Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1888-08-30

was convened parties were allowed
to make proposals on the spot
the only difference in the manner
Of proceeding from that ofthe reg
ular session being that, whereas
there was then only one, there were
now three. One after the other
Of these three presented their
propositions, each Offering a little
more than the others had offered
until one OF the parties retired
from the field after offering
sl60 600 a year.
There were now but two Of the
original three LETT. One offered
s175,000 and refused TO increase
the offer. The other offered 1885,
600, or ten thousand dollars more.
II now became necessary to do
what properly framed advertise.
ments would have accomplished
without delay or trouble but
which, at all events, had to be
done before the bargain could be
closed with any party.
The council must satisfy itself
that the party offering the most
money was legally known as rep
resented by itself ; that the party
was aware of the terms and condi-
tions upon which alone our lands
west Of go could be used as pas
lures or for grazing and lastly,
that the party was willing to abide
by those terms and conditions,
should his proposal be accepted
by the nation.
So ain investigation was ordered
by the national council TO ascer-
tain how those matters stood, in
reference to the party offering the
most money, slS5,OOO.
The result of the investigation
was sustained by a decisive vote of
the council. 1t was declared by
the committee who conducted the
inquiry that the company purport-
ing to offer slS5, 900 was found to
have no legal standing, recogni-
tion, or basis as a company that
the representative Of the party on
the ground, and making the offer,
was himself unaware, by his own
Acknowledgements, Of the condi-
tions attending the grant solicited
by him and that, being made
aware, he was undetermined what
to say or do in regard to those con-
ditions, and could not answer in
their respect for those he rep
resented.
Without in the least impugning
the motives or the conduct Of Mr..
Henry, Of whom all spoak well,
the council decided in effect that,
in the light of the disclosures made,
the offer of Mr.. Henry was no such
offer as the council could accept
since he was Offering a considera-
tion for something the nation could
not grant, viz The unencumber.
ed and unembarrassed use Of the
SO called "Outlet" for grazing pur-
poses, and as though the nations
right OF possession was not limited
by treaty.
This finding and declaration by
a vote Of the national council, left
but one proposition in the field
that Of $3.50 from an organized
company who was found to be ful-
ly aware OF the situation in all its
aspects, and who was willing and
prepared to accept it as il was.
The question then was left by
the council to be answered by the
chief, and by him alone, whether
the proposition Of s175 900 for the
grazing privileges west Of $685.
with all their membranes and
drawbacks, real, probable, and
possible, should be accepted, or
shall the nation wait until next
November and an indefinite length
Of time afterward, upon the bare
hope or expectation Of getting
more than sl75, 900 from some un-
known organized company who
might be found willing to give
more "and take the chances"
know nothing Of the standing
of the company represented by
Mr.. Wilson, but u is signihcan
that he withdrew after offering
slG0, 600 a year.
In the course Of year, the ONLY
proposal exceeding $4,000 il
from an unorganized company
who are unwilling TO accept tn,
conditions attached TO the grant o
grazing privileges, but throw the
onus Of risk and responsibility en-
tirely upon the nation.
What assurance have the people
that another year will not pas
away and find the authorities 0
the nation still contending, will
additional vpru garfCug ahqfacla