Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1882-11-24
APPENDIX TO MESSAGE.
CITIZENSHIP.

claims to Cherokee citizenship has
grown to be a menace to the peace
and privileges of our people, and a
source of embarrassment to their
government; and | warn you that
settlement ofthe question involv-
ed cannot be longer delayed with
any degree of safety.
You will notice that the 9th
Article of the Treaty of 1866 pied
ges the United States to remove as
intruders only those unlawfully re-
siding, or sojourning, in the coun-
try. But the question is, what
residents are unlawful and by what
means they shall be permanently
ascertained to be either, SO that
the authorities of the U. S. Gov
eminent will be SO far satisfied as
to remove those who are found to
be unlawfn, residents. l regret to
say that the action heretofore au-
thorized and taken by the Nation
al Council in reference to claims to
citizenship, has failed of its pur-
pose so far as concerns the remov-
al, under treaty provisions, of
those declared rejected" by our
National Tribunals. The act of
last Council formally recognizing
the right Of each one whose name
appears undisputed on the Census
Roll as citizen, and ordering q
copy to be kept for perpetual refer
ence, is admirably adapted to
avoid the like trouble in future.
But the vexed question still re-
mains in regard to those resident
claimants who have been declared
not entitled by Cherokee authority
who reside in our midst, and
whom the United States Govern
ment does not see its way clear to
expel-who are amenable to no
law and protected by none---and
whose numbers are dangerously
large and constantly increasing. 1t
is for you TO consider and solve
this question.
1t viii depend upon the wisdom,
prudence, and justice of your ac-
ton touching this vitality important
subject, whether one Of the main
bulwarks Of the Cherokee people
shall remain longer imperative,
and the status of a large and in
creasing class of our residents be
left undetermined.
For your information / submit
copies Of documents relating to the
subject, including the decision Of
the Attorney General under date
of December 18th, 1880; and the
brief of Col. w. A. Phillips, sub
mitted with ''test case" TO the
Attorney General.
THEJAIL.
If the condition of the finances,
in your opinion, permit an expend-
iture for that purpose, I respect
fully suggest that an appropriation
DC made for the establishing Of work
shops in connection with the Jail,
by means of which, with proper
management, the prisoners will be
taught some useful trade, and the
institution at the same time be
made in a large degree self-support-
ing. 1t is plain that the intention
of he law, both as regards the pun
ishmcnt and reformation OF the con-
vict requires him TO be profitably
employed while confined. If SO
employed the expense of his board
and clothing to the Nation will nee
essarily be reduced to minimum,
or TO nothing. But suitable ex-
pcnditure Of money for material,
etc., with prudent regulations in
regard to the use of the same will
first be necessary, should the plan
be adopted OF teaching the convicts
useful trades.
The receipts from convict en-
ployment are greater, while the ex-
pense Of keeping them is less than
last year, in spite Of the very un-
favorable condition in which the
jail was taken in charge by High
Sheriff French.
CARRYING DANGEROUS WEAPONS.
The pcmicious and dangerous
practice Of carrying deadly weap-
ons should, II possible be more
strictly retained. Too many ac-
cidents and ARRAYS resulting in the
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