Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1894-04-26

main es security, could hGrdly pc
deemed sufficient means Of safety
in a case like this. Town,proper-
ty being the furtherest from a ten
ure in common, by reason of the
right of purchase of the lots from
the nation by it's citizens and of the
deeds issued the-efor, may be re-
ceived as security.
lnasmuch as this extra session
of the national council is convened
in the interest of the per capita
distribution, l deem it but just
that its expenses should be borne
by that fund upon which il is con-
vened to legislate. Otherwise has
been the practice heretofore, but
in this instance, the sum TO be dis
tributed is so very large that the
nation is a pauper in comparison.
Before closing l would respectfully
recommend that the 500, 10000
premium and the balance OF the
$3.50, 10000 in the sub. treasury at
st. Louis to pay intruders for their
improvements be set aside as part
payment of our national debt. A
great part of this debt is charge
able to the different per capita dis
tributions heretofore made to the
people, not only on account of the
numerous amounts taken from the
general fund by acts of the council
TO indemnify those left of the pay
rolls, but on account of the cost of
legislation on these subjects.
To one feature of this fact |
would more especially call your
attention, on account of the neces-
sary caution and exact calculation
to be exercised in providing
against the possibility of any omis-
sion in placing the names of all
persons entitled TO participate in
the distribution on the pay rolls
you will readily perceive what a
misfortune it would be, should
several hundred names as hereto
fore done, be omitted from the
rolls. A reserve fund may be nee
essary to meet this contingency.
As to the places at which the
distribution should be made, !
suggest that one be at Tahlequah
and at such places on the railroads
as will make it convenient for the
people.
As among whom this money
should be distributed deserves
your most earnest and patriotic
/ consideration, l recommend thai
you provide for an equal distribu
tion among all the citizens Of the
| Cherokee nation alike, provided
that the Delawares, Shawness anC
! Freedmen first agree 10 withdraw
their suits against the Cherokee
nation now pending before the
court Of claims in Washington, d
c., or in the supreme court of the
United States. | base the reason,
for this recommendation on th,
question: First, their equal rights
under the constitution and tn,
laws of the Cherokee nation; tn,
agreement with the Delawares anC
| Shawnees, and the treaty of 1865
Second, the protection of our com
mon interest demands, at this stag,
of our national existence, th,
united and patriotic effort of ever,
citizen of the Cherokee nation.
II our internal dissensions ar
not allayed. but fostered by legis
lation tending to array one class o
our citizens against another, on
fight against the advocates OF thos
seeking a change in our presen
form of government will be mucl
more difficult.
Many of us may differ as to wha
rights the various classes of on
people have, yet it must be con
ceded that, il we would resist allot
, ment OF our lands, and consequen
disruption of our political auton
omy, we should legislate to cemen
our whole people into one loya
citizenship, with common interes
and a common destiny. Provi;
ions should first be made that tn
! first installments Of the indebted
ness of the United States to tn
r Cherokee nation, on account of tn
, sale of the Cherokee outlet, an
reserved for the Delawares, Shaw
nees and Freedmen, until thei
suits pending as aforesaid befor
the court of claims or the suprem
court, when decided, should b
, placed to the credit of the CherC
! kee nation, | am confident that a
agreement could be reached wit
all these classes.
: The interest Of the people d'
mands your early and earnest col
sideration of all necessary actor
in arranging for an immediate dii
tribution of the money now j
readiness, and subject to the orde
{ OF the Cherokee nation.
Enclosed you will find the r,
ceipt Of the United States assistar
, treasurer in New York, for th
! sum of So, 100000 which | suggel
should he put in the hands of OF
treasurer for safe keeping; lik,
wise the report of our delegatio
now in Washington.
Very respectfully,
, G. j. HARRIs,
Principal Chic