The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-07-20
NEW COURTS FOR INDIANS
Old Tribunals Will Pass Away the First OF
Next Year.

Chelsea, I. T., July. 19.-On January
1. 1898, the tribal courts Of the five CIV
il.zed tribes will pass out OF existence,
being abolished by an act of congress of
June 20. Little or no significance might
be attached to this statement, except by
those acquainted with Indian affairs.
With the adjustment OF these courts
will pass away a large portion Of that
which the Indian holds most sacred-his
government. A clause of the recent
Indian appropriation bill provides that
on and after January 1, 1898, the United
States courts in the Indian Territory
shall have original and exclusive juris-
dict;on over all cases; the laws Of the
state of Arkansas shall be in fun force
and effect in the Territory, and the tri-
bal councils can make no laws unless
their acts be signed by the president of
the United States.
The intent and purpose Of the law was
TO abolish tribal government, which it
virtually does. 1t relieves the Indian
courts of any further duties; there is no
need for district officers, and in fact,
all that is left are members of the coun-
net officers
There is little necessity Of having TIL
bal councils other than TO pass appropri-
alton bills for current expenses OF the
various public institutions and the few
officers left When this bill goes into
effect It will lessen the expenses Of the
Nations so that in few years they will
be able TO pay off their public debts and
have some left.
In the Cherokee Nation these offices
with given salaries will be abolished:
Three supreme judges, with salaries of
$500 per year each; chef justice, 5000 per
year; two associate justices. $500 per
year; three circuit judges, 5000 per year.
y sheriff. clerk, judge. prosecutor and
collector are elected by the people for
each OF the nine districts. each officer
drawing $500 per year. 1t is considered
probeble that the Office OF editor OF the
Advocate will be abolished. as no fur
ther use can be made az the paper.
With the suspension Of this about s.. 900
per year will be retained n the treas
ury. Thus. taking into consideration
the expenses Of juries, grand juries. at
Sorneys and incidental expenses, about
$50 600 yearly will be saved TO the Cher
ukees alone. But this money, in the
eyes OF those who are - lose their courts
is not fair recompense for the loss
.hey mus sustain. Twice that amount
would not appesse their desire 20 retain
their courts.
The invested funds of the Cherokees
in the treasury OF the United States is
about s2.s25, 4S2. with an annual interest
% s137. 400. From the interes. on this
fund is paid these expenses that are TO
be abolished. The revenue OF the Ma
ton amounts TO very lille.
The offices of the Chickasaw Nation TO
be affected by the recent Indian ap-
preparation biii- are: Chiet justice. TWO
associate judges and four county judges,
an attorney. for each county: also coll
lector and clerk. their salaries in all
aggregating $1,000 yearly. The Ctoc-
Jaw Nation averages the same amount
The Offices being identical. while in the
Seminole Nation no judicial officers ar.
elected. the legislative officers acting n
tha, capacity. n summing up the whole
amount. i is & safe estimate 20 say tha.
SSo,eco will be SAVED annually 10 the IN
dams OF cae five tribes by the abolish
ment ~ their courts, Nothing is 60 be
gained by retaining them save the fac.
,nat il $ a portion OF ;heir government.
and it IS well worth the money expended.
Exchange Stables
Exchange Stables al Orlando and
Saltwater Make q specially OF carry
ing passengers between these points
Also CD general livery business. TRAY.
cling mems patronage solicited.
SHIVELY. VAN WYKE & SEIvELY.