The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-12-22
FIVE TRIBES IN BAD HUMOR.
Tribal Courts - Go out OF Es1sfeSee
Unssasn syssea Necessary for the
Tsrsslsry-Cssspirse 20 Destroy
-saAs. - the Government.

CHICAGO. Dee. IA special TO the
, Tfuss-HsraId from Washington says;
trouble ia Indian territory lie expected
hy thu eoEmiss.cner OF Indian affairs aaa
by others Ia this city who are familiar ~i,n
the condition OF Affairs prevailing there
On January the tribal courts y ia DC aooi-
tshed by An act passed a. the last session
o. congress and the United States courts
VIII be gwen fun Jurisdiction over the ter
rstory. In many quarters the officers OF
the Indian courts have declared that they
viii forcibiy resist all efforts TO prevent
them doing business. The United states
uaar=hais have given notice mat no trloai
courts snail st upon that day and that
those assuming 10 conduct them VIII be
arrested.
A DELEGATION OF eight Cherokees, seven
OF them full bioods, Is now In the city:
fex days ago they presented memorisi
20 congress asking that the law De re-
sc.pded but congress has row adjourned
without action. and when IL again con-
venes the Indian courts VIII be out or ex-
istence. Meanwhile the subcommittee OF
the senate committee on Indian affairs ap-
pointed to consider the problem presented
In the territory has practically decided 10
recommend amendments 20 the present
law providing for the apportsonment OF
ali lands held by the five civilized tribes
among the members OF these tribes, and
also an amendment providing that all
valid leases shall be- recognized by the
government OF the United States. and the
money paid on account OF them pat into
the treasury OF the United States Tor the
benefit OF the various tribes.
The Dawes commission has reported It's
failure 10 come 70 any conclusion with all
the Indians. Such agreements as have
been concluded vary 30 In their provisions
that. In view OF the fact that eventually
uniform system Of government must be
provided for the Indian territory, Il Is
questionable whether any Of the agree
ments should be definitely ratified by con-
sress until the desired and necessary uni
formity can be reached.
Secretary Bliss thinks no government
Will be satisfactory until congress shall
provide for the establishment OF q single
uniform system for the entire Indian ter
risory that shall place all its inhabitants
In possession Of the rights OK American
citizens.
Conspiracy 10 Destroy Records.
special to the Times-Herald from
Wichita. Kan. says;
Information has been received at the Of
fee OF the United States marshal at South
McAiister. |. r., 10 the cffec; that the law
less element among the Indians has
formed conspiracy TO burn up sHe
United States courthouse there. and all
other United States court buildings in the
Indian territory. The burning OF the
United States courthouse at Ardmore the
other day. with all Its records. is believed
10 be the first attempt TO carry out the
plot. The Indians are said TO be growing
more FESTIVE January approaches. as
upon that day all OF their tribal courts
are abolished and the Federal courts have
full Jurisdiction In litigation affecting the
Indians.
Under the Indian law one Indian cannot
sue another for debt of any nature.
There are vast numbers OF notes held by
Indians against their less proeident breth-
rem now uncollectihle. which can be sued
on and collected as soon as the Indians
come In under the Federal law. 1t will
ruin many thousands OF Indians who have
heretofore been considered wealthy. and
II In the discomfort OF the debtor class
that Is thought TO be responsible for the
plot 10 burn the court records and i'm
pede 50 far as possible the administration
az Justice in the United States courts De-
'ectives are watching the movements O!
the suspected Indians.
Decision Ira Citisen.hip Cases.
HOUSTON. Tex. Dec. 2f.--A special tc
the Post from Ardmore. l. T.. says: Ir
rendering his decision I'm the citizenship
cases Judge Townsend ruled as follows:
All nonresident Chickasaws and Choc
laws who have made proper application
tor citizenship in their respective nation.
are entitled 10 be enrolled as citizens
also all marriages between whites and In
dams In strict accordance with the law.
or ms nation are valid and extend ctti
zfhship TO white persons, but where tn,
ceremony was not according 10 the IN
dian law, the party TO the act is NOT en-
titled TO enrolment, yet all children O
snch unions are entitled 70 enrolment"