Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-06-24

(continueei rom page ons,)

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If ii be indeed the intention Of the
government to annul our treaties
and turn the white men in upon
us, il would be much the same. as
it the great father at Washington
should take us up and plunge us all
headlong into hell; death would be
preferable"
The prevailing idea of the second
Grafton was the sanctity Of treaty
obligation. He said:
"You ask us to make new
treaty; but we can not see the need
Of any new negotiations. You tell
us that our old treaties are not
good; but there was a time when
you did not think 20. When did
they lose their force7 Who IS IT
that has spoiled them2 Ii is MOI
we. We have violated no treaty;
we have broken no law. What is
the matter with our great father at
Washington? What is the cause
of his offense, that he should an
nul our treaties and destroy our
nation2 Treaties never die except
by the consent OF the parties. The
United States makes treaties with
England, and they live forever.
The great father at Washington
never thinks of spelling them.
Why should he consider the treat.
les which he has made with us any
less sacred than those he has made
with the men on the other side ol
the big water2 1t is unjust Ia
spoil our treaties. We are a small
people, much smaller than we used
to be. l know we shall have to
yield to the wishes of the govern.
ment. The great father has many
big guns; their protection was
promised TO us. Yet we know
that unless we obey him, they will
not be our protectors; they will be
turned against us. Yet il resist.
anee were practicable, and it were
at all availing, l should willingly
pour out my blood in defense Of
the rights OF my people"
The words OF the third >sbeaker
were diflerent-iFsm those of the
olheffwo in tone and elevation oI
spirit. Said he:
~ am an old man. | have
spent the greater part Of my life
time going about trying to do good
My business has been to preach
the gospel. 1t has been my spec
ial care to look alter the younl
men of our country and lead then
in the right way. have pointed
them to the Savior of the worlC
who died on the cross; and in doing
this, have also been in the habi
of recommending to them the way
of the white men as something
worthy of their imitation. But
begin to doubt whether | hav,
been doing the right thing. ]
what we hear from the commits
sioners be indeed the words o
the white people-if they reall!
mean to annul our treaties an,
break faith with us in that way
then their example will be no NOR
worthy of an Indians imitation
The good results of my labor
among my people will be blasted
| shall not feel like preaching t,
our young men any more; the.
will laugh at me and ask me If
would like TO have them do lik
the white men.
| am not in favor of making
new treaty; our old treaties are al
that we need. 1t is said we hav
a great deal of crime in our coun
try; there would not have been S,
much if the United States ha,
complied with her treaties with us
We have laws, and we have court
OF justice. When one OF our owl
people commits a crime, we ca
try him and punish MIN. But tn
government allows white peopl
to come into Our country contrar,
to our treaties. They commi
crimes, but we are not allowed /
handle them. They are allowe
to stay here, and it makes ou
country look like a hiding plac
for criminals, when we are not a
fault. All we want is peace; W
only want to be let alone. | al
not in favor of treating"
At the close of the speaking, on
of the commissioners arose and
for himself and his associates
said in substance:
"We have heard what you hav
had to say. We have felt the fore
of your words, and appreciate you
feelings. We sympathize will
you from the bottom of our hearts