Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1882-11-17

formed that, the right to defn
what Constitutional improvement
consists of being in your Bodie
alone, the Executive Departmen
did not feel justified in interferin,
to prevent the fencing of larg'
tracts by citizens. The Executive
was aware that such fencing coult
not reduce or infringe upon th'
common right, since should tn,
immense enclosure made be decid
ed by you not to be Improvement
under the Constitution, the fencing
did no harm; but if such enclosures
should fall within your description
of improvements, any interference
on his part would have been itself
unconstitutional.
But, although, by no direct OF
indirect expression of my views ol
the legality and property Of such
fencing, has any citizen been en-
couraged by this Department to
absorb disproprotionate share Of
the Common domain to himself in
such q manner, yet, considered a.
a means TO guard the Nation from
depredations 70 U. s. citizens along
our line, who take our timber and
Craze their stock from our lands
without leave, it must be admitted
that strong and durable fence is
exceedenly useful to. guard the
common property and rights in
that quarter. twas without doubt
the pressing need for such protec-
ton there that first suggested fenc-
ing as the only means efiectual at
the time to afford it.
But fencing to keep others from
taking what belongs to us, and
fencing to keep others from having
what belongs to them il two very
different things. tits singular that
in this case both Of these objects
seem to have been had in view.
With the above exposition of a
question of the greatest moment
to every Cherokee, l submit it to
your wisdom for such . definition
Of. the term Improvement" IS will
secure to each one his equal right
in the common domain, without
any restriction of the golden op-
portunities our tenure in common
ls meant to afford to the enterpris-
ing and industrious citizen in every
lair and legitimate direction.
LOSS IN TIMBER AND COAL.
The fact that our richest bottoms
,annot be cleared for farming pur-
poses without some disposition of
he valuable timber thereon-that
imbcr naturally deteriorates and
'educes in value after maturity
hat the market for lumber in our
country is easily supplied, leaving |
large surplus, especially walnut,
o be saved or lost according TO the |
equations made by law for its dis
,osal-impcls me to suggest the
passage of a law suthorising some
economical disposition Of the Ma
ions crop Of matured timber,
vhich will prevent the great loss
rising from waste, decay, and
leprodation.
In regard also to the existing
aw regulating the lease and work.
ng Of coal mines, it is we'll known
hat the law does not adequately
erve its purpose of revenue. Ire
ommcnd such a change in its pro-
isions as will give more encourage
nent to the prospecting and operat-
ng Of such mines, and as will secure
0 the Nation the profits from that
pecies Of its property. which ought
D be realized.
SALT MINES WEST 96.
BY act Of Congress your Hon.
'odies have been authorised 10
ease the Salt mines in our country
'cst of 50 for term of 20 Years.
large revenue may be looked for
rom the wise exercise Of this au-
hority. For the necessary infor-
nation in regard to those mines,
refer you TO the report which the
delegation will make to you, and
'hich l have not seen.
= = =
CONCLUSION.
The nature of our relations with
nc United States IL such that q
delegation TO Washington will be
oubtlessly required as measure Of
rudcnce, and in order TO settle
arious vital questions now and
" some time past in suspension.
n doing this as well rs in the
crformance Of all our other duties,
4 us work together 10 smooth the
journey which our
ommon country IL pursuing.
ct us at least not indulge in any
artisan or personal bitterness by
lsting stones in the way our chill
rem must travel when We are
)ne.
d. w. BUSHYHEAD,
Principal Chief.