeding purposes 
 generally equaling the available supply and insuring fair prices. 
 
 OATS. 
 
 The Federal census report places the total acreage of oats grown in 
 the Territory in 1899 at 156,619, with an aggregate yield of 5,087,930 
 bushels. The acreage and aggregate product are more than double those 
 amounts this year. 
 
 KAFFIR CORN. 
 
 Kaffir corn has become recognized as a staple forage and grain crop 
 throughout the drier regions of the Central West, and even where the 
 rainfall is sufficient to readily mature Indian corn it is steadily growing 
 in popularity as a forage crop. In 1899 Oklahoma produced more Kaffir 
 corn than any other State or Territory — Kansas alone excepted — the 
 total acreage for grain being 63,145, the yield being 1,110,473 bushels, 
 while there are nearly 200,000 acres of Kaffir corn planted for fodder 
 which yielded close to 3 tons of feed per acre. The culture of Kaffir 
 corn for fodder and grain has greatly increased in Oklahoma since its 
 hardiness, productiveness, and feeding value have become more gener- 
 ally known and appreciated, the figures for the present year probably 
 aggregating not less than three times those of four years ago. 
 
 SORGHUM. 
 
 Sorghum is quite generally planted as a forage crop and, in some 
 infrequent instances, for the purpose of making syrup. It yields a heavy 
 crop of nutritious forage, and, like its near relative, the Kaffir com, is 
 distinguished for its hardiness under extreme conditions. 
 
 BROOM CORN. 
 
 In 1899 only the States of Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri outranked 
 Oklahoma in the acreage of broom corn and amount of brush produced. 
 In that year the acreage of broom corn grown in Oklahoma was 12,366, 
 tod the product was 3,418,490 pounds. The present acreage is believed 
 to be at least double that of four years ago. 
 
 COTTON. 
 
 Cotton culture in Oklahoma dates from 1890, and despite the de- 
 pression in prices during the five years between 1893 and 1898 the Indus- 
 
36 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 try gradually increased until, in 1899, the total yield was 72,012 bales, of 
 an average weight of 500 pounds, being the product of 240,678 acres. 
 Since then the aggregate acreage has been greatly increased, the total 
 yield for 1902 being placed at 218,390 bales. 
 
 Cotton growing is largely confined to the counties of the central and 
 southern parts of the Territory. The industry is one that entails great 
 care and patience, but as a rule it has been found a remunerative one in 
 Oklahoma. 
 
 The by-products of cotton consist of the articles obtained by milling 
 the seed — namely, cotton-seed oil, cotton-seed meal, and cotton-seed hulls, 
 the last two being used extensively in the local feeding yards for fatten- 
 ing cattle. Cotton-seed oil, from having been used quite largely as an 
 adulterant in many food products, such as oleomargarine, lard, olive oil, 
 etc., is becoming recognized as a standard food product of itself, and one 
 that is worthy of a place on the market because of its own merits. 
 When properly refined it is not inferior to the best grade of olive oil, for 
 which, for all practical purposes, both in culinary operations and in 
 medicine, it can be substituted with satisfactory results. A cotton-oil 
 refinery is being erected for this purpose at Oklahoma City. 
 
 ALFALFA, 
 
 Alfalfa has come to be regarded as the greatest hay crop throughout 
 Oklahoma, as it is quite generally over the greater part of the trans- 
 Mississippi region. A leguminous plant of relatively high nutritive 
 value, yielding, as it does in Oklahoma, three and four crops of hay each 
 year, and standing, when once thoroughly established, for many years 
 without reseeding, it approaches very nearly to the ideal of economic 
 hay production. There were only a little over 15,000 acres of alfalfa 
 reported as growing in Oklahoma in 1899 by the census. This has been 
 increased at such a rate that, while complete data is not available, there 
 is reason to believe the acreage is now three times as great. Interest 
 in the culture of alfalfa is growing, and the increase in acreage in the 
 future promises to be even greater, as there are hundreds of thousands 
 of acres of land in Oklahoma which are peculiarly adapted to the pro- 
 duction of this staple hay crop. 
 
 MILLET AND HUNGARIAN. 
 
 Millet and Hungarian grass are extensively grown and some heavy 
 yields are recorded, the average for the Territory some years being nearly 
 2 tons per acre. 
 
 POTATOES. 
 
 Within the past few years the farmers of eastern Oklahoma, espe- 
 cially those of the North Canadian Valley in Pottawatomie County, have 
 made a specialty of potato growing, and with very satisfactory results. 
 The yield is ordinarily from 100 to 200 bushels per acre. Two crops 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 37 
 
 are frequently grown from the same ground in one season. The prices 
 realized during the past three or four seasons, since the local growers 
 have organized a shippers' association, have ranged from 60 cents to 
 $1 per bushel on the cars. The area that is especially adapted to the 
 production of potatoes is a large one, and this particular industry seems 
 destined to spread over a large part of several adjoining counties. 
 
 SWEET POTATOES. 
 
 The sandstone soils of eastern Oklahoma, when cleared of timber, 
 furnish ideal conditions for the production of the best grade of sweet 
 potatoes. As yet there has been but little effort made to grow sweet po- 
 tatoes on a commercial scale, but when the possibilities of this special 
 line are once recognized and developed Oklahoma grown sweet potatoes 
 will be in active demand in the northern markets. 
 
 CASTOR BEANS AND PEANUTS. 
 
 Considerable attention has been given to the production of castor 
 beans and peanuts in some of the eastern counties of Oklahoma, notably 
 in Lincoln and Payne counties. The results, so far as yield are con- 
 cerned, have been gratifying, but the distance from market and the lack 
 of anything in the way of a plant to work up the product has rendered 
 prices very unsatisfactory at times and has had a strong tendency to dis- 
 courage the further development of these industries. With proper effort 
 on the part of the promoters, a plant for the extraction of oil from 
 castor beans and one for cleaning and sorting peanuts should prove prof- 
 itable investments in Oklahoma. 
 
 TRUCK GARDENING. 
 
 The truck gardening industry is one that has not been developed to 
 any extent whatever in Oklahoma, though it is known that there are 
 wonderful possibilities for the specialist along that line. Onions, cab- 
 bage, tomatoes, beans, peas, sweet corn, and, in fact, all kinds of vege- 
 tables can be grown to perfection in large quantities for shipment. Ex- 
 perienced truck gardeners can not find a better location, land values, 
 local markets climate, and other things considered, than may be found 
 in Oklahoma to-day. 
 
 DAIRYING. 
 
 The dairy industry is not nearly so well developed in Oklahoma as 
 it should be. While the natural conditions are highly favorable for the 
 profitable production of butter and cheese, the opportunity for special- 
 ists in these line^ seems to be neglected, or at least overlooked. Thous- 
 ands of pounds of butter are shipped into the Territory nearly every 
 month in the year, while cheese actually comes in by the carload, practi- 
 callv all of the last-mentioned commodity which is consumed in Okla- 
 homa being the product of dairies in the Northern and Eastern States. 
 
38 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Creameries and cheese factories would find a steady demand for their 
 products right at home if properly conducted, and, under good manage- 
 ment, could not fail to prove profitable, as investments. 
 
 POULTRY. 
 
 That the ideal conditions for the profitable production of poultry 
 existed in Oklahoma was a fact that might be said to have been demon- 
 strated in advance of its settlement by the variety and quantity of its 
 feathered fauna. Wild turkey, prairie chickens, grouse, quail, and par- 
 tridges fairly swarmed upon its prairies and its wooded hills and valleys. 
 Domesticated birds seem to thrive equally as well, and poultry raising 
 has been found to be a profitable industry from the first. The steady 
 demand for live and dressed poultry, as well as for eggs, the remunera- 
 tive prices, and the comparative ease with which poultry is raised in this 
 climate, combine to render the poultry yard one of the most profitable 
 adjuncts of the Oklahoma farm. Eggs and dressed poultry are shipped 
 from various points in Oklahoma in carload lots. Cold-storage facili- 
 ties for the handling of such products are becoming more numerous, but 
 there is still room for the investment of more capital in such enterprises. 
 
 HORTICULTURE. 
 
 Oklahoma is peculiarly adapted to fruit raising. In a state of na- 
 ture, among its indigenous trees, vines, shrubs, and bushes, the first set- 
 tlers found more than fifteen species of edible fruits, including grapes, 
 plums, blackberries, dewberries, currants, and others. Under these cir- 
 cumstances it was not strange that the pioneer planters quickly decided 
 that cultivated fruits in even greater profusion and variety would be 
 found to readily adapt themselves to the climate and soil of Oklahoma. 
 The first orchards were necessarily small, being planted on newly broken 
 ground in the fall of 1889 and the spring of 1890. Many of these have 
 now been in full bearing for nearly or quite ten years and have far sur- 
 passed the expectations of the planters. 
 
 While, in the very nature of things, all orchard planting was neces- 
 sarily experimental so far as the selection of varieties was concerned, yet 
 in all cases where good judgment has been used in the selection of site 
 and varieties and proper care exercised in the way of cultivation, pruning, 
 thinning, etc., orchardists have met with nearly uniform success in Okla- 
 homa. Attempts at orchard planting on a commercial scale have been 
 more recent and, as yet, comparatively few in number. Indeed, the 
 latter are only now beginning to come into full bearing. Several com- 
 mercial orchards of from 500 to 2,000 acres each are being projected 
 now, to consist principally of Elberta peach trees, so that the fruit-grow- 
 ing industry seems destined to be considerably expanded within the next 
 few years in Oklahoma. 
 
 APPLES. 
 
 Apples have been grown successfully throughout the greater part 
 of the Territory. In size, color, and flavor Oklahoma apples are not in- 
 
CO; 
 
 a 
 
 <i 
 
1* 
 
 tSS^^ . ! 
 
 it 
 
 
 w ^ ,. 
 
 :^^ ..J^ 
 
 •>:■_„ 
 
 ,---^ .: - _ 
 
 SOME UKLAHUMA SCHOOL HOUSES. 
 Upper left, City; lower right, Country. 
 
 ^**yu: 
 
 COZY FARM HOUSES OF OKLAHOMA 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 39 
 
 ferior to those grown in regions which are exploited as being peculiarly 
 adapted to the production of apples on a commercial scale. 
 
 PEAKS. 
 
 Pears have not been planted very largely in Oklahoma, but several 
 of the varieties which have been thoroughly tested have produced large 
 crops of fruit of very fine quality, thus evidencing the possibility of prof- 
 it for the specialist. 
 
 PEACHES. 
 
 The peach seems to find an ideal habitat in the warm, sandy soils of 
 central and eastern Oklahoma, where it reaches a state of perfect devel- 
 opment. While this fruit has long been the pride of Oklahoma fruit 
 growers, it was not until August, 1902, that peaches were shipped out 
 of the Territory in carload lots to the large markets of the North and 
 East, about 20 cars being billed out in all. This year it is estimated that 
 there will be from 50 to 60 cars of fancy peaches shipped out of Okla- 
 homa, besides large quantities that will be sent in small packages by ex- 
 press. With large orchards now coming into bearing, and others still 
 larger being planted, this special industry will in the near future become 
 a very important one. Arrangements have been made, through the co- 
 operation of the United States Department of Agriculture, to place a 
 trial shipment of Oklahoma-grown Elberta peaches on the London, En- 
 gland, market during the present season. 
 
 APRICOTS AND PLUMS. 
 
 Apricots grow successfully in all parts of the Territory, though never 
 in quanity to equal the local demand. In its variety and profusion of 
 wild plums Oklahoma is perahps not equaled by any State in the Union. 
 Nearly all kinds of cultivated plums are known to succeed in cultivation 
 here, but plum culture has not received the attention which it deserves 
 at the hands of fruit growers in Oklahoma. 
 
 CHERRIES. 
 
 Cherries have proved to be a profitable orchard crop, especially in 
 the northern and eastern sections of the Territory. The fruit is of ex- 
 cellent quality and for several years past has been in active demand not 
 only in the local markets but also for shipment. 
 
 GRAPES. 
 
 Grape culture has proven to be profitable in Oklahoma and a "num- 
 ber of commercial vineyards have been planted. While the larger plan- 
 • tations generally consist of two or three standard varieties, 3'-et it has 
 been demonstrated that practically all of the finest varieties can be grown 
 successfully in Oklahoma. The local markets are supplied with home- 
 
40 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 grown grapes continuously from the 1st of July to the 10th of October 
 without resorting to cold storage. 
 
 SMALL FRUITS. 
 
 Nearly all of the small fruits can be grown successfully in Oklaho- 
 ma, yet, strange to say, small-fruit specialists are so few in number that 
 a large part of the demand for this class of stuff in local markets is of 
 necessity supplied by shipment from adjoining states. Blackberries and 
 dewberries, being indigenous, can be grown in large quantities and of 
 the finest quality. Oklahoma strawberries are fully equal to the best 
 grown elsewhere and the present acreage could be multiplied many times 
 with profit. 
 
 HORTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT. 
 
 In discussing the possible development of the gardening and fruit- 
 growing industries of OklaJioma it is well to call attention to the field 
 for profitable investment of capital in enterprises which are closely re- 
 lated thereto, namely, the erection and operation of cold-storage plants, 
 canning and preserving factories etc. It has been conservatively estimat- 
 ed that the people of Oklahoma contribute not less than $100,000 annual- 
 ly to the payment of freight charges alone on canned fruit and vegetables 
 that could be readily produced at home. Likewise, large quantities of 
 fresh fruit and garden truck are shipped in from surrounding States 
 which the home producer could easily supply if afforded the proper fac- 
 ilities and opportunities for cold storage. But with the multiplying' evi- 
 dences of enterprise on the part of those who are most interested, these 
 advantages and conveniences will soon be supplied. 
 
 SALE OF FARM LANDS. 
 
 The registers of deeds in the various counties have reported upward 
 of 1,300 transfers of farm properties during the month of April, at 
 prices ranging for good land from $10 to $40 per acre. The prices gen- 
 erally obtained have ranged higher than in former years. 
 
 Oklahoma farm land has shown its universal productivity, and, be- 
 ing adapted to such a diversity of crops and often producing more than 
 one crop during a season, it has become known abroad as a land of pros- 
 perity. Improved farm property at the present figures is cheap when 
 compared with the older States. Markets are just as good for all farm 
 products as in the East. They are raised on every hand much easier, 
 with less labor, and in quantities nearly double those produced on older 
 soils which have long been under cultivation. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 41 
 
 The table below shows the number of transfers recorded and prices 
 per acre in each county, as returned by the register of deeds for one 
 month : 
 
 County 
 
 Beaver 
 
 Blaine 
 
 Caddo 
 
 Canadian 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 Comanche 
 
 Custer 
 
 Day 
 
 Dewey 
 
 Garfield 
 
 Grant 
 
 Greer 
 
 Kay 
 
 Kingfisher 
 
 Kiowa 
 
 I<incoln 
 
 Logan 
 
 Noble 
 
 Oklahoma 
 
 Pawnee 
 
 Payne 
 
 Pottawatomie.. 
 Roger Mills ... 
 
 Washita 
 
 Woods 
 
 Woodward 
 
 Number 
 of sales 
 
 34 
 
 58 
 
 15 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 45 
 22 
 160 
 338 
 29 
 20 
 200 
 47 
 14 
 85 
 13 
 36 
 
 Total 
 acres 
 trans- 
 ferred 
 
 2,200 
 2,rt47 
 804 
 8,800 
 4,200 
 7.988 
 1,980 
 480 
 1,990 
 (3,988 
 3,234 
 7,920 
 
 12,396 
 3,175 
 3,1140 
 
 20.000 
 6,121 
 1,560 
 8,9(55 
 1,451 
 4,592 
 
 2,085 
 2,601 
 12,237 
 3,219 
 
 Total 
 price 
 paid 
 
 Price Per Acre 
 
 J13,670 
 31,081 
 16,647 
 22,000 
 79,800 
 40,960 
 31,481 
 3,650 
 20,175 
 
 159,160 
 70,450 
 95,042 
 
 594,008 
 59,106 
 46,550 
 
 400,000 
 
 134,275 
 38,000 
 
 119,622 
 20,679 
 75,950 
 
 I«owest 
 
 24,206 
 53,000 
 187,864 
 19,584 
 
 J2.18 
 6.25 
 
 10.35 
 
 12.50 
 5.00 
 7.75 
 5.00 
 5.31 
 3.12 
 
 13.13 
 6.25 
 4.00 
 
 38.00 
 1.00 
 6.50 
 
 10.00 
 5.00 
 
 12.50 
 3.12 
 3.12 
 7.00 
 
 2.10 
 
 12.50 
 
 6.00 
 
 2.50 
 
 Highest 
 
 $28.12 
 28.00 
 53.18 
 37.50 
 43.75 
 23.50 
 
 175.00 
 11.25 
 18.75 
 33.75 
 37.50 
 30.00 
 63.00 
 
 250.00 
 25.70 
 35.00 
 42.57 
 
 200.00 
 
 833.00 
 91.75 
 40.00 
 
 125.00 
 50.00 
 54.00 
 18.60 
 
 Average 
 
 $6.21 
 11.74 
 20.70 
 26.00 
 19.00 
 18 95 
 16.00 
 7.60 
 9.05 
 22.77 
 21.75 
 
 lafoo 
 
 45.00 
 18.61 
 15.31 
 20.00 
 21.93 
 24.00 
 25.50 
 20.97 
 16.50 
 
 11.11 
 
 20.37 
 15.00 
 5.77 
 
 ANNUAL RAINFALL. 
 
 Section Director C. M. Strong has prepared the following tables 
 showing the average precipitation in inches from 1892 to 1903 : 
 
 Summer Months 
 
 June, 1902 
 
 July, 1902 
 
 August, 1902 
 
 Average 
 
 Fai/L Months 
 
 September, 1902 
 
 October, 1902 
 
 November, 1902 
 
 Average 
 
 Winter Months 
 
 December, 1902 
 
 January, 1903 
 
 February, 1903 
 
 Average 
 
 Spring Months 
 
 March, 1903 
 
 April, 1903 
 
 May, 1903 
 
 Average 
 
 Seasonal average 
 
 Temper- 
 ature 
 
 Depar- 
 ture 
 
 Precipi- 
 tation 
 
 Depar- 
 ture 
 
 77.4 
 79.7 
 84.2 
 
 XO.3 
 —1.7 
 x3.1 
 
 2.42 
 2.22 
 2.19 
 
 —0.81 
 —1.16 
 —0.53 
 
 80.4 
 
 X0.6 
 
 0.83 
 
 —2.76 
 
 68.2 
 62.9 
 53.5 
 
 —5.5 
 —0.1 
 x5.3 
 
 5.94 
 1.82 
 5.56 
 
 X3.12 
 -0.76 
 x3.§9 
 
 61.5 
 
 -0.1 
 
 13.32 
 
 X5.95 
 
 37.4 
 39.2 
 35.7 
 
 —2.2 
 xl.4 
 —2.1 
 
 2.11 
 0.59 
 3.95 
 
 X0.21 
 —0.57 
 X3.59 
 
 37.4 
 
 —1.0 
 
 6.65 
 
 X2.21 
 
 49.8 
 60.3 
 65 8 
 
 xO.l 
 —1.3 
 —3.1 
 
 2.73 
 1.32 
 7.33 
 
 X 0.50 
 —1.54 
 
 xl.57 
 
 58.6 
 
 —1.4 
 
 11.38 
 
 xO.53 
 
 X5.93 
 
42 
 
 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 AVERAGE MONTHI^Y AND ANNUAI, PRECIPITATION. 
 
 Year 
 
 Jan. 
 
 Feb. 
 
 Mar. 
 
 jApr. 
 
 May 
 
 June 
 
 July 
 
 Aug. 
 
 Sept. 
 
 Oct. ! 
 
 Nov. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 An- 
 iiual 
 
 1892 
 
 0.46 
 
 .63 
 
 2.33 
 
 1.07 
 
 1.04 
 
 1.87 
 
 3.09 
 
 1.01 
 
 .69 
 
 .52 
 
 .61 
 
 .59 
 
 2.02 
 
 1.07 
 
 1.84 
 
 .56 
 
 .66 
 
 .96 
 
 2.50 
 
 .56 
 
 1.44 
 
 .94 
 
 .39 
 
 3.95 
 
 2.89 
 
 1.47 
 
 2.97 
 
 .72 
 
 1.09 
 
 4.16 
 
 3.87 
 
 .85 
 
 .76 
 
 1.53 
 
 4.02 
 
 2.73 
 
 2.25 
 2.71 
 4.26 
 1.24 
 1.49 
 5.38 
 1..52 
 3.62 
 4.44 
 2.95 
 3.15 
 1.32 
 
 9.70 
 2.68 
 3.25 
 2.91 
 3.79 
 5.20 
 8.16 
 6.00 
 4.59 
 5.39 
 10.13 
 7.33 
 
 3.05 
 2.12 
 1.55 
 5.78 
 3.28 
 3.12 
 4.64 
 5.06 
 2.58 
 1.97 
 2.42 
 2.10 
 
 2.61 
 3.48 
 1.72 
 
 5.58 
 3.91) 
 2.05 
 4.44 
 6.05 
 4.15 
 1.92 
 2.22 
 
 4.03 
 5.16 
 1.51 
 5.06 
 1.46 
 3.12 
 3.26 
 .87 
 1.75 
 1.55 
 2.19 
 
 1.62 
 3.18 
 2.73 
 1.10 
 2.19 
 1.86 
 2.24 
 1.9U 
 6.68 
 1.56 
 5.94 
 
 5.23 
 
 .15 
 1.89 
 3.14 
 2.75 
 1.37 
 1.96 
 4.30 
 3.73 
 1.99 
 1.82 
 
 0.63 
 
 1.51 
 
 .30 
 
 3.79 
 
 1.83 
 .51 
 1.04 
 4.01 
 1.18 
 1.34 
 5.56 
 
 3.66 
 1.33 
 1.22 
 4.13 
 1.24 
 1.01 
 2.73 
 1.84 
 .51 
 1.12 
 2.11 
 
 38.15 
 
 1893 
 
 25.49 
 
 1894 
 
 25.57 
 
 1895 
 
 35.08 
 
 1896 
 
 23.78 
 
 1897 
 
 30.61 
 
 1898 
 
 39.45 
 
 1899 
 
 36.07 
 
 1900 
 
 32.50 
 
 1901 
 
 22.78 
 
 1902 
 
 40.56 
 
 1903 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 Average 
 
 1.16 
 
 1.41 
 
 2.23 
 
 2.86 
 
 5.76 
 
 3.14 
 
 3.38 
 
 2.72 
 
 2.82 
 
 2.58 
 
 1.97 
 
 1 1.90 
 
 31.93 
 
 STOCK RAISING. 
 
 In former years cattle were extensively fed on the range, roaming 
 for miles in any direction without molestation upon land that was once 
 thought to he unfit for agricultural purposes, but has since been occupied 
 by the homesteader and home builder. The scene is now changed, and 
 but little of the old large pastures is now available for grazing. The 
 result is smaller herds of finer grades. Much attention is now paid to 
 the qualities of the various strains which prove best for shipping beef or 
 dairy products. 
 
 The short cold season has always been an important factor \a the 
 wintering over of stock in this locality. Much less feed is required and 
 the stock come out better in the spring than in any of the northern cat- 
 tle districts. 
 
 The short nutritious grass that grows so abundantly in the higher 
 altitudes of the Territory becomes self-cured in the fall at the time of 
 frost, and has often proved to contain sufficient nutriment not only to 
 sustain the life of vast herds but to actually fatten them during the win- 
 ter months. 
 
 The proximity of good markets, the abundance of grass and forage 
 crops, together with the short cold season, make Oklahoma an ideal 
 place in which to profitably pursue the stock-raising industry. 
 
 The Texas Longhorn of the past has given way to the thoroughbred, 
 and evidences of grading can be seen in every locality. The Hereford, 
 Shorthorns, and ever-popular Jersey can he seen on very hand. 
 
 HORSES AND MULES. 
 
 In quality and value the horses and mules used and raised in Okla- 
 homa will ccrmpare very favorably witli any State in the Union. There 
 is a good demand for horses of medium weight and good form and ac- 
 tion, though all sorts of sound animals are bringing good prices. It has 
 always been a profitable business for farmers to raise several colts each 
 year. Brood mares, if properly handled, will do their share of the farm 
 workj and many farmers are now U'^ing goorl team^: of their own raising. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 43 
 
 The absurd idea that horses from the North do not thrive here is being 
 dispelled. There were losses in the years immediately following the set- 
 tling up of the country, but they were largely due to lack of feed and 
 care. For heavy farm work, mules are much in favor, and some fine 
 specimens have been raised. They command excellent prices and are 
 always in demand. 
 
 SHEEP AND ANGORA GOATS. 
 
 Sheep raising is carried on more or less extensively in every county 
 in the Territory. They are raised successfully and bring good prices in 
 the market for slaughter, besides being a source of considerable income 
 in wool produced. While not so numerous as in cooler and higher alti- 
 tudes, they are recognized as profitable adjuncts to the stock of a farm. 
 They have been remarkably free from disease. 
 
 The angora goat thrives in this country, and the raising of them 
 seems destined to become a settled industry. They are not only valuable 
 for market while young, but their fleece is a source of revenue. It is 
 also advanced on good authority that a few angoras will protect a herd 
 of sheep from the devestation of wolves and coyotes. 
 
 WICHITA MOUNTAIN MINERALS. 
 
 The mineral resources of the Wichita Mountains are practically un- 
 developed, hence no one knows the value or extent of the riches deposited 
 therein. The mineral districts comprise townships 2, 3, 4, and 5, north, 
 and ranges from 13 to 19 W. I. M.. inclusive, and embraces an area of 
 over 3,000 square miles, which is of course interspersed with agricul- 
 tural lands. It is claimed that there are dates on old rocks which indi- 
 cate that gold was discovered in the AVichita Mountains as far back as 
 1832. 
 
 Since the opening of the new country there has been more or less 
 'excitement over mineral prospects, but capital is slow to develope pros- 
 pects, hence about all the work that has been done has been accomplished 
 by the fellows of limited capital and unlimited faith. 
 
 There are reported five shafts at a depth of 100 feet, while hundreds 
 vary from a depth of 10 to 50 feet. 
 
 The mineral-bearing mountains have been legally divided into five 
 mining districts. 
 
 It is reported that there are nearly 3,000 members who have recorded 
 claims in the various districts. 
 
 There are no shipping mines as yet, although single carloads have 
 been recently sent to the smelters to ascertain the true value of the ore. 
 
 Confidence of the presence of mineral in paying quantities has in- 
 duced some capitalists, it is now reported, to establish a smelter and re- 
 duction plant at an accessible point. With these facilities and the as- 
 surance of capit<il becoming interested, it is expected that development 
 will progress more rapidly than in the past. 
 
44 BEPORT OF TtlE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA, 
 
 FORESTS AND THE PRODUCTION OF LUMBER. 
 
 A vast variety of woods are indigeuous to Oklahoma among which 
 may be mentioned black walnut, honey locust, hickory, box elder, black- 
 jack, red elm, white sumach, catalpa, sycamore, soft maple, burr oak, 
 water elm, persimmon, birch, shellbark hickory,, mulberry, black hickory, 
 ash, red oak, white oak, paw paw, pecan, yellow pine, white locust, iron- 
 wood, red cedar, willow, wild cherry, chinaberry, red bud, black locust, 
 chittum, Cottonwood. 
 
 In some instances trees have attained immense size, and in some 
 localities much lumber, is being cut. While the central and western por- 
 tions are but scantily supplied with timber except along the banks of 
 streams, the eastern portion is in many places heavily wooded. Here 
 local sawmills have for many years been busily engaged during the win- 
 ter months in getting out fuel and lumber. The cutting of black wal- 
 nut logs and shipping them to foreign markets has become quite an 
 industry. 
 
 LABOR SUPPLY. 
 
 The laborer can always find profitable employment in Oklahoma, 
 Industries are growing and thriving, new enterprises starting, and all 
 require man's labor, mental or physical, skilled and unskilled. Mills, 
 compresses, manufactories, and new lines of railway are annually in- 
 creasing their pay rolls. 
 
 The several new lines of railway have brought into the Territory 
 large numbers of laborers in the construction of their roadbeds. Good 
 wages are generally paid. There is always a demand for good farm 
 hands, and during the wheat harvest, fruit seasons, and cotton-picking 
 time the supply seldom meets the demand. With the continued growth 
 along industrial lines which is sure to follow in our numerous prosperous 
 cities located on intersecting lines of railway, the outlook for the laborer 
 is indeed promising. 
 
 PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 
 
 There are no Territorial public buildings, and, as Congress has pro- 
 hibited the locating of any structures of this kind, the Territorial pris- 
 oners, insane, deaf, and dumb must be cared for by contract with private 
 institutions or neighboring States, although there is an increasing fund 
 in the treasury created for the purpose of erecting public buildings. 
 This fund amounts at the present time to $25G,60G.69. 
 
 Public library buildings have been erected by Andrew Carnegie in 
 two cities, Guthrie and Oklahoma Citj^, and another is under construc- 
 tion at ISTorman, each costing about $30,000. 
 
 Plans have been drawn for a public building to be erected in Gutlirie 
 costing, complete, $250,000. Congress has appropriated the sum of 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERXOR OF OKLAHOMA. 45 
 
 $100,000 for this purpose, and also a similar amount for a building to 
 be located in Oklahoma City. 
 
 Among the new public edifices being erected for educational pur- 
 poses at the. present time may be mentioned Southwestern N'omial, at 
 Weatherf ord ; addition to Edmond IS^ormal, at Edmond, county liigh 
 school, at Guthrie, and Epworth University, at Oklahoma City. 
 
 ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW. 
 
 Applicants for admission to practice law are now required to pass 
 an examination under direction of a commission appointed by the su- 
 preme court of the Territory. This may be either written or oral. Ad- 
 mission upon the report of this commission to the supreme court of the 
 Territory admits one to all courts of record in the Territory, 
 
 BANKS AND BANKING. 
 
 A few changes were made by the last legislature in the Territorial 
 banking law, the principal one of which is that no bank can hereafter 
 be authorized to do business in the Territory unless it has a paid-up cap- 
 ital of not less than $10,000. Under the new law the capital stock of 
 banks in cities of various populations is as follows: In towns or cities 
 having less than 2,500 inhabitants, not less than $10,000 ; in cities hav- 
 ing more than 2,500 inhabitants and less than 5.000, not less than $15,- 
 000; in cities having more than 5.000 inhabitants and less than 10,000, 
 not less than $20,000 ; and in cities having over 10.000 inhabitants, not 
 less than $25,000. 
 
 CORPORATIONS. 
 
 Few changes were made in the law of corporations, principally in 
 enlarging the number of purposes for which association may become in- 
 corporated. Notably among these additions are corporations formed for 
 literary, educational, and historical purposes; building and investment 
 companies; merchandizing companies, wholesale or retail, and companies 
 for the purpose of locating, laying out. and improving town sites. Cor- 
 porations are given the power to purchase, hold, and convey real estate 
 for the purpose of their incorporation. Insurance companies are not 
 allowed to become incorporated except under restrictions of the insur- 
 ance laws of the Territory. 
 
 The only changes made in railroad legislation of note was the one 
 requiring' all railroad corporations in the Territory to fence their prop- 
 erty and to render such corporations liable for such damages that may 
 occur by reason of their failure to construct such fences. 
 
 SCHOOL FUNDS. 
 
 Funds arising from the leasing of sections 13 were by the last leg- 
 islature apportioned as follows: One-seventh of the total amount for 
 the use and benefit of the Universitv of Oklahoma at Norman : one-sev- 
 
46 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 enth to the Agricultural and Mechanical College at Stillwater; one-sev- 
 enth to the Territorial Normal School at Edmond; one-seventh to the 
 Northwestern Normal School at Alva; one-seventh to the Southwestern 
 Normal School at Weatherford ; one-seventh to the University Prepara- 
 tory school at Tonkawa, and one-seventh to the Colored Agricultural and 
 Normal University at Langston. 
 
 TAXATION. 
 
 Little change was made in the law regulating revenue. Personal 
 or real property situated in unorganized country of this Territory is to 
 be taxed in the organized county to which the unorganized country is 
 attached for judicial purposes, and a special assessor is provided for such 
 unorganized country. The rate of the general Territorial tax for the 
 years 1903 and 1904 is made by law to be not in excess of 3 mills on the 
 dollar valuation. It is provided by law that before any holder of a certi- 
 ficate of purchase issued at any tax sale of real estate shall be entitled to 
 a tax deed he shall cause a written notice to be served upon the' owner of 
 the land in the county wherein the sale took place, and also upon the per- 
 son in possession of the land, and in case of non-residence of the above- 
 named parties or in case they cannot be found in the county where the 
 real estate is located, the service of the notice is to be made by publication. 
 
 UNDEVELOPED RESOURCES. 
 
 Oklahoma has many resources that have not been developed at all 
 or only in a small way. Among the more important natural deposits, 
 the extent and value of which only a meager conception is entertained 
 by the people in general, may be mentioned gypsite and gyp rock, from 
 which is manufactured cement and several grades of plaster. 
 
 Professor Van Vleet, Territorial geologist, has made careful inves- 
 tigation throughout the counties lying in the gypsum region and esti- 
 mates the available amount deposited in these beds to be 125,800,000,000 
 tons. They are practically inexhaustible. The problems of transpor- 
 tation and cheap fuel are the most important ones to be solved, but since 
 the extension of several lines of railroad through this region the greatest 
 hindrance to its development seems to have been overcome, thus assuring 
 the success of this industry. With oil as a fuel instead of coal, the cost 
 of manufacture will be very much lessened. 
 
 Oil and gas have been discovered in several locations, and further 
 investigations are being made by companies who find sufficient encour- 
 agement in the outlook to warrant them in leasing thousands of acres 
 of land and bringing to the Territory extensive drilling equipments. The 
 oil thus far produced is very heavy, and the output of several wells com- 
 mands a good price for lubricating purposes. At the west end of 
 the Wichita Mountain Range, in the vicinity of Granite, wells are pro- 
 ducing from 10 to 50 barrels per day from a depth of less than 200 feet. 
 
 Favorable reports have been received from other points, and at Law- 
 
WHEAT 
 
 COTTON 
 
 Wherein We Excel. 
 
 OKLAHOMA CORN. 
 
 Over twenty feet high on 
 
 exhibition at St Louis. 
 
 World's Fair. 
 
 JAPANESE PLUMS. 
 From Oklahoma Tree Three Years Old. 
 
SOME OF THE REASONS WHY OKLAHOMA FARMERS ARE PROSPEROUS. 
 

 H"" 
 
 * 
 
 •^ itjf 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 ..^ 
 
 AN OKLAHOMA WATERMELON FIELD. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 47 
 
 ton and Newkirk oil has been obtained in pa)ring quantities. The gas 
 wells at Newkirk are producing sufficient flow to afford light for the 
 town. At a depth of about 600 feet the true gas sands were struck. 
 
 The granite fields are located in Greer County. They consist for the 
 most part of high and massive mountains, and there is such an abun- 
 dance of the rock exposed above the ground that that portion alone would 
 supply the granite-using world for years to come. The quality of the 
 granite is of the very best. A large portion of it is a solid red granite, 
 and is pronounced by experts to be equal to the celebrated Peterhead Red 
 Scotch granite and equally adaptable for monumental and building pur- 
 poses. The granite can be taken out in immense blocks, which adds much 
 to the monetary value as well as increasing its desirability for building 
 purposes. 
 
 It is being demonstrated that the Wichita Mountains contain much 
 hidden mineral wealth. Gold and copper have been found in paying 
 quantities and capital has been interested. Concentrating plants and 
 smelters are in course of construction. 
 
 The salt areas are found in two localities known as the Salt Plains 
 of Blaine County and the Salt Plains of the Cimarron. These are each 
 of considerable commercial importance. In both places there are large 
 salt springs, the waters of which contain a very high per cent of salt, and 
 the cost of evaporation and transportation is the only one connected with 
 its production. Several concerns are manufacturing salt in a more or 
 less crude manner, and it would seem that with modem appliances and 
 better transportation this industry might be very profitable. 
 
 Among the most valuable resources of the Territory are its clay, 
 from which may be manufactured building brick, paving brick, tiling, 
 etc. This is an industry that is but partially developed, but enough has 
 been done along this line to prove that the Territory has an abundance 
 of good raw material. 
 
 Good limestone for building purposes is found in many localities. 
 In the northeastern portion of the Territory several large quarries have 
 been opened which are producing an excellent quality of material. 
 
 GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY. 
 
 The fifth session of the legislative assembly of Oklahoma created a 
 department of geology and natural history, with headquarters at the 
 University of Oklahoma. The object for which the department was cre- 
 ated is thus stated in the act providing for it : 
 
 A department of geology and natural history is hereby established for the 
 purpose of beginning and continuing the geological and scientific survey of 
 this Territory and of discovering and developing its natural resources, and 
 disseminating Information in regard tp its agricultural, mining, and manu- 
 facturing advantages. 
 
 The department has made preliminary reports on the general geol- 
 ogy, gypsum deposits, the Permian fossils, both vertebrate and inverte- 
 brate, plants, birds, and snakes of the Territory. 
 
48 
 
 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 The red-beds formation is the most important in the Territory as it 
 is the origin of most of the soil and furnishes the gypsum and salt as 
 well as a great part of the building stone and clays. The thickness of 
 the red-beds has not been determined, but it is not less than 2,000 feet. 
 They consist largely of clays and shales, interstratified with beds of 
 sandstone, dalomite, and gypsum. These latter being harder, resist 
 erosion, and so form the caps of hills, buttes, and bluffs of the region. 
 These products are of great commercial importance. 
 
 By reference to the last report of the department of geology and 
 natural history it is found that there are 125,800,000,000 tons of gyp- 
 sum distributed as follows : 
 
 County 
 
 Blaine , 
 
 Caddo 
 
 Canadian... 
 Comanche. 
 
 Custer 
 
 Day 
 
 Dewey 
 
 Tons 
 
 •2.500,000,000 
 
 3,000,000,000 
 
 50,000,000 
 
 200,000,000 
 6,000,000,000 
 
 500,000,000 
 1,000,000,(.K)0 
 
 County 
 
 Greer 
 
 Kingfisher... 
 Roger MiUs. 
 
 Washita 
 
 Woods 
 
 Woodward ... 
 
 Tons 
 
 53,000,000,000 
 50,000,000 
 1,000,000,000 
 20,000,000,000 
 14,000,000,000 
 24,000,000,000 
 
 This estimate includes only the principal areas. 
 
 The use of gypsum in the manufacture of cements plasters, fertil- 
 izers, etc., is well understood. That more mills have not been located 
 in Oklahoma seems to be due solely to the lack of means of transporta- 
 tion. Since these regions have been penetrated by railroads, and at 
 present, the following are in operation: The Kuby Mill, in central 
 Blaine County: the Watonga Mill, at Watonga, Blaine County; the 
 Okarche Mill, Canadian County; the Kay County Mill, near Peckham, 
 Kay County. 
 
 There are many good sites for mills, and with its inexhaustible sup- 
 ply of gypsum Oklahoma is bound to rank among the first, if not the 
 first, in the manufacture of products from gypsum. 
 
 There are at least two salt areas in Oklahoma of commercial impor- 
 tance — the Salt Plains of the Cimmaron and the Salt Plains of Blaine 
 County. In both of these areas large springs of water containing a 
 high per cent of salt occur, and shallow wells sunk almost anywhere on 
 the plains yield an abundance of brine. The only cost connected with the 
 manufacture of salt is evaporation and transportation. So far this has 
 been sufficient to prevent its manufacture on a large scale, but adequate 
 shipping facilities, with direct communication with the coal mines of 
 Indian Territory, is sure to make this one of the most important indus- 
 tries of the Territory. 
 
 The sandstone of the red-beds varies in texture from a coarse rotten 
 shale to a hard fine-grained sandstone. The better grades are used 
 quite extensively for building purposes. 
 
 In the northeastern portion large areas of limestone occur, much of 
 it a superior quality of building stone. Large quarries have been opened 
 and a great deal of stone is being quarried and shipped. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 49 
 
 Much is claimed for the granite of the Wichita Mountains, and while 
 its use is as yet limited, there is no doubt that it will prove of value as 
 a building stone. 
 
 The native timber of Oklahoma consists of the usual western varie- 
 ties — several species of oak, elm, ash, hackberry, hickory, pecan, cotton- 
 wood, walnut, cedar, etc. The timber in the western portion of the Ter- 
 ritory is, for the most part, found skirting the streams. 
 
 In the central and eastern portions there are quite extensive areas of 
 large timber, including the varieties mentioned. The so-called black- 
 jack covers a large part of the southeastern portion. This furnishes a 
 fine quality of fuel, and the land when cleared is fertile, this being the 
 best cotton belt in the Territory. 
 
 An investigation of the native grasses has revealed a surprising num- 
 ber of varieties. Over 100 are now on record, and the list is not complete. 
 Many of these make excellent pasturage and hay, and long before it was 
 opened for settlement Oklahoma was known as an excellent grazing coun- 
 try and supported thousands of head of horses and cattle. The mild 
 climate, with an abundance of winter pasturage, has made Oklaoma 
 one of the greatest stock countries in the west. 
 
 Oklahoma is primarily an agricultural country, but with an abund- 
 ance of coal, oil, and gas just on its eastern border and with its immense 
 deposits of gypsum, salt, and building stone it is one of the most favor- 
 ably located districts in the whole West. 
 
 ALTITUDES IN OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Alva 1,330 
 
 Anadarko 1,171 
 
 Arapaho 1,560 
 
 Beaver 2,500 
 
 Bridgeport 1,425 
 
 Burnett 1,200 
 
 Calumet 1,375 
 
 Cashion 1,014 
 
 Chandler 900 
 
 Choctaw City 1,109 
 
 Clifton 1,030 
 
 Council Grove 1,234 
 
 Dale 1,039 
 
 Dickson 1,219 
 
 Doggett 910 
 
 Earlboro 1,028 
 
 Edmond 1,191 
 
 El Reno 1,326 
 
 El Reno Junction 1,334 
 
 Enid 1,244 
 
 Fort Reno 1,345 
 
 Garber 1,183 
 
 Geary 1,545 
 
 Granite 1,591 
 
 Guthrie 932 
 
 Hardesty 3,000 
 
 Hobart 1,528 
 
 Jones City 1,145 
 
 Kenton 3,900 
 
 Kildare 1,102 
 
 Kingfisher 1,048 
 
 Lakeview 1,214 
 
 Lawton 1,250 
 
 Luther 935 
 
 McLoud 1,057 
 
 Mangum 1,585 
 
 Medford 1,091 
 
 Mountain View 1,320 
 
 Mulhall 936 
 
 Hunger 1,195 
 
 Newkirk 1,149 
 
 Noble 1,158 
 
 Norman 1,159 
 
 Oklahoma City 1,200 
 
 Pawnee 786 
 
 Perkins 794 
 
 Perry 871 
 
 Pond Creek 1,046 
 
 Ponca City 946 
 
 Ripley 776 
 
 Shawnee 1,045 
 
 Stillwater 832 
 
 Stroud 910 
 
 Sweeney i,070 
 
 Union City 1,319 
 
 Virginia 1,206 
 
 Waukomis 1,238 
 
 Hennessey 1,159* Waynoka 1,464 
 
 Weatherford 1,650 
 
 Wellston 900 
 
 Wichita Mountains 3,000 
 
 Woodward 1,880 
 
 Yukon 1,299 
 
50 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 CITIES OF THE TERRITORY. 
 
 An incorporated town may become a city of the first class when it 
 attains a population of 2,500. At the present time some 21 towns have 
 been proclaimed cities of the first class. Most of them have good systems 
 of waterworks^ electric lights, police and fire protection, good sidewalks, 
 graded streets, and some public buildings. Some have paved streets of as- 
 phalt or brick, sewer systems, gas plants, electric street-car lines, public 
 parks, fine opera houses, and churches. All have good graded schools, 
 and many have beautiful and substantial school buildings. Each has its 
 commercial club, composed of the energetic and influential element of 
 the place, which exerts every effort to build up the town and secure busi- 
 ness enterprises and manufacturing industries. 
 
 MANUFACTURING. 
 
 Manufacturing among the various industries which engage our pop- 
 ulation has made great advancement in the past few years. While not 
 so fortunate as some other localities in our supply of cheap fuel or water 
 power, yet those who have been the pioneers in establishing these enter- 
 prises have prospered. With several new lines of railroad coming directly 
 through the coal fields on the east and the discovery of oil within and 
 just outside our borders, the prospect is much brighter for cheaper fuel 
 and the consequent success of other institutions now in contemplation. 
 
 The raw material is at hand on every side and the increasing number 
 of flour mills, cotton-seed oil mills, plaster and cement mills, broom fac- 
 tories, shoe factories, foundries, gas plants, cracker and candy manufac- 
 tories, etc., all of which are in a flourishing condition, indicate that Ok- 
 lahoma in the near future may be classed among the manufacturing 
 States. 
 
 The immense amount of wheat straw that is burned or allowed to go 
 to waste would seem to make this an inviting field for paper mills. The 
 vast quantity of farm machinery shipped into the Territory would sug- 
 gest a possible lucrative industry in its manufacture. Ice factories, 
 creameries, cheese factories, canning factories, brick plants, and many 
 other manufacturing industries would find an excellent field here in which 
 to locate. 
 
 FLOURING MILLS. 
 
 At the present time there are 60 mills in operation in the Territory, 
 half of them being owned and operated by incorporated milling com- 
 panies having a total capitalization of over $1,500,000. A large number 
 of these corporations represent an investment of from $50,000 to $150,000. 
 
 As the principal wheat growing district lies west of the main line of 
 the Santa Fe Railroad, we find that thife area of wheat production influ- 
 ences the location of mills, and thus it is that we find 24 mills in opera- 
 tion which are located at points on and west of the Santa Fe Railway. 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 51 
 
 The output of Oklahomas flour mills during the past three years 
 has been something enormous, and the products are distributed from 
 the British provinces on the north to the Gulf States on the south, and 
 a vast amount of Oklahoma flour has been going into the export trade 
 and is no small factor in the ports of Galveston, Baltimore, and New- 
 York. Indian Territory, Arkansas, and the Texas Panhandle all pur- 
 chase Oklahoma flour and get more from here than anywhere else. 
 
 Yet it is a fact that the milling business in Oklahoma is yet in its 
 infancy. About 12 new mills were erected during the past year, the ca- 
 pacity of a number of others was increased, so that the increase in ca- 
 pacity during the twelve months past has exceeded 25 per cent. 
 
 Flour manufacturing in this Territory has proven generally suc- 
 cessful and but few lines of enterprise have shown as good profits. 
 There has not been a notable or conspicuous failure in the flour-mill 
 business in the Territory, and out of the 60 concerns established more 
 than 20 have made records of conspicuous success. 
 
 BANKS. 
 
 The highly satisfactory condition of Oklahoma's banks both national 
 and Territorial, is indisputable evidence of our prosperity. The num- 
 ber of institutions given in my report last year has been considerably 
 augmented by the addition of 80 Territorial and 19 national. The act 
 of the last legislature fixing $10,000 as the minimum capital stock of 
 Territorial banks has had the effect of lessening the number of appli- 
 cations and promoting a healthier condition. The average reserve held 
 by national banks is 30 per cent and that of Territorial banks 52 per 
 cent. Attention is directed to the fact that the reserve carried by the Ter- 
 ritorial institutions is nearly four times that required by law. By com- 
 paring with last year's report it is a noticeable fact that the total capital 
 invested in the banking business in the Territory has increased over 
 $1,500,000. 
 
 The statistics which I give below have been furnished me by the 
 'J'erritorial bank examiner. 
 
 Consolidated statement showing condition of both national and Territorial 
 banks, bting all banks in Oklahoma Territory at close of business 
 
 June 10. 1903. 
 
 RESOURCES. 
 
 Loans and discounts $15,433,531.72 
 
 Overdrafts 605,968.94 
 
 United States bonds and premiums 1,684,434.71 
 
 Stocks, securities, judgments, and claims 824,574.47 
 
 Due from all blanks 6,457,550.53 
 
 Banking-house furniture and fixtures 972,494.26 
 
 Other real estate 72,127.25 
 
 Internal revenue 677.70 
 
 Cash, specie, exchanges, and items 2,431,145.11 
 
 Total 28,482,504.69 
 
52 KEPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Capital Stock $4,818,830.00 
 
 Surplus 532,114.98 
 
 Undivided profits 926,573.90 
 
 National bank notes outstanding 1,171,900.00 
 
 Deposits 20,738,763.37 
 
 Bills payable 234,437.97 
 
 Bills rediscounted 49,615,54 
 
 All other liabilities 10,268.93 
 
 Total $28,482,504.69 
 
 Total number of banks 311 
 
 Average reserve per cent. . 41 
 
 Per capita deposit for people of Oklahoma, on basis of 600,000 population, 
 is $34. One bank to each 1,929 persons on same basis of population. 
 
 INVESTMENTS — PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. 
 
 Eastern capital has during recent years found Oklahoma a safe and 
 profitable field for investment. Enterprises requiring funds to develop 
 their possibilities into a possible realization have received substantial 
 support. Municipal bonds command a premium. Farm loans are par- 
 ticularly satisfactory to the capitalists, as they are safe and secure and 
 the interest is universally promptly paid. Foreclosures are very rare. 
 Mercantile business throughout the Territory is enjoying a healthy, vig- 
 orous growth. In this regard R. G. Dunn & Co. present the following 
 facts : 
 
 The general tenor of reports from all over the Territory indicate that a 
 large volume of business was transacted during the past year, and onr re- 
 ports show the merchants to be in good financial -condition. The increase in 
 the new traders in the Territory, as well as the incrase in the number of 
 towns during the past ten years, has been remarkable. 
 
 CHURCHES, SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 All the leading denominations have representatives in the Terri- 
 tory and are progressive workers. There has been a satisfactory growth 
 in church membership during the past year, and many new edifices for 
 worship have been erected. Social life has much the same aspects as in 
 older settled communities. Every town has its women's clubs, musical 
 and social societies, literary circles, and the Chautauqua society holds 
 annual gatherings at several conveniently located points. The fraternal 
 societies have a large and growing membership, the general good fellow- 
 ship which generally prevails among our people making this a partic- 
 ularly good field for organizations of this character. The membership 
 of the various organizations has been reported to me to be as follows : 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 53 
 
 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 Church buildings 160 
 
 Value of church buildings $200,160 
 
 Parsonages 79 
 
 Value df parsonages $47,265 
 
 Members 13,900 
 
 Number of pastorial charges 160 
 
 Number of Sunday schools 215 
 
 Number of officers and teachers 1,785 
 
 Number of scholars 14,369 
 
 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 Organized missions 16 
 
 Other regular stations 17 
 
 Church buildings 17 
 
 Parsonages 8 
 
 Clergy 10 
 
 Communicants 804 
 
 Children in Sunday school 300 
 
 Value of church property $42,000 
 
 Total contributions $10,000 
 
 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
 
 Number of churches 85 
 
 Membership 2,600 
 
 Church buildings 73 
 
 Value of church property $85,000 
 
 Preachers 40 
 
 Colored churches 3 
 
 Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor 29 
 
 Sunday schools 105 
 
 Membership 4,000 
 
 Expended by Home Missionary Society $150,000 
 
 FRIENDS. 
 
 Total white membership 1,509 
 
 Indian members 180 
 
 Indian missions 5 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 Church organizations 62 
 
 Church membership 3,100 
 
 Church buildings 44 
 
 Manses 16 
 
 Value of church property $100,000 
 
 Colored churches 2 
 
 Academies 2 
 
 Ministers 42 
 
 Sunday-school missionaries 4 
 
 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH. 
 
 Charges 55 
 
 Societies and churches 171 
 
 Presiding elders 5 
 
 Pastors 55 
 
 Local Preachers 64 
 
 Church members 9,451 
 
 Additions 670 
 
 Church buildings (value, $80,790) 72 
 
 Parsonages (value. $17,200) 43 
 
 Epworth Leagues 26 
 
 Membership Epworth Leagues 755 
 
 Sunday schools 87 
 
 Officers and teachers . . . .' 499 
 
 Scholars 4,040 
 
54 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 
 
 Number of organizations 270 
 
 Membership 16,000 
 
 Buildings ^'^ 
 
 Value of buildings $225,000 
 
 Preachers 1^0 
 
 Colored preachers 6 
 
 Colored churches 5 
 
 Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor 45 
 
 Sunday schools 150 
 
 BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 Churches: 
 
 White 280 
 
 Colored 95 
 
 Membership: 
 
 White 13,000 
 
 Colored 4,100 
 
 Ministers: 
 
 White 250 
 
 Colored 100 
 
 Membership of Sunday schools 9,000 
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 Bishop 1 
 
 Priests 29 
 
 Churches 53 
 
 Chapels 6 
 
 Stations visited 127 
 
 New residences for priests 2 
 
 Membership 15,000 
 
 Academies 2 
 
 Colleges for boys 2 
 
 Schools for boys and girls 10 
 
 Schools for colored 2 
 
 Convents 13 
 
 Monasteries 2 
 
 Hospital 1 
 
 Value of school and church property $200,000 
 
 MEMBERSHIP OF COLORED CHURCHES. 
 
 Missionary Baptist 8,682 
 
 African Methodist Episcopal Church 3,640 
 
 Colored Methodist Episcopal Church 820 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Church (colored wing) 840 
 
 Primitive Baptist 486 
 
 Colored Presbyterian 14l 
 
 Congregational 412 
 
 Church of God 201 
 
 YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. 
 
 Young people's societies 182 
 
 Members 6,360 
 
 Junior societies 21 
 
 Members 420 
 
 Total societies 203 
 
 Total membership 6,780 
 
 New societies 27 
 
 Associate members uniting with the church during the year 546 
 
 Money given by the societies for missions and church expenses $7,250 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 
 
 Number of schools 15,000 
 
 Officers and teachers 10,000 
 
 Scholars 80,000 
 
SCENES OX ONE OKLAHOMA FARM. 
 
 A HLXi.'H iiK (iKl.Allw.MA tlW.IM' 1U<K.\; 
 
SNAP SHOTS IN THE WESTERN PARTS OF THE TERRITORY 
 
 100.000 THREE-MONTH OLD APPLE GRAFTS. 
 
FKED TlilE UX AX OKLAHOMA HOG liAXCH. 
 
 .^.^ 
 
 THE OKLAHOMA "HEN." 
 A DISTINCTIVE SOURCE OF REVENUE 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 55 
 
 PRATERNAl, ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 Masons 
 
 A. O. U. W 
 
 Odd Fellows 
 
 K. of P 
 
 W. ofW 
 
 C. A. R 
 
 Confederate Veterans 
 
 Kastern Star 
 
 Order of Elts 
 
 W. C. T. U 
 
 Women's Federated Clubs 
 
 Women's Relief Corps 
 
 Rebckah I^odges 
 
 Knights Templars 
 
 Scottish Rite Masons 
 
 Rathbone Sisters 
 
 Organi- 
 
 New 
 
 Mem- 
 
 New 
 
 zations 
 
 za lions 
 
 bers 
 
 bers 
 
 92 
 
 13 
 
 4.148 
 
 SKi 
 
 50 
 
 2 
 
 2,312 
 
 119 
 
 272 
 
 91 
 
 13,242 
 
 5,415 
 
 49 
 
 5 
 
 2,491 
 
 40 
 
 119 
 
 14 
 
 3,354 
 
 592 
 
 70 
 
 4 
 
 1,509 
 
 147 
 
 29 
 
 4 
 
 1,500 
 
 
 40 
 
 15 
 
 1,000 
 
 (500 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 709 
 
 152 
 
 135 
 
 11 
 
 2,050 
 
 250 
 
 4a 
 
 y 
 
 1,025 
 
 180 
 
 a5 
 
 7 
 
 (S22 
 
 134 
 
 57 
 
 22 
 
 2,700 
 
 528 
 
 8 
 
 
 343 
 
 31 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 
 54« 
 200 
 
 133 
 
 
 
 
 Value ot 
 property 
 
 1100,000.00 
 25,219.37 
 
 1,095.93 
 
 8,500.00 
 1,500.00 
 3,000.00 
 1,787.00 
 2,154.00 
 1,000.00 
 75,000.00 
 300.00 
 
 DAILY NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED IN OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Anadarko: Democrat. 
 
 El Reno: Evening Bell, Democrat, American. 
 
 Lawton: Democrat, Enterprise. 
 
 Enid: Wave, News, Eagle. 
 
 Pond Creek: Vidette, 
 
 Ponca: Courier. 
 
 Blackwell: News. 
 
 Newkirk: Socialist. 
 
 Kingfisher: Star. 
 
 Hennessey: Eagle. 
 
 Hobart: News-Republican. 
 
 Chandler: Publicist. 
 
 Guthrie: Oklahoma State Capital, Leader. 
 
 Perry: Enterprise-Times, Republican. 
 
 Oklahoma: Times-Journal, Oklahoman. 
 
 Stillwater: Democrat. 
 
 Shawnee: Quill, Democrat, Evening News. 
 
 Alva: Pioneer. 
 
 COUNTIES WITH STATISTICS OF EACH. 
 
 Below is presented a brief statement of general information con- 
 cerning each county in the Territory. 
 
 Beaver County, — Location, extreme northwest; area, 3,681,000 acres; pop- 
 ulation, 3,168 (1902 enumeration); land taxed, 168,908 acres; number of school 
 districts, 52; number of school children, 1,148; school land in county, 1,438% 
 quarter sections; county seat, Beaver; other leading towns, Kenton and Guy- 
 mon; principal occupation of people, stock raising and agriculture; products, 
 cattle, sheep, horses, and stock feed; undeveloped resources, fruit raising 
 and agriculture by irrigation. 
 
 Blaine County. — Location, middle west; area. 656,000 acres; population, 
 15,189 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $1,689,512; land taxed, 224,891 
 acres; county bonded debt, $45,500; county tax levy, 27 mills; amount expend- 
 ed for county purposes, $39,385.58; number of school districts, 88; number of 
 school children, 4,564; school land in county, 226 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, 395 acres; county seat, Watonga; other 
 leading towns, Geary, Okeene, Homestead, Hitchcock, and Greenfield; princi- 
 pal occupation of people, agriculture and stock raising; products, wheat, cot- 
 ton, corn, caster bean , peaches, hogs, cattle , salt, and cement; manufacturing 
 industries, salt works, cement mills, and flouring mills; undelveloped resour- 
 ces, deposits of gypsum, salt and building stone. 
 
56 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
 Caddo County. — Location, south central; area, 979,000 acres; population, 
 25,639 (1902 enumeration); land taxed, 21,319 acres; number of school dis- 
 tricts, 155; number of school children, 5,678; school land in county, 544 quarter 
 sections; Government land subject to homestead entry, 2,867 acres; county 
 seat, Anadarko; other leading towns, Caddo, Fort Cobb, Cement, Sickles, 
 Apache, Bridgeport, Hydro; principal occupation of people, agriculture and 
 stock raising; products, wheat, cotton, corn, and live stock; manufacturing 
 industries, ice plants, and flouring mills; undeveloped resources, cement beds, 
 gas and oil wells, and minerals. 
 
 Canadian County.— Location, south central; area, 598,630 acres; population 
 15,200 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,341,445; land taxed, 358,770 
 acres; county bonded debt, $103,500; county tax levy, 15.75 mills; amount ex- 
 pended for county purposes, $96,958.26; number of school districts, 96; number 
 of school children, 5,900; school land in county, 210 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land to homestead entry, 882 acres; county seat. El Reno; other leading 
 towns, Okarche, Yukon, Calumet, Union, and Mustang; principal occupation of 
 people, agriculture; products, wheat, cotton, corn, cattle, and hogs; manurac- 
 turing industries, flouring mills and cement works; undeveloped resources,, 
 cement and clay deposits. 
 
 Cleveland County. — Location, extreme south; area, 348,000 acres; popula- 
 tion, 17,253 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $2,137,309; land taxed, 
 276,401 acres; county bonded debt, $76,500; county tax levy, 15 mills; amount 
 expended^ or county purposes, $39,497.26; number of school districts, 69; num- 
 ber of school children, 6,951; school land in county, 122 quarter sections; Gov- 
 ernment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat, Norman; other 
 leading towns, Lexingon, Noble, and Moore; principal occupation of people, 
 agriculture; products, corn, wheat, cotton, hogs, cattle, and sheep; manufac- 
 districts, 185; number of school children, 7,539; school land in county, 1,016 
 turing industries, cotton-seed oil mill, flouring mills, and ice plants. 
 
 Comanche County. — Location, southwestern; area, 1,845,000 acres; popula- 
 tion, 25,509 (1902 enumeration); land taxed, 100,736 acres; number of school 
 districts, 185; number of school children, 7,539; school land in county, 1,016 
 quarter sections; Government land subject to homestead entry, 14,610 acres; 
 county seat, Lawton; other leading towns, Waurika, Park City, Temple, Wal- 
 ters, Apache, Frederick, and Texana; principal occupation of people, agricul- 
 ture, stock raising, and mining; products, wheat, corn, cotton, live stock; 
 manufacturing industries, flouring mill, ice plant; undeveloped resources, 
 building stone, oil, and mineral deposits. 
 
 Custer County. — Location, central west; area, 647,000 acres; population 
 16,127 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $2,785,748; land taxed, 221,919 
 acres; county bonded debt, $38,800; tax levy 13 1-2 mills amount expended 
 for county purposes, $38,242.85; number of school districts, 112; number 
 of school children, 5,124; school land in county, 290 quarter sections: Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, 1,703 acres; county seat, Arapahoe; 
 other leading towns, Weatherford, Independence, Clinton, Parkerburg, and 
 Thomas; manufacturing industries, flouring mills; principal occupation of 
 people, agriculture and stock raising; products, corn, cotton, wheat, hogs, and 
 cattle; undeveloped resources, cement and building stone deposits. 
 
 Day County. — Location, extreme west; area 666,000 acres, population, 4,966 
 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $407,514; land taxed, 30,950 acres; 
 county bonded debt, $19,800; county tax. levy, 28.9 mills; amount expended 
 for county purposes, $14,098.29; number of school districts, 44; number of 
 school children, 1,651; school land in county, 240 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, 109,402 acres; county seat. Grand; 
 other leading towns, loland, Texmo, and Stone; principal occupation of peo- 
 ple, stock raising and agriculture; products, cattle and cattle feed. 
 
 Dewey County. — Location, north middle west; area, 638,000 acrts; popula- 
 tion, 11,358 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $979,067; land taxed, 
 93,118 acres; county bonded debt, $34,450; county tax levy, 33 mills; amount 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA. 57 
 
 expended for county purposes, $63,796.10; number of schcx)! districts, 89; num- 
 ber of school 'Children, 3,848; school land in county, 259 quarter sections; 
 Government land subject to homestead entry, 7,000 acres; county seat, Talo- 
 ga; other leading towns, Seiling, Butte, and Blaine; principal occuption of 
 people, agriculture and stock raising; products, corn, wheat, Kaffir corn, cas- 
 tor beans, and cattle; undeveloped resources, cement deposits. 
 
 Garfield County. — Location, north central; area, 640,000 acres; population, 
 23,732 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, ?3,759,453; land taxed, 490,4.34 
 acres; county bonded debt, $46,000; county tax levy, 13 mills; amount expend- 
 ed for county purposes, $53,920.13; number of school districts, 128; number of 
 school children, 7,901; school land in county, 465 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, none, county seat, Enid; other leading 
 towns, Waukomis, North Enid, Kremlin, Roper, and Garber; principal occu- 
 pation of people, agriculture; products, wheat, corn, castor beans, and fruit; 
 manufacturing Industries, flouring mill.s, brickyards, and ice plants; undevel- 
 oped resources, cement and clay deposits. 
 
 Grant County.— Location, middle north; area, 672,000 acres; population, 
 19,096 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,423,855; land taxed, 466,894 
 acres; county bonded debt, $29,000; county tax levy, 10% mills; amount ex- 
 pended for county purposes, $48,775.26; number of school districts, 124; num- 
 ber of school children, 6,497; school land in county, 480 quarter sections; Gov- 
 ernment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat, Pond Creek, 
 other leading towns, Medford, Jefferson, Manchester, Hunter, Lamont, and 
 Eddy; principal occupation of people, agriculture; products, wheat, corn, cas- 
 tor beans, cattle and hogs; manufacturing industries, flouring mills; undevel- 
 oped resources, salt plains. 
 
 Greer County. — Location, extreme southwest; area, 1,511,575 acres; popula- 
 tion, 29,771 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $4,174,776; land taxed, 
 404,821 acres; county bonded debt, $20,000; county tax levy, 13.1 mills; 
 amount expended for county purposes, $49,151.21; number of school districts, 
 109; number of school children, 11,120; school land in county, 1,134 quarter 
 sections; Government land subject to homestead entry, 34,000 acres; county 
 seat, Mangum; other leading towns, Altus, Navajoe, Granite, Leger, Texola, 
 and Eldorado; principal occupation of people, agriculture and stock raising; 
 products, wheat, corn, cotton, cane, cattle, hogs, and sheep; manufacturing 
 industries, salt and cement works, flouring mills; undeveloped resources, 
 granite quarry, cement deposits, oil and gas wells. 
 
 Kay County. — Location, northeast; area, 575,000 acres; population, 22,766 
 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,775,955; land taxed, 340,030 acres; 
 county bonded debt, $35,000; county tax levy, 17.8 mills; amount expended 
 for county purposes, $36,652.24; number of school districts, 89; number of 
 school children, 7,559; school land in county, 325 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat, Newkirk; other 
 leading towns, Ponca, Blackwell, Tonkawa, Kildare, and Kaw city; principal 
 occupation of people, agriculture; products, wheat, corn, cattle, and hogs; 
 manufacturing industries, flouring mills, cement works, brickyards, and stone 
 quarries; undeveloped resources, cement and stone deposits. 
 
 Kingfisher County— Location, central; area 493,570 acres; population, 19,594 
 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,369,469; land taxed, 472,435 acres; 
 county bonded debt, $40,900; county tax levy, 0.17 mills; amount expended 
 for county purposes, $51,195.58; number of school districts, 117 number of 
 school children, 6,985; school land in county, 200 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat. Kingfisher; other 
 leading towns, Hennessey, Cashion, Dover, and Kiel; principal occupation of 
 people, agriculture; products, corn, wheat, cotton, castor beans; manufactur- 
 ing industries, fiouring mills, ice plants, cement works; undeveloped re- 
 sources, cement beds. 
 
 Kiowa County. — Location, south central; area, 734,000. acres; population, 
 22,685 (1902 enumeration); land taxed, 34,764 acres; number of school dis- 
 
o8 EEPOET OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA, 
 
 tricts, 94; number of school children, 5,052; school land in county, 720 quartei 
 sections; Government land subject to homestead entry, 5,081 acres; county 
 seat, Hobart; other leading towns, Harrison, Lone Wolf, Mountain View, 
 Roosevelt, Snyder, and Mountain Park; principal occupation of people, agri- 
 culture and stock raising; products, wheat, corn, cotton, and live stock; man- 
 ufacturing industries, cotton mill, cotton compress, ice plant, flouring mill, 
 farm machinery manufactory; undeveloped resources, stone, gas, and mineral 
 deposits. 
 
 Lincoln County. — Location, middle east; area, 619,000 acres; population, 
 28,904 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,611,497; land taxed, 427,648 
 acres, county bonded debt, $67,000; county tax levy, 27% mills; amount ex- 
 pended for county purposes, $58,642.89; number of school districts, 135; num- 
 ber of school children, 10,477; school land in county, 212 quarter sections; 
 Government land subject to homestead entry, 32 acres; county seat. Chand- 
 ler; other leading towns, Stroud, Wellston, and Fallis; principal occupation of 
 people, agriculture; products, cotton, corn, peanuts, castor beans, hogs, and 
 cattle; manufacturing industries, oil mills, flouring mills, pressed brick plant; 
 undeveloped resources, cement and clay deposits. 
 
 Logan County. — Location, east central; area, 456,000; population, 38,- 
 562 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $4,911,079; land taxed, 438,894 acres 
 county bonded debt, $163,000; county tax levy, 171/2 mills; amount expended 
 for county purposes, $84,973.18; number of school districts, 110; number of 
 school children, 8,648; school land in county, 165 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat Guthrie; other 
 leading towns, Mulhall, Orlando, Coyle, and Navina; principal occupation of 
 people, agriculture and commerce; products, wheat, com, cotton, fruits, mel- 
 ons, castor beans, cattle hogs, broom corn; manufacturing industries, oil 
 mill, flouring mills, planing mills, broom factory, foundries, ice plants, etc. 
 
 Noble County — Location northeast; area 398,000 acres; population, 12,028; 
 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $2,782,907; land taxed, 306,190 acres; 
 county bonded debt, $70,500; county tax levy, 19i/^ mills; amount expended 
 for county purposes, $132,420.73; number of school districts, 67; number of 
 school children, 3,862; school land in county, 192 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat Perry; other lead- 
 ing towns, Billings, Morrison, and Red Rock; principal occupation of peo- 
 ple, agriculture; products, wheat, corn, cotton, castor beans, cattle, and hogs; 
 manufacturing industries, flouring mills, ice plant. 
 
 Oklahoma County.— Location, south central; area, 461,720 acres; popula- 
 tion, 32,761 (1902 enumertion); taxable valuation, $7,062,444; land taxed,387,606 
 acres; county bonded debt, $137,600; county tax levy, 12 mills; amount ex- 
 pended for county purposes, $89,406.13; number of school districts, 105; num- 
 ber of school children, 10,366; school land in county, 159 quarter sections; 
 Government land subject to homestead entry none; county seat, Oklahoma 
 City; other leading towns, Edmond, Luther, Choctaw City, Jones, Britton; 
 principal occupation of people, agriculture and commerce; products, wheat, 
 com, cotton, fruits, grapes, cattle, and hogs; manufacturing industries, oil 
 nill, cotton compress, flouring mills, brickyards, broom factory, ice plant, 
 etc. 
 
 Pawnee County — Location, extreme northeast; area, 333,000 acres; popula- 
 tion, 13,327 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $2,317,021; land taxed. 
 158,523 acres; county bonded debt, $32,000; county tax levy, 30 mills; amount 
 expended for county purposes, $70,361.93; number of school districts, 80; num- 
 ber of school children, .4,906; school land in county,. 200 quarter sections: 
 Government land subject to homestead entry, 58 acres; county seat. Pawnee; 
 other leading towns, Cleveland, Blackburn, Jennings, Ralston; principal oc- 
 cupation of people, agriculture and stock raising; products, wheat, corn, 
 cotton, castor beans, cattle, and hogs; manufacturing industries, flouring 
 mills, sawmills, ice plants; undeveloped resources, building stone deposits, 
 
 Payne County — Location, northeast; area 484,000 acres; population, 22,084 
 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,812,330; land taxed, 364,068 acres; 
 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHO]\[A. 59 
 
 county bonded debt, $78,000; county tax levy, 9^/4 mills; amount expended for 
 county purposes, $43,088.10; number of school districts, 100; number of school 
 children, 8,404; school land in county, 198 quarter sections; Government land 
 subject to homestead entry none; county seat, Stillwater; other leading 
 towns, Perkins, Ripley, Gushing, Glencoe; principal occupation of people, 
 agriculture: products, wheat, corn, cattle, cotton, castor beans, and fruits; 
 manufacturing industries, flouring mills, brick and ice plants. 
 
 Pottawatomie Gounty — Location, extreme south; area, 501,000 acres; popu- 
 lation, 39,054 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $3,676,103; land taxed, 
 265,607 acres; county bonded debt, 51,500; county tax levy, 15^^ mills; amount 
 expended for county purposes, $58,359.56; number of school districts, 112; 
 number of school children, 11,716; school land in county, 168 quarter sections; 
 Government land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat, Tecumseh; 
 other leading towns, Shawnee, McLoud, Avoca, Keokuk Falls, Dale, and 
 Earlsboro; principal occupation of people, agriculture; products, wheat, cot- 
 ton, corn, cattle, hogs, peaches, apples, and grapes; manufacturing industries, 
 flouring mill, oil mill, railway shops, brickyard^; undeveloped resources, 
 building-stone and clay deposits. 
 
 Roger Mills Gounty. — Location, extreme west; area, 757,000 acres; popula- 
 tion, 10,407 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $1,514,375; land taxed, 
 77,654 acres; county bonded debt, $37,650; county tax levy, 20 mills; amount 
 expended for county purposes, $26,972.47; number of school districts, 49; num- 
 ber of school children, 4,140; school land in county, 265 quarter sections; Gov- 
 ernment land subject to homestead entry, 16,218 acres; county seat, Chey- 
 enne; other leading towns, Berlin, Busch, and Sayre; principal occupation of 
 people, agriculture and stock raising; products, cattle and cattle feed, corn, 
 cotton, and w^heat. 
 
 Washita Gounty. — Location, southwest; area, 1,275,000 acres; population, 
 19,880 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $1,785,725; land taxed, 230.405 
 acres; county bonded debti, $78,000; county tax levy, 44.9 mills; amount ex- 
 pended for county purposes, $50,225; number of school districts, 89! number 
 of school children, 7,376; school land in county, 256 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat, Gordell; other 
 leading towns, Gloud Ghief, Herald, Wood, Rocky, Foss, Stout, Sentinel; prin- 
 cipal occupation of people, agriculture; products, Gotton, wheat, corn, castor 
 beans, cattle, and hogs; undeveloped resources, cement and gypsum beds. 
 
 Woods Gounty. — Location, central north; area, 1,732,000 acres; population, 
 46,302 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $6,553,761; land taxed, 864,596 
 acres; county bonded debt, $47,000; county tax levy, 10 mills; amount expend- 
 ed for county purposes, $$55,750.76; number of school districts, 260; number of 
 school children, 14,908; school land in county, 1,223 quarter sections; Govern- 
 ment land subject to homstead entry, 43,916 acres; county seat, Alva; other 
 leading towns, Cleo, Agusta, Garmen, Ingersoll, Ringwood, Rusk, Aline, Ye- 
 wed. Waynoka; principal occupation of people, agriculture and stock raising; 
 products, wheat, corn, cane, castor, beans, peaches, cattle, and hogs; manu- 
 factoring industries, flouring mills, creameries; undeveloped resources, salt, 
 guano deposits. 
 
 Woodward County — Location, northwest; area, 2,124,000 acres; population, 
 17.163 (1902 enumeration); taxable valuation, $2,373,234.60; land taxed, 224,334 
 acres; county bonded debt, $15,855; county tax levy, 23^/^ mills; amount ex- 
 pended for county purposes, $140,937.13; number of school districts, 182; num- 
 ber of school children, 6,644; school land in county, 102 quarter sections; Gov- 
 ernment land subject to homestead entry, none; county seat. Woodward; 
 other leading towns, Curtis, Alston, Gage, Tangier, and Shattuck; principal 
 occupation of people, agriculture and stock raising; products, cattle, sheep, 
 wheat, corn, cane; undeveloped resources, salt and cement deposits. 
 
■it 
 
 A FEW REPRESENTATIVE BUILDINGS IN CITIES OF OKLAHOMA. 
 
LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
 016 093 708 7