The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-04-16
RIGHTS OF THE REDSKINS.
SENATE DISCUSSES THE INDIAN AP-
PRECIPITATION BILL.

The Amendments Opening the TN.
cOmpahgre Reservation 10 settle
ment Agreed toll Contains Some
of the Richest Deposits of Asphalt
in Existencc-ChiIdren of a White
Father and Indian Mother to BE
Given Tribal Rights Under Certain
Conditions.
Washington. April 15.-The Senate spent
to-day on the Indian appropriation bill,
but did not complete it. Some time was
also consumed'in executive session on the
arbitration treaty. At the close of the
days proceedings. the Senate adjourned
until Monday.
The committee amendment to the Indian
appropriation bill. opening the Uncom-
pahgre Indian reservation in Utah to pub
lie entry. was agreed to. The reservation
is said to contain some of the richest de-
posts of asphalt in existence.
Mr.. Gallinger, rep, of New Hampshire,
moved TO strike out the provision giving
tribal relations to the children of white
father and Indian mother. He declared
that the provision would permit white ad-
venturers to marry the Indian women as
a matter of speculation and ultimately to
dominate the Indian.
Mr.. Berry, dem. of Arkansas, defended
the provision on the ground that it remov-
ed the penalty now placed on an Indian
woman for marrying a white man. The
motion to strike out did not prevail.
Mr.. Quay called attention to what he
termed deliberate attempt to rob the
Indians" 1t dealt with the granting of
certain oil rights on the Seneca Indian
reservation to parties in New York. Pa
pers submitted to Mr.. Quay alleged Sc
rious Irregularities in securil =. oil
rights.
Mr.. Pettigrew answered that the con-
test was one between rival oil companies
In this connection, he stated that the In
dian reservations in New York ought to
be wiped out and the Indians made sub
ject to the laws of New York.
Mr.. Quay's amendment striking out the
ratification of the oil grants was accepted
On motion of Mr.. Gallinger the provis-
ion as to the children of a white father
and Indian mother was modified so as 10
give these children tribal rights on the
consent of a majority of the tribe and the
consent OF the Secretary of the Interior.
Mr.. Vest of Missouri spoke in criticism
of the provision of the bill aboishing sec
tartan Indian schools. He knew, he said,
that what he said would subject him to
bitter criticism. He was brought up
Protestant and had no connection with
the Roman Catholic church. But he had
no sympathy with that cowardly and ig-
norant sentiment that any religious de-
nomination could menace our liberties. He
had been reared to believe the Jesuits
were opposed to republican institutions
But he had travelled through the Indian
country, visiting the schools, and had
found them a travesty on education except
when conducted by the Jesuits. Broken
down preachers and defunct politicians
were sent out to the western country to
teach the Indian children. He had found
he said, that the only Indian schools ac-
complishing any good were those conduct
ed by the Jesuits. The ceremonial of the
Catholic church seemed to appeal to the
Indians. IF l had control of these
schools" proceeded Mr.. Vest, Il would
give them to those who have studied the
Indians, those who have taken the young
Indians from the tepee, segregated them
from their fathers and mothers and taught
them the religion of Christ even if the
cross is the emblem of their religion. /
would Infinitely rather see them Catho-
lies than savages. do not belong to that
sect who would rather see an Indian
damned than see him in the Catholic
church"
Mr.. Vest said he would make no effort
to oppose the provision of the bill but
would content himself with this protest.
The Senate adjourned at o'clock.