Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-27

question of opening the territory to
white settlement was further emphasized
in the following resolutions submitted
by Ex-Governor Fletcher of Missouri,
chairman of the committee on resolu-
tons, which were adopted:
First, that the condition of affairs in the
Indian territory Is blot upon public
morals and disgrace to our government.
and that its political status is a barrier to
the prosperity and commerce OF the south
west; and that its perpetulty Is detrl-
mental to the interests of the Indians.
Second, that in justice TO the Indians
inhabiting the Indian territory, and in
furtherance of a sound policy of promoting
civilization among them, as well as in
simple justice and fairness toward the
people of the states bordering on the
territory: such action should be taken by
the congress of the United States as will
give the Indians OF the whole territory
the benefits of the protection of the laws
of the United States for life, liberty and
property, the same as accorded to the
inhabitants OF other territories, and at the
same time give 20 the citizens OF the states
the same rights and afford to them the
same legal remedies accorded by law to
them in the other territories of the United
States: that to that end such court or
courts as contemplated by the treaties OF
1886, with the usual jurisdiction of
United States court, should be at once es-
tablished, and such territorial govern
ment be provided for said territory as may
be deemed necessary to effect the objects
hereinbefore recited, and under the laws
Of congress may be adequate to the protec-
ton of person, property and enforcement
OF contracted obligations, giving to the
Indians the same right of election Of Of
ficers as is given the inhabitants OF other
territories
Third That we recommend that con-
gress provide by law that an Indian who
has adopted the manners and customs OF
civilized life may be admitted to citizen
ship by taking al oath before any United
States court to support the constitution OF
the United States and to faithfully demean
himself rs d citizen thereof; provided that
such Indian shall not, by reason OF so be-
coming a citizen, forfeit any interest he
may have had heretofore or thereafter &C.
quire to any land or money of his nation
or tribe; and further, that the United
States court having civil or criminal Juris-
diction over the nation or tribe TO which
such Indian SO becoming citizen may be
a member shall be vested with civil Jurls-
diction over all cases where the amount
involved shall not exceed 500, wherein one
of the parties shall be citizen Of the
United States, whether Indian or white.
Several speeches were made In sup
port Of the memorial and resolutions in
all Of which any intention Of interfering
with the rights of the Indians or de-
priye them OF the lands they are entitled
to under the terms of treaties made with
them by the government, was clearly
and emphatically disclaimed, but rather
to assinilate the interests of the
Indian with those of the other states.
From the number and character of
delegates in attendance and the earnest
yet conservative spirit that seemed to
control its deliberations the occasion
cannot fail to exert favorable influence
upon congress in its consideration and
final action upon the question at issue.