Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1893-10-12
THE RESOLUTIONS
OF the Muskogee Statehood
Meeting.


last Friday to dictate, as far as
may be, the terms upon which
this country is to enter the Ameri.
can union, a permanent organiza-
tion was effected by the election
of Leo E. Bennett, of Muskogee,
as president and Thomas j. Split
log, of the Seneca nation, as secre-
tary. The final adjournment was
subject to the presidents call.
The chairman Of the committee
submitted a resolution opposing
the incorporation of this territory
with Oklahoma; also opposing ac-
ton by congress touching the FIVE
tribes and their lands without the
latters' consent. Both were
adopted. Subsequently a resolu-
ton was adopted endorsing the
Vest bill for the enlargement of the
jurisdiction Of the United States
courts in this territory.
The chairman OF the resolutions
committee then individually of.
fered memorial which was in
part adopted in the minority re-
port. 1t recited the anomalous
and unsatisfactory conditions that
exist and asked congress to pro-
vide such remedial legislation as
seemed wise. Five distinct gov
ernments exist and living among
the Indians as neighbors and
friends, an integral and permanent
part of the population, are many
white people, designated non-citi.
zens. They are here legally by per-
mission, and engaged in most all av-
ocations. They are the larger part
of the population. An imperfect
form of government has been pro-
vided but it needs enlargement
and improvement by congress.
The whole people OF this territory
realize that the number and vari-
ETY. of governments cannot exist. A
change must come which will re-
suit in the formation of a state.
From congress alone can help be
Opposing interests,
tribal pride and other consid-
erations preclude the evolution
the discovery---of common ground
of agreement. The present condi-
tions bring forth discord and re-
tard rather than advance civiliza-
tion. The existence of tribal laws
long since outgrown hamper and
a lease law prevents the
leasing of land for a longer period
than one year-poor tenants and
poor farming result. Mining man
and such industrial en-
terprises az create and retain
wealth in a community are effect
lively discouraged and held in
check by the policy Of the law and
the uncertainty that exists.
The discrepancies in our federal
judicial machinery are then set
forth at some length and the lack
of school privileges, provisions for
the insane, blind, mendicant or
other unfortunate people, argued
as reasons why prompt action by
congress is demanded. 1t is
largely immaterial to the Indian
or Indian nations whether con-
gress legislates for the non-citizen
or whether that power
is granted to a local legislature
elected by the people. 1t is also
a matter of indifference to the
Indians whether laws made prin.
cipally for non-citizens are ex-
ecuted by officials appointed by
the president, or whether such Of
fcials are chosen by the people
to such laws, except that
the preference is on the side of the
local legislature and the officials
who are responsible TO the people,
We, therefore, ask that whatever
congress in its wisdom
may enact for the Indian Territory,
that at least the government pro-
yided for the non-citizens be ex-
Tended and made more complete |
by adding to the judicial branch |
established the other CO. |
ordinate branches of a well regu- |
lated government, the executive /
md legislative. That the number |
lf judges be increased and an APP
Delate court be provided for in the |
territory; that full criminal juris-
LECTION be conferred upon the ter
litorial courts, and that provisions
De made for the establishment and
support Of public schools, and also
or the care of the insane, blind
ind other unfortunates.
The Seneca delegation desired
he support of the convention in
securing the allotment Of their
surplus lands, some 26,000 acres,
,nly eighty acres having been
given to each member Of the tribe.
rhey also declared their desire
hat the Quapaw agency be en-
)raced in a state with the five
ribes; that until such time as that
nay be brought about that con-
yress establish a municipal govern
nent Of some character over that
country and extend over same the
avs Of the United States, the Off
'ers TO be chosen by the bonafids
'esidents OF said Quapaw agency.
A minority report and number
II amendments were submitted To
he report Of the committee on !
Tbs convention wa