Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-05-07

part. Of the lnb0ring classes and
the dissemination of principles
best calculated 10 encourage aud fos-
ter agricultural and mechanical
pursuits in order that they may
derive just remuneration for
their labor and to secure to the
lahoring and agricultural classes
the greatest amount of good, hold
to the principle that all monopo-
lies are dangerous to the best in
terests of the country and IL fos-
tered will eventually enslave q
free people and subvert and finally
overthrow the great principles
bought and paid for by the blood
and treasure of our forefathers,
we Therefore adopt the following as
our declaration of principles:
1sT. That, believing in the doc
trine Of equal rights to all and es-
pecial privileges to none, we de.
mand that the legislation of the
Cherokee nation shall be so framed
in the future as not to build up one
industry at the expense and injury
Of others, and we are opposed to
the monopoly Of land, water and
all other gifts of nature.
2ND. That we believe that the
money Of the country should be re-
tanned in the hands of its peole;
therefore we demand that all
national revenues shall be limited
to the necessary expenses of the
nation, economically administered;
and that we are unalterably OPP
posed to national interest-paying
debt.
3RD. That we favor the sale OF
all the lands west of longitude 96,
belonging to the Cherokee nation
at the rate of $500 per acre, pro-
vided that the United States gov
ernment will guarantee the re-
moval of all intTudcrs and abrogate
the 18th article of the treaty OF
1866. And in order that each cit
izen receive his or her pro rata
share of said moneys we further
require the United States govern
ment to distribute the aforesaid
moneys TO each Cherokee citizen
that has reached the age of eigh-
teen wears al the time of first pay
ment and that n payment be an
nually made by said government
TO those citizens that have arrived
at the age Of eighteen until said
funds are exhausted and equitably
distributed.
4TH. That the number Of inn
prOvements being made and pub
lie roads fenced up on our public
domain, and for many other good
and sufficient reasons, we are com.
PEELED to demand the survey oI
our country into sections, thereby
providing for public roads and to
enable our citizens to better locate
their farms and build permanent
Improvement and homes.
5TH. That the revenues for the
support OF any government should
bear equally upon those that re-
ceive its benefits, and realizing the
present mode Of raising revenues
in the Cherokee nation is unequal
and unjust, that we are in favor ot
a direct tax on property and in.
comes, and Withdrawing all
funds belonging to the Cherokee
nation, paying it out per capita
save and except an amply suffi'
cient fund for educational purposes
and for the support OF our orphans
and their education.
6rm. That we demand that the
United States government shall
establish n uniform system and
price for the travel and transpor
tation of passengers and freight OF
all railroads in the United States
and especially in the Indian Terri
tory.
7TH. That we are satisfied that
tits practically impossible for us tC
successfully cultivate our land'
without skilled labor, therefore
we favor just and equitable laws il
reference to the PERMITTED citizens
of this nation.
STH. Good government beini
essential to the safety aud hap
piness of all its Inhabitants, and a
such cannot be expected ifi ignorant
selfish and incompetent men ar
selected and elected to official pc
sitions, we do not favor and viii
not support such for Office.
9TH. That we request the Con
gress Of the United States 10 pre-
vide by law means to tzndicat
/ and decide all claims and ques
uons pertaining to the lands an
f moneys of the Cherokee nation /
the supreme court of the Unite
States.