Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1894-07-05
MORE CONGRESSIONAL
Views Regarding the Affairs of
the Civilized Tribes.

A few days since the Washing
ton correspondent of the Globe
Democrat interviewed a number
Of members of both houses on the
subject of Indian Territory affairs.
A number of the replies elicted
were given in last icsue. Below
they are continued, with the ques-
ton:
In view of the legislation of the
last congress providing for the ap-
puintment of these commissioners
to go to the Indian Territory and
attempt negotiations with the five
civilized tribes for surrender Of
their governments, allotment Of
their lands and acceptance of citi-
zenship of the United States, and
in view of the propositions re-
Gently submitted to the Choctaws
and Chickasaws, what advice will
you give to the Choctaws and
Chickasaws?"
Representative G. r. Breckin-
ridge, of Arkansas; | think the
Choctaws and Chickasaws will be
standing much in their own light it
they do not meet the commission
ers of the United States in spiIit
of concession. As the case now
stands, the Indians are in a posi-
tion to shape their own terms.
Treaties are not made on the idea
that there is no power to change
them. When made with foreign
powers it is usual to put a provis-
ion in them for notice OF termina-
tion or modification; but whether
put in or mott is never contended
that that power isnot understood as
reserved. The welfare of its own
citizens is the chief concern of any
good government, and is paramount
10 all other considerations. The
object of the United States in its
present efforts in the Indian Ter
ritory is to promote the welfare OF
its own citizens, resident in the In
dian Territory and of those not in
the territory with the kindest feel.
ings toward the Indians. But the
time has come when the old order
of things won't work and they must
be changed Inc territory is now
a block in our path and out of har-
mony with our system. If the In
dians show no consideration for US
and our people, with whom God
has associated them, they will in
turn receive less consideration from
us. If they are not reasonable, they
will be put down as unreasonable
and will be dealt with accordingly,
Real friendship to them is best
shown by telling them the exact
truth, and trying to get them 10
work and live in reasonable har-
mony with their fellow. men.
Representative w. l.. Terry, ol
Arkansas: think it will be wise
for the Indians of the Indian Ter
ritory to seriously consider the
proposition submitted to them by
the commissioners of the United
States / would not say that there
is any disposition to unduly haster
the accomplishment Of the work ol
the United States Commission, be
cause it is a-work OF vast impor
tance. The interests Of the Indians
are large, valuable and dear L
them, and in consequence Of theil
treaty relations 10 the UniteC
States | think they should betreat
ed by the United States with grea
consideration and liberality; anG
from what know OF the personell'
of the Uuited States commission,
think the Indians will have NJ
cause 10 complain Of unfair treat
ment. The United States owes
duty TO its own citizens Of surround
ing states and also to those who ar
In the Indian Territory Of proyid
ing the protection Of a governmen
Of its own and the demand for il /
SO great that il is not just 10 grdul,
delay the creation Of that govern
ment The fact that q commission