Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-09-10

some extra at disposition of the
Cherokee nation. Then have the
law authorize and direct the chief
to patent the lands allotted to the
persons entitled.
The land can be allotted in four
weeks, and speedy action is highly
necessary.
Our horse is on the grand prai.
rie, the covetous are denying our
title and putting up claim. Let
us assert our claim like men,
saddle him and get into the saddle,
otherwise our inertia and cowar-
dice as to assertion (acts speak
louder than words) will be con-
strued as doubt on our part. AL
ready the Secretary of the Ipbs -.
Hon. John w. NohL, denies our
title and demands the land. [Oct.
26, 1885. ] Assistant Attorney Gen
eral Shields is quoted as high
authority to the same effect.
The committee on territories has
made terrible report, which has
been scattered all over the nation
for information of the people.
(Struble's report 976s, H. R., 51st
congress, 2nd session. This COM
mittee closes the report as follows:
"Under this authority COM
mission was raised and began its
work of negotiation with the
Cherokees on July 3lst, 1889.
Since then long months have been
wasted in efforts to conclude terms
with the Cherokees. 1t must be
remembered in this connection
that the legislation of March 2,
1889, authorizing the creation Of
the commission, was the direct
result of desire expressed and
statements made by Chief Mayes
on February 10, 1899, to the COM
mittee on territories Of the United
States senate, asking that such
commission be created and sent
down to the Cherokees.
Under this condition of affairs
our commission is hopeless of re.
suits from any action OF theirs,
and state to members of your COM
mittee that, in their opinion, con-
gress alone is adequate to act in
the premises. Your committee
also feel that it is not improper to
state that the secretary of the in
terror Is of the same belief, and
thinks that the best mode of treat
ing with these Indians is by direct
action at the hands of congress.
The question of opening the
lands of the Cherokee Outlet to
civilization and settlement is the
burning proposition OF the day, in
all the great southwest. II proba-
bly, is the most important question
connected the department of the
interior under this administration.
1t presents the question whether
American civilization shall be
stayed in its onward progress and
, a desert of desolation in the heart
, of the continent be perpetuated
. through the obstinacy, not of q
tribe of II 900 Indians, but at best
/ of a few hundred white men with
all the instincts of a white man
: but possessed of more obstinacy
/ than Indians, shall, under theil
} claim as Indians, any longer per
, petuate themselves in power, and
: maintain themselves in luxury, az
r leaders of less educated and intel
} lectual members of their so.calleC
, Cherokee nation Of Indians.
, Your committee believe that i
it were practicable to reach thu
: ordinary Indian free from the in
iiuence of Chief Mayes and hi
fellows, and submit the PROPOSE
tion directly to the great body o
I Indians, a speedy solution anC
r termination of the Cherokee Out
J let problem would be had; but in
+ asmuch as this is impracticable
! and the demands Of the whit
: citizens of the United States, seek
ing homes for himself and family
/. are pressing and urgent, you
! committee believes that there is n,
3 other mode Of solving the problem
4 except for congress, acting for tn
Y United States, treating .hese In
: dians as wards, shall in tn
+. exercise OF its judgment and wis
y dom, declare what is right, an
enact a law paying fair price 10
i these lands.
& Your committee have no hes
4 itancy in saying in their judgmen
: this bill is fair. if not liberal an
9 from that standpoint, recommen
that the substitute bill do pass.
n The far-reaching influences (
= these things are felt in the recer
: decision Of Judge Seay Of Oklah'
ma to The effect that Cheroke,
70 had no right Of possession Of III
, Cherokee Outlet.
Judge Seay's political positio
to enhfacf fo fha annroval of Al