Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-02-04
SITUATION AT WASHINGTON

Uilis anu thc ldblhCdtiOu VI WV
agreement with the Choctaws re-
mains practically unchanged since
last week. A delegation of Chick.
asaws including the governor Of
that nation arrived in Washington
a week or so ago, and are seeking
to have the agreement modified so
as to suit the Chickasaws, as the
two tribes hold their lands in a
measure in common. The Chick
asaws are opposed to permanent
allotment; that is to make the title
over to the individual. They are
in favor of division Of land but
insist on the common title stand.
ing as at present, while the agree
ment with the Choctaws allows
adults to sell their allotments after
the expiration of few years. The
Choctaws and Chickasaws are
about as far apart on the most sal
lent provisions of the instrument
as the east is from the west, and
the hope of defeating the pending
Platt bill depends very largely up.
on their getting together. The en-
actment of the Plat bill would
mean the abandonment Of the
agreement, as it provides for a
more radical and speedier way of
settling the whole matter, and Of
settling according to the judgment
Of the Dawes commission.
The secretary of the interior has
granted hearings to the Chickasaw
delegation this week, with the
hope of efiecting an agreeable COM
promise, while a subcommittee OF
the senate is considering the pro-
visions OF the Platt bill and will
report it favorably with perhaps
some minor notifications as TO
town sites and other matters.
As to the future work Of the
Dawes commission il has been vir-
tually determined that it will re-
turn with somewhat enlarged pow.
ers. The work of compiling the
rolls of citizenship will be taken
up Immediately upon the return of
the commission. The rolls of the
Cherokee nation Will undergo a
process of pruning and thinning
that will astonish the natives. The
delegation has assured the interior
department aud the government of
its entire confidence in and ap-
proval of the work of the Dawes
commission and signified a desire
10 have the work Of purging the
rolls proceed without Interrupt
tion or hindrance till completed.
The Cherokee delegation have held
many informal consultations with
members of the Dawes commission
lately and have acknowledged the
truthfulness of the reports Of the
commission hitherto made. The
idea is TO have the commission
assume the task and duty OF prun-
ing the census roll so no response
bility or blame can be charged to
the Cherokees themselves; the fact
is they are willing to turn out any
number OF their acknowledged citi-
Eens If the government will only
assume the responsibility of ap-
plying the knife.
Territory matters were never so
interesting at the Washington end
Of the line as they are right now.
Indian legislation has been long
sought, and those who have had
this matter in hand for years, With
varying success have at last mAr-
shalled the mightiest forces in and
out Of congress and are ready TO
turn them loose to carry the Platt
bill or any other measure through
that promises success to their
scheme. The handful OF Indian
delegates have been worked by
the oily-tongued lobbyists as they
were never worked before.
Never before was such general
interest among members shown
in territory matters as now. The
progress made by the Dawes COM
mission and their recommends
tions are meeting with warm COM
mendation from every quarter.
II would be folly TO try 10 state
definitely as to the amount or
character Of legislation effeoting
this country that will become law
before the demise of the present
congress, but the chances are
mighty good for some surprises.
The people and the press Of this
country that continue to tell the
country that change is not need
ed, and that there are no evidences
OF its coming are going to be left
sadly in the lurch and may safely
be put down as false prophets and
pessimists OF the most unreason-
able aud unreasoning kind. Ifany
one has any preliminary prepare
sions TO make Or If it is necessary