Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-03-06
THE rAHLBoUAH MEETING.
A Modest Proposition, as Might
be Expected.

inClenent weather, to discuss the
sale of the western lands A
chairman and secretary was elect
ed. J. t. Cunningham explained
the object of the meeting. also
read resolutions and asked the
opinion of the meeting. There
were no speakers billed; those
who were called upon addressed
the meeting. Gideon Morgan ex-
pressed his views upon the sub
ject a. length-giving the history
of the acquisition of territory by
the United States from the great
powers of England, Spain, Russia,
Mexico and France.
In substance Mr.. Morgan said,
from the history of the past we
may read the story of the future.
He favored an Immediate sale, if
the market value can be realized
and under certain conditions, be-
lieving the United States will be
fair, but thinking she is determin-
ed to have the lends. Editor John
I. Drew was mex. called out. He
said the CheroFees had no cause
to be alarmed. The title TO those
lands had been conceded by the
United States supreme court and
by United States senators. Mr..
Drew favored negotiations, provid-
ed we get what the land is
worth and the government pay for
lands in Alabama, Arkansas and
Kansas belonging to us-give US
a fair price for what is termed No
Mans Land" which is Justly ours,
and repeal all railroad charters.
Judge G.. W. Benge was called.
He said, while hesitating to speak
vet he thought under the circum-
stances, it would be better for the
mass Of the people, to negotiate. /
The general sentiment of ali |
present being obtained, the follow
ing preamble and resolutions were |
drafted and adopted:
Whereas, The Cherokee people /
have been offered by the United |
States sl.25 per acre for all of the
lands of the Cherokees lying west
of the 96Ih meridian. comprising /
6, 222 500 acres, and
Whereas, The question of the
sale of said lands is being now aa..
tated among the Cherokee people,
and the lands are the common
property of the Cherokees, and
Whereas, 1t might become ex-
pedient for the Cherokees TO sell
said lands, provided the United
States government would offer
their full market value, and
Whereas, Those lands have in
creased and are constantly increas-
ing in value for agricultural pur-
poses and the mineral resources,
consisting Of salt, lead, iron, gyp-
sum and building stone exist on
these lands in exhaustable quanti-
ties, all of which are the property
of the Cherokee people. and the
beautiful town sites on the several
railroads running through said .
lands, all Of which tend to increase
their value, and
Whereas. The Cherokee people
have the right &c peacably as
semble and discuss their rights
and to petition setting forth their
wishes, and
Whereas, The Cherokees have
an absolute right Of possession
and ownership to said land in Its
present condition TO keep and hold
and USE the same or sell it if they
see proper to do so, now IA
Therefore, be it resolved, By
the people of Tahlequah district
in mass meeting asse mbled, that
we favor the plan Of the Chero-
KEGS, voting on a proposition from
he United States TO buy said
ands, provided the government
will make an offer of not less than
i've dollars (s5 00 per acre for the
sntire tract, and we ask that said
be submitted through
he national council 10 the people.
Provided, That the United
States abrogate the 18Th ar
icls of the treaty of July. 1866;
lut out all intru lers and keep
hem out, according to treaty;
BAY for lands in Alabama, Arkan-
Ias and Kansas belonging to US i
n short settle all arrearages give
Is fair price tor what is termed
No Mans Land" which is right ,
ully ours, or let US have access TO .
he United States courts advance :
he case on the docket so as TO a
peedily settle the title of said [
No Mans Land;;" that the juris- y
Iiction of the United States courts :