The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-04-20

senator Vests Protest Against Abolition
OF Sectarian schools.
Washington. April 1.-THE senate
spent today on the Indian a%ppropria-
ton bill, but did not complete IL. Some
time was also consumed in executive
session on the arbitration treaty. At
the close Of the days proceedings the
senate adjourned until Monday.
The committee amendment To the In
lar appropriation bill. opening the
U~ncompahgre Indian reservation in
Utah to public entry was agreed to.
The reservation is said TO contain some
OF the richest deposits of asphalt in
existence.
Senator Gailinger moved to strike out
the provision giving tribal relations TO
the children Of a white father and In
dian mother. He declared that the pro-
vision would permit white adventures
TO marry the indian women as a mat
ter Of speculation and ultimately 10
dominate the Indian.
Senator Berry defended the provision
on the ground hat il removed the pen
atty now placed on an indian woman
for marrying a white man.
The motion 10 strike out did not pre-
vail.
a Quay called attention to
what he termed a deliberate attempt
to rob the Indians" 1t dealt with the
granting of certain rights on the Sen
eca Indian reservation to parties in
New York. Papers submitted by Sen
ator Quay alleged serious irregularities
in securing the oil rights.
senator Pettigrew announced that
the contest was one between rival oil
companies. In this connection he
stated that the Indian reservations i'm
New York ought to be wiped out and
the Indians made subject TO the laws
of New York.
Senator Quay's amendment striking
out the ratification of the oil grants
was accepted.
On motion of Senator Gallinger, the
provision as to children of a white
father and Indian mother, was modified
so as to give these children triba
rights on the consent of a majority oi
the tribe and the consent of the sec
rotary of the interior.
senator Vest, Of Missouri, spoke il
criticism of the provision of the bill
abolishing s%ectarian Indian schools
He knew, he said, hat what he saiC
ould subject him to bitter criticism
He was brought up a protestant anC
had no connection with Roman Catholi'
church; but he had no sympathy will
that cowardly and ignorant sentimen
that any religious denomination coult
menace our liberties. He had beef
| reared to believe the Jesuits We're op
| posed to republican institutions; bu
he had Travelled through the Indial
| country, visiting the schools and hat
| found them a traveStY on education
| except when conducted by the Jesuits
Broken down preachers and defunc
politicians were sent out to the western
country to teach the Indian children
He had found, he said, hat the onl
Indian schools accomplishing any goo
were those conducted by the JeSuits
The ceremonial of the Catholic churcI
seemed to appeal to the Indian.
IF / had control of these schools.
proceeded Senator Vest, Il would Civ
them to those who have studied tn
Indians. those who have taken tn
young Indians from the tepee, segre
gated them from their fathers an
mothers and taught them the religion
of Christ. even if the cross is the emb
lem of their religion. / would infinite
ly rather see them Catholics than saw
ages. / do not belong to the sect VIII
would rather see an Indian damne'
than see him in the Catholic church.
Senator Vest said he would make n
effort to oppose the provision Of tn
bill, but would content himself wit
his protest.
The senate adjourned at 5 o'clock.