The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1897-11-20
CHIEF ISPARHECHER.
A Committee Reports Favorably OF
the Creek Idea Of Statehood.

4
SourH MCALKsTER, /. T., Nov. 10 -
A resolution has been passed by the
national council Of the Muskogee Ma
tion which is TO the effect that q com.
mittee OF two be nominated by the
chief TO visit the other four
civilized tribes and obtain their coop.
Grafton in effectiug an international
A bill is now pending in
the council, that IL passed, will en-
body the ideas set forth in this report.
The resolution is as follows:
Whereas, the principal chief, in a
special communication to the national
council, dated Oct g. 1897, expressed
the opinion that the governmental
pollcy OF the Indians OF the territory
should be changed from the present
to one that shall be conceived and for
mulAted by the Indians for the com
mon good OF ali In the words follow
ing, to-wit;
1.-THE time has now come when, In
my opinion, the citizens Of the five
nations should come together and
agree upon the,estabishment OF gem
eral government by which we might,
perpetuate our right OF self govern
ment," aud
Whereas, his plan for inaugurating
such a policy is clearly Indicated by
his following words, to'wit; 81 there
fore suggest that you constitute a del
egation consisting OF suitable num-
Der Of your most competent citizens
for the purpose OF visiting the other
nations with view OF agreeing upon
q time and place for the bling OF
a constitutional convention TO be com.
- Att1tr ~ nl 3 n
representing the several nations; that
is TO say, a convention having for its
purpose the framing OF a general con-
stitutionsl government that will
afford protection to the Indian owners
OF the country" and
Whereas, II is known to be the
avowed purpose OF the United States
in all the changes, which, without our
consent, it proposes to extend over u.s.
to prepare us thereby for an honorable
ultimate entry into the family of the
United States, and
Whereas, IL the percicious course of
aggregation and violation OF our terri.
tory and natural rights now pursued
in the name OF that policy and pur-
pose is continued, we will, when the
government decides TO admit us into
the sisterhood of states, have been
shorn of almost everything we value
most, and will have to enter therein
IL at all-empty handed and poor, and
Whereas, we believe IL to be of para
mount Importance that united, definite
action shall be taken by the Indians TO
preserve the rights still left TO them.
and that Notwithstanding the un-
friendly attitude OF congress as seems
to be Indicated in recent acts, IL is
nevertheless the wish OF the United
States TO benefit US, not injure us, and
1t therefore cannot but respect and
honor an earnest, honest purpose and
effort on the part OF the Indians OF
this territory. Its weak but con6d.
ing work TO hasten the consumAtion
OF It's own policy, namely, the eventual
merging Of the Indians of the terri
tory into compact member OF the
American union for their production
and growth in civilization; and conf
IDENTIFY expecting it's friendly aid in
any step we may take toward higher
advancement than has heretofore been
proposed, and believing further that
such movement Is advised by present
conditions, and should, il possible, be
made by the united brotherly action
OF the Indians Of the Indian Territory,
we, your special committee, recon-
mend that
Be it resolved, by national council Of
the buskogee Nation, that delega.
ton Of two competent citizens TO be
nominated by the principal chief and
conferred by the national council
saall be constituted by the action of
the present session, whose duty shall
be TO visit at once the national coun-
ellis or other proper authorities of the
other four civilized tribes of the In.
dian Territory and II possible obtain
their cooperation in effecting an in
ternational convention at some suita-
BILE time and place In the territory, to
be composed OF duly accredited dele
gates from each tribe participating
therein; the convention so meeting 10
consider the advisibility OF formulat-
ing the basis and providing the
necessary requirements Of con-
stitutional government and pro-
mon government OF the citizens OF
the Ave civilized tribes OF the In
dian Territory, the same 10 be re-
publican in form and which, conform
ing as near as may be TO the principles
huu lOiAun OhAoAhNa III hNik bOA ~ \
state organizations, shall be deemed
adequate to the proper protection OF
the varied interests Of each Of the ma.
tions concerned, the said delegation
OF two shall, at the earliest possible
moment, report the result OF its mis-
sion 70 the principal chief. which. n
favorable TO the object OF this resolu
luton, there he shall at once serve
-. al ALL. D. "A
tAtives OF the Muskogee nation, whC
shall have been previously elected anC
commissioned mem bers OF said conven
tion, who shall, at the time and place
designated, Join in the deliberations o.
the convention under the acts OF th'
national council and instructions o
the principal chief as shall be pro
vided.