Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1893-02-02

deserved credit OF the CnerOkee
people. | have pleasant memory
of the acquaintance have made
among all these Indian Nations
which makes me the more eager to
resent any discourtesy or bad faith
shown by any who seek to cover
their deeds by calling themselves
the I" Nation" " or the "Council "
and try to compel the nation and
the council TO think it is attacked,
and defend them.
l have become so familiar with
such cases that they only influence
ne by giving me stronger argu-
ment.
1t is especially unfortunate II
such "leaders " believe that the
world is found inside of their hat
bands and that no one has knowl-
edge nor influence unless thoy had
known about it--because such ig-
norance and conceit make them the
more ready dupes of the cunning
manipulators and the more danger
Gus to any interests that they may
capture. 1t is therefore a great ca
lamity il they crawl into Offices
looking upon their government as
only valuable in so far, as it may
furnish salaried offices for them
which are not worth so much for
opportunity of service to their
country as opportunity for drawing
money from their people.
Alas for any nation or council 1T
it be in such hands, especially If
there are remorseless men outside
ready to take advantage of such a
defenceless condition, and use it as
an argument against the nation.
While in the Territory | have
had two experiences that are much
alike. | was at the Presbyterian
Mission when it burned. | dis.
covered the fre--gave the alarm
did what | could to help put it out
and then when the building could
not be saved, tried to direct the
valiant helpers who rushed to the
rescue to the different places where,
by concerted action, their energy
could be best used-and as much
as possible redeemed from the
flames and preserved. | did this
against the protest of those who
urged me to look after my own
comfort and health.
| forgot that l had not recovered
from a severe illness. also for
got to look after my own things
Was that mercenary and selfish ?
l have received thanks and appre-
citation from nearly everybody. No
one said to me, keep away; this
is not your property" But with
strong hands and kind hearts all
worked together in a common cause
to save as much as possible from
the greedy, merciless fire.
If there had been one who had
purposely started The fire that he
might have spoils, he would have
probably tried to get me away or to
condemn my efforts. 1t is certain
that he would not want to be found
out and would resort to any means
for concealing his guilt.
The Cherokee Nation is in as
great danger as was the Presbyte-
rian Mission. The peace and pros
perity of its people are threatened
by those who are determined to get
control of its possessions even
though like the highwayman they
have TO kill in order to rob. There
is now little doubt of the result.
The opinion of Senator Pettigrew
that the Indians are " irresponsible
wards" is in keeping with the
question of congressman asking
why, at this important crisis, the
Cherokees "did not send men in.
stead of kids"
Is it not possible that the dill.
gence used to send the so.called
kids" has a direct connection
with those who call the Cherokee:
A" irresponsible wards" as saiC
before, using them first as tools and
then as specimens in the hands o.
INSCRIPTIONS white men?
There is evidence Of this, being
developed, which when complete
may be startling to the Cherokees.
Remember the history of Georg-
ia and North Carolina. Is not
there a lesson to be learned2 The
enemies of the Indians strive tC
keep them from their friends
Have they not a motive that need:
10 be resisted? a.?
If the ready hands, kind hearts
and earnest effort will be shown
now at this time Of danger and the
Cherokees by united effort will
present themselves to the best
credit of their people and demon
strate their capability and the fal
sity of their foes, they can obtain
support from their iriends-the
friends of honesty, right and just
tice in the time when they most
need them.
have neglected my own inter
ests, my own comfort, for the rea-
son that | have repeated 80 many
times-the best white people and
the best Indians may become bet
ter acquainted and better friends
and not be kept apart by the worst
people Of both races. / came by
Invitation. / have asked nothing
but courtesy and good faith, and
shall always expect it, or as is my
custom, will do all can to defend
my friends and myself from any
violation or evil consequence OF
failure. Il. G.. SIcKELs.
A-PETITIoN TO CONGRESS.
A convention of citizens Of the
nharnlraa nafinn uac bald in IA a