Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1885-11-12

the cost OF instruction is nominal
There is but one serious drawbacl
TO our educational system. II liel
in the fact that the public SCHOOL,
\ are taught in English by Englisl
teachers, while at least one half o
the children of the nation do no
speak or understand the language
and get no benefit Of consequence
from the expenditure of theii
money. ! suggest, therefore
that proper proportion of the
school fund be used in boarding
Cherokee speaking children where
the acquisition Of English will be Q
matter of course.
coLoRED HIGH SCHOOL,
A desire has been expressed by
colored citizens for some provision
Of law that will offer to their child.
rem the benefits of an academic
educatisn. This desire is reason.
able and just. The benefits of such
an education belong to the "righ.s
of Native Cherokeos," granted to
our colored citizens by treaty, and
cannot be honorably refused.
therefore submit the subject to your
conscientious consideration how to
afford an education to the solorod
children of the nation equal TO that
of other children, and within the
limits of an appropriation for the
purpose that will bear a Just pro-
portion TO the number of colored
citizens.
LANDS WEST OF 900.
There has been up to this date
paid into the treasury, as tax for
grasing cattle west of the Arkansas
river, the sum os250, 900. 1t has
been suggested 10 divide this sum,
and dispose Of the remaining $780,
600 of the tax for the first three
years for other purposes. Your
bodies are competent to decide in
accordance With the requirements
Of the time, and the will OF your
constituents. AS for these lands,
the same title covers them as that
of the Cherokee lands east of $50,
nothing being conceded to the
United States in their regard but
the authority TO settle friendly In
dians thereon under the 10th arti-
Gle of the treaty of 1868. The land
not so settled remains Cherokee
property by treaty and by patent.
Some of it has been so settled by
the Poncss, Pawnees, Nez Perces,
Otoes and Missourias-551, 1872
"A acres. The remainder, about
6, ,000,000 acres, is the land which
the nation has authorized COM
pany of citizens of the United
States to Craze cattle upon. The
word "lease" inadvertedly used in
the law authorizing the agreement,
has given rise to mistaken con-
struction of it. 1t is sufficient TO
say that it is not competent for the
council, according to the constitu-
ton, to make a title to land in any
sense, in order to show that moth
ing of the kind was intended. The
council considered that they were
granting to the stock association
the same license to Craze stock
west of go that the council had
many times granted to different
citizens of the United States east |
of $50, no moreno less. The |
authorities so understand the law,
and so it is understood to be ex-
pressed in the native language. / |
suggest however that the true in
tent and object of the council be
made the subject Of a declaratory
and at the same time
that the right of the nation to exer-
else every act OF ownership consis-
tent with the title it has to those
lands be affirmed and defended |
with what vigor and firmness occa-
sion may require.
THE STOCK LAW.
This industry is declared TO be
Dne Of vast importance and entitled |
20 all reasonable encouragement.
Il is therefore recommended, among
)ther amendments, that the time
or introduction of cattle be extend
ID. An extension to the first of
Iune is suggested.
PERMIT MATTERS.
Hired labor from abroad is de-
Jared TO be a necessity. The ex-
sting law is a good one, except
perhaps as 10 tax imposed, but
hould be amended for the more
ertain attainment of its objects.
CITIZENSHIP.
This is declared to be the most i'm
'ortant question before council but
70 specific recommendations are
made. The meaning of the treaty
lause call the rights Of native
'herokees" is presented as a prob
sm which should be solved.
FORFEITED CITIZENSHIP.
1t is discretionary with council
'hether or not they admit certain
ersons who have forfeited citizen
hip by removal or otherwise. In
he past this body has been too
enerous in the exercise Of this au- I
AOlibJs many VI OuI ClblLclb dE
Iell as the United States author
les have been led into the error
{ believing all who can prove {
herokee blood entitled to citizen I
hip rights. The constitution does
OF so provide. The position of {
lch parties is that Of a petitioner
)r favor and not as a claimant for {
right. The enactment Of appro- !
rate regulations TO govern cases !
( readmission is suggested. Nom '
lterference by the United States {
hould be insisted upon.
ADMISSION TO CITIZENSHIP. q
No obligation rests upon the ma I
on 10 admit any citizen Of a !
lreipm pOvarnmanf The intar