Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-05-21

brink of ruin they abandoned il
for the rescue. The distribution
of the soil and the individuality
impaired by the work Of its culti-
walton, history informs us, Instant
ly gave new and favorable aspect
to their condition" This came
from one of the most humane and
noble hearted friends the Indian
ever mad or ever will have. Read
his communication to the Hon.
John Cocks, chairman of the com.
mittee on Indian affairs, dated
Feb. 3rd, 1926. We have his
opinion in reference to the white
mans experience in the early days
of Virginia and other parts. You
can refer to great men of to-day in
all parts of the United States and
they all agree with Barbour. Read
the 23rd resolution OF the CONNER
cial congress which met in Kansas
City. We give it in part; "That
the public domain of the United
States is the heritage of the people
and should be preserved and used.
We therefore recommend the
speedy extinguishment Of the In
dian titles in Oklahoma, Indian
Territory and other states and
territories, the abolition of the
tribal system, the settlement of all
Indians on lands in severalty and
the opening OF the surplus lands to
settlement under the provisions of
the homestead law" All the res
olutions were adopted by a unan-
imous vote, but the silver and tar
iff clauses, and there were 162 del
egates from twenty-five western
and southwestern states A few
years ago such resolutions were
not thought Of. The government
then had plenty Vt land but now
she sees the necessity of securing
all the land she can for her own
citizens. Congressman see such a
course is popular and pledge them
selves to carry out what their peo-
pie want, just as our candidates do
here. We all know that -poweT
and necessity knows no limit, and
let us not underrate it. 1t is to-
day like unto the lion and the
lamb; we are the lambs of course.
Not prudent to take such chances.
The government is desirous of a
change It's at enormous expense
taxing its people to sustain the de-
partment called the Indian bu-
reau. Our country is open to the
settlement of other tribes of In
dians east of $50. Should the
government so desire, under the
treaty of 1866 she could bunch the
Indians and crowd the territory,
thereby leaving us poor in land
and imposing Objectionable tribes
on us.
We are surrounded by progress
sive people and it becomes us to
try to keep pace and not be left.
Let us swim while the tide is fav-
orable. Past experiences should
teach us the necessity of prompt
action. We refer to the Cherokees,
Creeks, Seminoles and other tribe S
in the old country from 1925 to
1889. From this history we should
reap some benefit, as we paid dear
ly for it. 1t clearly proves what
might and necessity will do. Are
we not verging near that situation
again-Only worse-as we have no
other place to go. We must meet
the matter square in the face, as
all must perceive.
After saying so much you expect
me to suggest a plan, which is
this: First, have a survey in sec
tions and quarter sections. At
the same time have a committee
to appraise each quarter section
with all improvements thereon.
State to whom they belOng, what
kind. Give the party who owns
an improvement first refusal for
himself and family a. the stated
valuation, requiring not less than
eighty aeEcs taken in one body ,,
thug dividing on a cash basis, pro-
tecting the interest Of all alike. If
thought best, prohibit alienation
for a time of such portions as wall
secure a home for 4 be more indi-
gent and require only citizens to
own land for at least twenty years.
would like to have this matter
thoroughly discussed; if am
wrong someone please convince
me. You owe it TO the Cherokee
people; if right we should also
come to the front. As ever,