Any railroad corporation is authorized to pass over, occupy and enjoy all the public lands, to the extent and in the manner prescribed by the Act of Congress approved March 3, 1875: Provided, that the damages accruing to any occupant or possessory claimant or other person who may reside on or have improvements upon said public land, shall be determined and paid by said railroad corporation as provided in this chapter for owners of private lands. R.L. 1910, § 1408.
Oklahoma Legal Code