Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1896-01-30

Indianola bill introduced by Sena-
tor Berry OF Arkansas, providing
for territorial form of govern
ment for the five civilized tribes,
is in the hands of the senate COM
mittee on Indian affairs. This
bill contains similar provisions to
the one introduced last year with
which our people are familiar.
Without speaking definitely, of
course, we think we will be able
to defeat it, if not before the senate
certainly before the house. There
is bill introduced drafted by a
committee from the Chickasaw
nation looking to the confscation
of lands in that nation for townsite
purposes. As yet it does not ex-
tend to the Cherokees but should
it find favor, there is no doubt but
that an amendment would be Of
fered extending the provisions of
the bill to all the five nations.
This bill provides for the appoint
ment of commission who is au-
thorized, upon petition of twenty
residents, citizens, to condemn
and lay off into a town site a tract
of land, not limited in size, suffic-
lent for a town taking into consid-
Grafton its present needs and pros
pective growth paying to the ma
tion therefor the paltry sum of five
and not exceeding fifteen dollars
per acre and to give fee simple
titles to the purchasers. Any one
citizen or non citizen is privileged
te bid. This bill is in the hands
of the house Indian committee and
we have been promised a hearing
before any action is taken. As
this interferes with vested rights
in addition to annulliDg the treaty
stipulations we are able to express
confidence at being able to defeat
it. The Chickasaw delegation has
not arrived, and as this measure so
directly affects US in their absence
VIC ulSdii W fhtCl plObSoN iOl
them. The Jones resolution to
further delay the removal of in
truders passed the senate before
our arrival and has been referred
to the committee on Indian affairs
of the house, and We understand by
them to the commissioner of In
dian affairs for report. This res
olution, if passed, means to in
definitely postpone this matter
and set at naught the solemn pledg-
es made US for valuable considera-
tions for the past sixty years.
When our defense and protest to
this action is vigorously presented
We feel assured that congress will
not permit such an imposition
There are many other minor
measures pending affecting Us
both directly and indirectly which
we intend opposing when the OPP
portunity is afforded.
The freedmen compromise was
submitted soon after our arrival
about month ago, and Is under
advisenent by the court of claims.
\ decision is daily expected, but
other cases being considered may
postpone it for a week or more
The court refused this morning to
intimate when Il desision would be
promulgated.
Amended petitions have been
filed in both Shawnee and Della
ware cases asking that they be
paid an amount equal to the allow
ance OF the free dmen. In as much
as the decision makes them equal
to Cherokees by blood these are
likely 10 be granted.
The"Old Settler" matter is pend
ing before tn interior department
for the adjudication of some con-
tested attorney fees. This is part
of the 50 per cent allowed for that
purpose, but in case there Is bal
ancs left. it i understood the see
retary means to add it 10 the other
and have the trouble and expense
Of only one payment. The rolls /
are being transcribed under the !
of the commissioner of !
Indian affairs, AMI the clerk in 4
charge informed us that it would /
be two or three months before the |
payment could be made, The de
partment has ruled that it has no
authority to review the roll as
made by the cold Settler commits
sion," hence the applications for |
enrolment filed here by parties re-
fused there by the commission will
not be considered.
We have sent you copy of the
Dawes commissions report con-
so many glaringly false
stamements. The delegation in
tends soon to prepare an answer to
this for distribution among the
members of congress.
The Choctaw AMI Creek dele
gates are here; when the others
arrive, concerted action will be
had in defense of our common in
terests. Very respectfully,
DELEGATION