Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1890-06-19

vi thAhNN INV W NAA'NI y "f'f"f
The condition that our country
is in to-day, no man can say that
he has permanent home.
Should our country be surveyed
(Which is sure at some time) farms
and pleasant homes that have been
made by hard, honest toll will be
cut in all imaginable shapes, and
perhaps years Of hard labor and
economy will have to be surren-
dered to some one else. Allot-
ment will not destroy the autono-
my of our nation; but on tive other
hand allotment will save il; when
this is done all is settled as to the
land question. There may be po-
litical differences, but that has
nothing to do with the destiny Of
our nation. But few years ago
the theory was advanced, that
"as long as grass grew and water
run, our title was good. 1t now
can fully be proven that the lux
uriant verdure, earth's beautiful
green robe and the ripping
stream, has ceased to exist. There
is but one way to save the nation
from any further molestation and
that is allotment.
have still another great reason
for calling for allotment. In 1880,
rs | have been credibly informed
by those who are in a position to
know, the freedmen, all told num-
bcred 1920. We now find at the
present date, by the same authori-
ty, 4 4,244, an increase of 1923 in
ten years. Where will your
Cherokee lands be in 1900, in case
Of actual division Of the domain a?
/ am here to say that this land be-
: longs to the Indian, by residence
9 and God given right; by purchase
' and conquest, by being banished
and exiled from once happy
! home to western wild, without
+, any subsistence, to live or starve,
as the case might be; but God
seemed to still extend the time fol
the persecution of the Indian, anc
/, to-day we are confronted with
problem that must soon be solved
and can tell you in all candor j
J is almost upon US.
II If there is any land for my
o family l want them to have 1T
Y 1t is now, that they need the bene
y nr Of what is jus.iy 'lde them ard
y not put it off till the yea
1900, when there will not be fiit.
y acres to the head. Where can any
T. one show any cause, that we vii
i not be benefited? 1t will foreve
70 stop all applications for citizen
'r ship. as the lands and moneys ar
y the only incentive that any appli
iu cant has for becoming citizen
re the Cherokee nation. Men wi
= when it comes to the test, ir
u proven without a doubt, that n
y = claim exists.
u What rights have the Chero
'' KEGS to-day But a few year
y ago they had civil and crimina
- jurisdiction over their citizens; to
~ day the courts of the nation cut
Sc very small figure. The questio
Il has been settled by the highes
9 tribunal in the land, that til
- United States government says it
', can run as many railroads throug'
IL the Indian country as it sees fl
/ 1t seems that the right Of appea
is in a manner unnoticed, ant
ie when an appeal is passed upon
n' always rendered adversely to tn,
hs Indian. | must say ! know hun
s. dreds Of men in our nation VIII
g stand at the topmost round Of tn
D. ladder, in all the requisite quail
lV fications that tend TO make me
IS true in motive, Christian in actio
'e and devoted to the best interest
a. of their country and fellow man
d Such men must certainly see th
a' impending crisis as | see it. La
y down all political strife and try I
" save our nation, there certainl.
III cannot be any division OF feelin
Is on that subject.
Y Let us be true to ourselves, frs
= of all. am for allotment frs
D. and last. Well might the Ian
10 guage of the founder Of libert
u and independence, Thoma
l' Paine, be used in regard to tbs
u present question:
Di "He that will not reason is
7. bigot."
a "Hs that cannot is fool"
q a "He that dare not is a slave"
Il C.
A FEW REASONS WHY WI
st SHOULD ALLOT.