The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-01-05
OCMULGEE INDIAN COUNCIL.

ton and bill OF rights as presented by
the committee for the consideration of the
council:
The people of the nations of Indians
inhahiting the Indian Territory have
met to frame laws and arrange the ma
chinery of a government for the country
occupied and owned by them, in order to
draw themselves together in closer bond
of union, for the better protection of
their rights, the improvement of them
selves and the place of their residence,
upon the guidance and favor of Al
mighty God to enable them to carry out
the provision of the treaties of 1866.
Article defines the boundaries of the
Indian Territory, and guarantees to each
nation entering into this contract the
same rights of transit commerce or ex-
change in any of said nations which it
has in It's own, subject only to consisten-
cy with the treaties of the United States,
and such laws as may be enacted accord
ing to the provisions of this constitution.
Article 3 distributes the power of the
government into the executive, legisla-
tive and judicial departments.
Article 3 vests the legislative power
in General Assembly, composed of a
Senate and House of Representatives.
The Senate shall consist of one member
for every nation whose population shall
equal 1000, and one member for every
additional 1000, or fractional part
thereof greater than 1,000 Provided,
that nations whose individual population
does not equal 1900 may unite, and be
represented in the same ratio; and pro
| 0ided further, that Ottawas, Peorias and
| Quapaws shall be entitled to one Senator,
and the Senecas, Wyandottes, and Shaw
nees to one Senator, and the Sacs anf'
Foxes to one Senator. The House of
Representatives shall consist of one mem.
Der tor each nation, and an additional
member for every 1000 population or
fractional part of 1000 above 500. No
persons are eligible to the office of mem
Der Of the general Assembly, but bona
tide citizens of the nation represented,
AMI those who have attained the age of
25 years. The term of Office is two years
| The mode of election is by the qualified
voters, according to the law and usages
of the nations voting. The compensation
is fixed at 81 per day, and 81 for every
twenty five miles travelling, going and
returning by the shortest practicable
route. No member is to receive paw
for more than thirty days in any one an
nual session. The General Assembly has
no power to legislate upon any but the
following subjects: Those pertaining to
the intercourse and relations of the
Indian Territory the arrest and extradi
ton Of criminals escaping from one ma
ton to another; the administration of
justice between members of the several
nations of said Territory, and persons
other than Indians and members of the
nations, and the common defence and
safety of the nations of said Territory.
There are various other provisions per
tanning to the legislative department, but
they are almost identical with those
found in the constitutions of the different
States of the Union
The judicial power is vested in q SUI
preme Court and three District Courts. |
and such inferior courts as may be pro- |
vided by law. The three District Judges
constitute the Supreme Court, when con
vened in semi-annual session at the capi-
tai of the Territory. One Judge is to
retire from office every two years. The
official term is six years. The Supreme
Court has appellate jurisdiction from the
Inferior courts and original jurisdiction
in cases prescribed by law, but cannot
interfere with the civil and criminal iu
risdiction retained by each nation in
their treaties of 1866. District Courts
have jurisdiction in matters of trade and |
intercourse between the several nations. |
and all cases arising under the legislation
of the government. The other provisions
touching the judiciary are similar to /
those ia the States.
The executive power is vested in a |
Governor, whose term of office is two |
years. He must be so years of age. Hisl
powers and duties are such as usually /
pertain to the Office in the State He is
clothed with veto power, Provision is
also made for the Secretary of the Terri
tory who Is also to be er office Treasurer
also for Attorney General, District At
torneys, Marshals, and Deputies
The council spent several days in dis
cussipg and fully explaining to the salts
faction OF all It's members the provisions
OF the constitution, and at noon of the
Goth they took a vote upon rs adoption,
preparatory to submitting it to the diff
feront nations for their adoption. The
result OF the vote was-ayes, 90 nays 8.
No other important business was transact
ed by the council, which adjourned on
the afternoon of the goth, to meet at
Ocmulgee Creek Nation, on the first Mon
day ia June, 1871 o
Edward Loring of the Bureau Of Sta
tistlcs, ascertains that there has been an