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Attempts by evil-disposed persons to invade the Indian Territory and to take possession of certain unoccupied lands there have so far been successfully frustrated by the prompt action of the government, but they have been as persistently repeated. It is reported that another attempt is in preparation now. The military forces of the United States in the Territory are instructed to arrest the intruders and to take proper measures to bring them to justice as they have done heretofore. But it is evident that the penalty imposed upon repeated intrusion into the Indian Territory, which penalty consists in a mere fine and is difficult of enforcement, is not sufficient to deter lawless characters from such undertakings. I concur with the Commissioner in recommending that a law be passed adding the penalty of imprisonment to that of a fine. If this is done invaders will know that such attempts are not without serious risks to them.

In conclusion I desire to express to the War Department my grateful acknowledgments for cordial and prompt co-operation whenever the exigencies of the service called for it.

During the last fiscal year public lands were disposed of as follows: