Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1888-11-08
TIE ANNUAL MESSAGE.
An Bpitome Of it's Contents and
Recommendations.

peace and security that He has
given our government, and let us
extend our thanks TO that proud
and honorable government, the
United States, for its just and fair
dealings with us as an Indian race.
While we have seen and felt the
unreasonable and unjust efforts of
men in high places to despoil and
rob us of our property; to take
from us the land secured to us by
our forefathers--that patrimony
secured to us by the most sacred
title, by an undisputod fee-simple
title, we feel proud and happy to
say that the strong arm of that
magnificent government will ever
throw around the Cherokees that
necessary protection for this their
heritage; that she will not see us
dealt with only on just principles,
the same as other races OF man
kind, and that we have rights that
must be protected. And now
while we rely with implicit conf
dence on that government for pro-
lection, it behooves us at home
to look well to our own household,
be faithful and true to every inter-
est of the Cherokee people. Then
we are safe and can demand the
respect of other nations.
Reported revenue i'm the treas
ury: General fund, s9,035. .43 ID:
school, s45, ,755 43 IL; orphan,
sl3, ,0O6.S1; insane, s4,Ol9. 50 -;
total, 81, ,Sl7.4S ID.
Following the financial report
the chief informs council of Treas
urer Ross transactions with the
cowmen on the strip, wherein the
treasurer leased the country for
three months and took out $3.50
as commission, the particulars OF
which our readers well know.
The subject of the strip is dismiss
ed with the announcement that the
sl15, 1000 act, passed last June will
be disapproved because "beyond
the possibility Of a doubt, the
Cherokees can get to-day more
money than has ever been offered
for tins privilege, and from parties
whose responsibility you cannot
doubt, and who are ready to pay
the money in advance. The duty
you owe to your country demands
that you consider the highest and
most responsible bid. Now by all
means, in the name Of justice to
the Cherokee people, and in the
name Of common sense, let US all
come together in harmony and
handle this important question to
the best interest Of the Cherokee
people"
The amount of revenue which
accrued east of 500 for fiscal
year was s2j, 1880. a change in
our revenue system seems desira-
BILE and / would suggest: First,
remove commissions and substi-
tute reasonable salary instead;
create a revenue officer, empower
ed TO sue any person in default;
also provide national attorney
and a small secret service.
\ royalty is recommended upon
hay exported and unless council
does so the bill passed last year to
prohibit shipment, will be allowed
to become a law.
The monopoly Of the public do
main for any purpose is deplored
including the leasing for a term
of years for farming. To prevent
the grazing Of non-citizen cattle il
Is recommended that it be made a
misdemeanor, with strong penalty
affixed, for citizens TO Craze any
stock owned or claimed by non
citizens. The introduction Of for
eign cattle should be restricted to
winter months and penalty and
manner OF legal procedure improv-
ed.
A fre-proof building for treas
urer and auditor is recommended
built.
Improvements are suggested in
the judiciary system, as follows
By provision for appeal in crimi
nal cases, thus relieving the exc
cutiye department of responsible
ty. A clearer definition OF circum
stances under which writs of eject
ment and of habsas corpus shall be-
issued, is urged. II is also recon-
mended that the North Carolins
Cherokees be again invited tc
come west.
As the expense Of the Advocate
is not proportionate to the amount
of labor done, it is suggested that
the whole thing be let out to the
lowest bidder.
AS TO citizenship, the chief rec
ommends the trial Of the balance
Of cases docketed, and then the
abolishing Of a commission for
such a purpose forever.
Recommended:-That the Office
Of medical superintendent be
abolished and a physician employ
ed as occasion requires. That
means for the teaching Of mechan-
ical arts be employed in the ma
iionai prison. That the delegates
be instructed 10 ask Of the United
States The establishment Of a fed