Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-06-04
THE GREAT ISSUE,
Speech of Hon. w. Il. Trott, Do
livered at Books School House,
Delaware District, May 28th.

| VI eNtIl AtucilNdil NlhlASh "HA
feel that the same causes tha
prompted those old patriots t
bring about revolution in that da,
have brought us together on this oc
casion that is oppression.
Now, gentlemen, let us remem
Der that this is just on the eve o
the opening of coming campaign
and | want to say right here tina
it may be the last one, and OF
which perhaps hangs the destiny o
the Cherokee nation and the inter
est of every citizen. Then certain
ly it behooves me and every other
citizen that can, to be present, and
never miss an opportunity where
the interest of his country, himself
and his family is at stake.
Can we afford TO wait for pol
ished orators or smooth-tongued
politicians, who may have selfish
or party interest in view ? In time
Of war every man with physical
ability makes a soldier; so ii
should be in time of necessity like
this--every man should come to
the front and acquaint himself
with such things MS pertain to his
interest. Gentlemen, the time has
come when we must wake up,
arouse from our stupor and pre-
pare to meet the demands Of the
times. Oppression is forcing itself
upon us the intruder is invading
our country from all sides he is
in our midst, and il looks like he
was here to stay. The whole
+" boomer" element OF the United
States is arrayed against us, and in
line of battle, as it were, ready to
march onto our lands.
The influence Of the boomer
element has its weight in the halls
of congress, in the construction of
all treaty stipulations with the
Indians railroad corporations,
with their millions, have weight !;
cattle barons and syndicates are on
the alert. Public sentiment is
against us, and it appears that the
very screws upon our collins are
being tightened every day. 1t re-
minds me of remark heard a
congressman make a few years ago
in a public speech. He spoke Of
the United States as a great gov
with am iron stomach, that
had swallowed four and a half
million negroes. "Why," said he,
you Cherokees won't make a
breakfast for US, and you had just
as well grease yourselves, for we
are going to swallow you up and
then go down and take in old
Mexico"
Gentlemen, when viii this end ?
When will it cease? Not until
every vestige Of Indian titles hold
ing lands in common is swept
away. While we may have a few
friends in congress staying the
great hammer, as it were, for the
present, yet even they are trying
to warn and point us to the inevit-
able.
Not only are these influences
having their effect upon congress,
but they are being thrown around
our council aud senate year by year.
The effects you all we'll know.
And am sorry to say that not one
Of our political parties have offered
a remedy. Read their platforms
they are all out. They seem to be
afraid Of an issue that would bring
about a remedy fear of political
sacrifice. How natural it is for
men to like victory rather than de-
feat-so much so, that they will
even sacrifice personal interest,
your interest and the interest of
your children, anything rather
than party interest.
One thing | want to say in praise
Of Senator Henderson-he was the
first candidate that ever sprang an
issue it was two years ago, when
be declared himself in favor of
sale Of our lands west of $50, and
allotment of them. How you
locked to the polls TO cast your
votes for him; but no doubt many
)f you are ready to apologize for it
.o-day. Nevertheless, he had the |
nerve to spring the issue, and had /
ne stayed with it, there would have (
Deen no doubt to-day about his /
A cable would not /
lave bound him sufficient to have /
Kept him out of that senate again. +
When he went to Tahlequah every /
sye was upon him and every ear .
eagerly listening for the iniroduc- /
ion Of a bill, through which there /
vas hope for relief But all ! be-
coming entangled again in the
angs of the old party, he quietly /
lnfted into the tide and left you a
'ictim Of misplaced confidence.
Now, gentlemen, do not speak
If this incident to reflect upon Mr..
Henderson, but only ia show you
he evil influence that party strife
$ having over what we suppose
ire our best men, causing them TO
neglect our most important inter
sts. We have more politics and
more parties according TO popula-
ion than any people on the globe.
nd not one issue existing between
Is, save the ms and the outs.
Then whose fault is it2 Is it
lot yours, just SO long as you sup
'ort men running on such platforms
IS are offered to you to-dayf We
annot expect any change. Have
We not had twenty years expert
nce2 What has il brought us TO ?
We must spring the issues and
orce men to public expression. /
Idopt local platforms, make it
iopular for men to run on them
nd defeat to oppose them. This
rill be one step towards a remedy.
'ou have the power in your own
ands now, but alter August it will