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Show Lf-G 77 Kq'tr inn/lf 19 lb/vUcneiy t , "". 45223-I802. OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. .171'.. ;:;; 7... WASHINGTON,December 30,1S02» Tiie Honorable Ths Secretary of the Interior. Sir: I cm in receipt of a communication from Amasa Thornton, Esq., dated Washington, D.C, December 16, 1B92, in which he Kikes application to lease for mining purposes a part of the Uncompahgro Ute Reservation in Utah. I am also in receipt of a communication from Mr. Thornton dated New York City, December 20, 1S92, in which he refers to his former communication and presents an argument to show that the Unc orr.pahgre Utes occupying said reservation have a right under the law to lease their tribal lands. The matter is submitted for the determination of the Department as to whether or not the Indians occupying the Uncompahgre Reservation in Utah have a right under the law to lease their tribal lands for mining purposes. The law which authorizes the leasing of tribal lands is contained in section 3 of the Act approved February 28, 1S91 (26 Stats., 794), and provides as follows: X X X 'That where lands are occupied by Indians ivho have |