Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-03-20

ual menace to the nationality. .
l believe, however. when we art
offered fair price, it viii be wise
to ssll-especially, if in the ar.
rangement we can strengthen oul
rights-not OF soil, but political
east of the ninety-sixth degree. II
ought not to be considered a party
question-all should desire the
fairest price possible, and endeav-
or to get it. =
What disposition is to be made
of the funds? l would have no
objection to the investment of a
sum sufficient, the interest on
which, together with our present
primary school fund, to be applied
TO the education Of our children,
in one or more boarding schools
in which each of the districts-all
the Cherokee speaking class would
by association, readily learn Eng
lish, and many of the English
speaking would thereby learn
Cherokee. The next generation of
adults would be brought nearer
together ia sympathy, language
and interest. All the balance, /
would desire paid per capita
among the people, as hereinafter
indicated. 1t is, however, very
important, that several provisions
be incorporated in the articles of
SALE
Judging from my personal ac-
quaintance, / think the number of
white men-intermarried-who
claim an interest in our soil other
than that of their wives and chill
dren-insignifcat-F And while l
think We made a very poor bar
gain with the Shawnees, | do not
question their right to share with
Us. The same may be said of the
children born to the Delarares
since their incorp Grafton. There
may be question as to the rights
of the older ones. l do not be-
lieve the negro entitled to a cent
of our moneys, or to a foot of land.
In 1868, after the war of the re-
bellion had ended, md the In
dians that had been involved in
it, were re-adjusting their relations
with the United States, the Creeks
being the least intelligently repre-
sented, on the so-cailed loyal side,
and being more than any of the
civilized tribes dominated by ne
gro influence, the government took
of their weakness, and
the first treaty with
them, the second article Of which
is as follows:
1.-The Creeks hereby covenant
and agree, that henceforth, neith-
er slavery nor involuntary ssrvi-
tude, otherwise than in the pun
ishment of crimes, whereof the
parties have been duly convicted
in accordance with laws applicable
to all members OF said tribe, shall
exist in said nation; and in as much
as there are among the Creeks
many persons of African descent,
who have no interess in the soil,
it is stipulated that hereafter these
persons, lawfully residing in said
Creek country, under their laws,
lsages, or who have been thus re-
siding in said country, and may re-
iurn within one year from the rati-
iication of this treaty and such 9TH
ers of the same race as may be
permitted by the laws Of said ma
ton to settle within the limits of
he jurisdiction of the Greek
nation as citizens (thereoD shall
nave and enjoy all the rights and
Of native citizens, ,iHelud-
ing an equal interest IN the soil and
latiOnal funds, and the laws of
said nation, shall be equa lily bind
ng upon, and give equal protec-
ion to all such persons, and Of all /
others of whatsoever race or color /
who may be adopted as citizens or |
members of said nation"
1t is only necessary to compare
he Cherokee and the Greek ar.i- |
Hes, n relation to the negro TO see |
he striking difference between |
hem and that they do not mean
he same thing. The Cherokee
.reaty is as follows:
"Article 9th. The Cherokee ma
ion hereby voluntarily in Feb
'uary, 1868, by an act of their na-
ional council, forever abolished
lavery, hereby covenant and agree
hat never hereafter shall either
lavery or involuntary servitude
.xist in their nation, otherwise
han for punishment of crime,
the party shall have been
luly convicted in accordance with
avs aDnlieable 10 ALI members Of /