Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-06-04
THE GREAT ISSUE.
Speech of Hon. w. L. Trott, Do
livered at Beok's School House,
Delaware District, May 27th.

place was n OuItn Ol July Ntlc-
bration-that grand old day which
yet has a warm place in the bosom
of every American citizen-and |
feel that the same causes that
prompted those old patriots to
bring about revolution in that day
have brought us together on this oc-
casion--that is oppression.
Now, gentlemen, let us remem-
Der that this is just on the eve Of
the opening of coming campaign,
and / want to say right here that
it may be the last one, and on
which perhaps hangs the destiny of
the Cherokee nation and the inter-
est of every citizen. Then cestain-
ly II 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 q soldier; so it
should be in time of necessity like
this-every man should come to
the front and acquaint himself
with such things as 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
4" 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 frightened every day. 1t re-
minds me of remark | heard
congressman make a few years ago
in n public speech. He spoke of
the United States as a great gov
ernment with an 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 will this end ?
When will it cease? Not until
every vestige of Indian titles hold
ing lands In cun.ssz0n@ is-swept
away. While we may have few
friends iE congress staying the
great hammer, as it were, for the
present, yet even they are trying
to warn and pNint US 10 the inevit-
able. --.--ray /, =.
Not only are ''.g's y
having s.les effect upon congress,
but they are being thrown around
our council and senate year by year.
The effects you all well 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 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
he declared himself in favor Of a
sale of our lands west Of 500, and
allotment of them. How you
llocked to the polls to cast your
votes for him; but no doubt many
of you are ready to apologize for il
/ to-day. Nevertheless, he had the
nerve to spring the issue, and hac
he stayed with it, there would have
been no doubt to-day about his
popularity. A cable would no
| have bound him sufficient to have
kept him out Of that senate again
| When he went to Tahlequah cycrl
eye was upon him and every ca
eagerly listening for the introduc
ton Of bill, through which ther
was hope for relief. But all be
coming entangled again in Tia
fangs of the old party, he quietl.
drliicd into the tide and left you
victim Of misplaced confidence.
Now, gentlemen, | do not spea
of this incident to reflect upon Nh
Henderson, but only to show yo
The evil influence that party strif
is having over what we suppos
are our best men, causing them I
neglect our most important inter
ests. We have more politics AN
; more parties according to popul'
) tion than any people on the globe
and not one issue existing betwee
US, save the ins and the outs.
Then whose fault is it7 is
r not yours, just so long as you sui
port men running on such platform
! as are offered to you to-day? W
cannot expect any change. HaN
we not mad twenty years exper
: ence ? What has it brought Us to