davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06


We havo read the agreement
with the Choctaws and Chicka-
saws very carefully, and taking
al into consideration believe it to
6e as fair as could have been made.
The section bearing on coal leases
seems to be too much in the inter-
est of the coal magnates of that
country, but those are interests
hard for people situated as are the
Cferokees to understand or fully
appreciate, and a part of the agree
ment with which we will not have
to contend. The agreement treats
the railroad land grant question
with silence, doubtless believing
that there is no danger from that
quarter. In our opinion it will be
ratified with few if any modifca-
tions. The agreement in its en-
tirety appears on the outside Of
this paper.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

hearty approval of plan for the
education of white children
throughout the Indian Territory,
presented by Rev. A. Clark OF
Muscogee.
Resolved, That we send petitions
to President Mckinley earnestly
requesting that he appoint no one
to the office Of marshal in our ter.
ritory who is not a total obstainer.
Resolved, That we sincerely ap-
preciate the efforts of WILDER f.
Crafts, and Vice President Hobart
in our behalf at Washington.
That we express TO Miss Null
nix, Prof. Ellis and Rev. A. Clark
our appreciation of their assistance
in our convention,
That we thank our ministers for
the use of their churches and for
their kindly words and assistance
during the year.
Resolved, That we send word Of
sympathy to the union at Chouteau
which town has been so disastrous
ly visited by a cyclone.
That we appreciate the very
efficient services of Mrs. O'Shea
as secretary during the convention.
Resolved. That we as a conven-
ton deplore the action Of the
United States in violating her own
laws in regard to the sale Of intox-
icating liquors in this territory.
That we neglect no opportunity
Of sending petitions and personal
letters in favor Of reform bills.
Resolved, That we tender our
thanks to the people OF Vinita who
have opened TO us their homes and
have made Us very welcome, to
the ladies and gentlemen who
have furnished our music, TO the
young people who have spoken to-
night, to everyone who has in any
way contributed to the success of
the convention. And we pray that
God may bless your homes, your
town and your native land.
Resolved, That we heartily ap.
prove of the assistance sent TO Ar
menia and India.
That our sympathies go out to
these sufferers from famine and
war and also the sufferers for lib
erty in Cuba and Crete.
That we in gratitude TO God thank
Him that we have been spared
the ravages of plague, famine, war
and floods.
Respectfully submitted.
Mrs. STRETCH,
Mrs. JORDAN,
MISS MULEIx.
Resolution Committee.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

MosT every man one meets has
some advice to offer in the matter
Of making an agreement with the
Dawes commission; especially is it
80 relative to townsites. The man
who owns no town property is gen.
orally in favor of selling all town
lots to the highest bidder, regard
less OF improvements. ,..and the man
who has large number of town
lots is in favor of keeping them
without paying for them. There
is generally a happy medium be-
tween all extremes that would be
desirable if reached.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06


WE have no patience with those
who profess and practice temper
ance and morality and who stand
upon the street corners and pro-
claim themselves reformers, and
then go out and desecrate the sab
bath day by fishing or hunting or
attending a ball game. -"Remem-
Der the sabbath day to keep it
holy" was thundered from Sinai
thousands Of years ago, was reiter-
ated and strengthened by the Sa-
vior Himself il the sermon on the
mount, and has found a place in
the statutes of every state In the
union, yet men and women all
over the world fail to regard, OF re-
spect it. Those who make no pre-
tense Of morality or christianity
are in a measure TO be overlooked
nothing better is expected of
them-but for those who profess
to stand with the religious element
of this or any other community,
and who are guilty of such prac-
tices, give the lie to their own pro-
fessions and are a hindrance to the
very cause they claim to be help
ing. Consistency is a jewel.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06
SCHOOL AND CHURCH.

Women comprise two-thirds Of the
church members of the United States,
but only one-thirtieth Of the criminals.
Ferdinand Brunetiere, editor Of the
Revue des Deux MOI es, Of Paris, is to
deliver the Turnbull course Of lectures
in Johns Hopkins university during
March and April.
j. NJ. Barrie visited South college
recently with George w. Cable, whose
guest he was. lie made little speech,
in which he said that he had never be-
fore been called upon TO speak TO 900
girls all at once, and he found II little
hard.
Some efforts in fresh direction TO
popularize the pulpit are being made
In Australia. After the sermon the con-
gregation In one of the Victorian
churches are invited to give their views
upon II and argue doubtful points with
the preacher.
--"Robbing Peter TO pay Paul" is said
10 have originated In an act Of the
church government of England in 1880.
At that time the Cathedral of st. Paul,
In London, being out Of repair. and no
funds available, a portion Of the in
come Of Westminster, which was con-
secrated 70 st. Peter, w0s diverted 10
the repair of ST. Paul's.
The percentage of illlteracy among
the whites of Colorado Is as; Idaho,
s.5; Kansas, 30; Montana, 4.1; Nebras-
ka, rs; Nevada, az; Utah, 81; Washing
ton, al; Wyoming, 3. On the other
hand, the percentage Of illiteracy in the
white population OF Connecticut is 81;
Delaware, IA; Maine, 5.4; Maryland, 7;
New Hampshire, 6.s; New Jersey, 81;
New York, 81; Pennsylvania, 6.4i
Rhode Island, 0.6; Vermont, CT; West
Virginia, 10.
Rev. Father Horan, Of Rumford
Falls, Me-, secured the necessary funds
TO complete his new church by an
nouncing that II would be opened on
o certain Sunday, which turned out 10
he q bitterly cold day, and then preach
ing a sermon so long that its close was
accompanied by the chattering OF teeth
oil over the house. As II suddenly re-
minded that II was chilly, he remarked
that II was cold, indeed, and expressing
his belief that the congregation would
oheerfully contribute money enough to
plaster the walls and put in furnace,
passed the plate and got what he
wanted.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06
THE W. c. 7. U. CONVENTION.
A Profitable and Very Interesting Ses.
Sion Held Last Week.

There has just closed in our city
one of the most successful Territor.
ial w. G. I. U. conventions which
the territory has had.
1t was truly pleasure to meet
the bright, earnest women from
over the territory, aside from the
common interest of the work rep.
resented.
Reports from the various de-
partments show that much prog
ress has been made during the
year.
The following officers were
elected:
President, Mrs. E. N. Ratcliff,
Vinita; vice.presideni, Mrs. Nc
Bride, Atoka; corresponding sec
retary, Mrs. Allenette Cook, Vini-
ia; recording secretary, Mrs. A. l..
O'Shea, Vinita; treasurer, Mrs. l..
E. Harsha, Muscogee.
Mrs. Clara Lee was elected del.
egate to the national convention
at Buffalo, N. Y, Oct. 1897, and
Mrs. Lizzie Coval, of Tahlequah
was elected alternate.
Atoka was selected as the place
for next meeting, the time bein,,
the first week in May 1898.
A very successful Gold Medal
contest was held Friday evening
at the Baptist church; Miss May
Armstrong, Of Worcester Academy
won the medal and the second
prize, a years subscription to a
popular magazine, was awarded 10
Miss Criswell, of Republic, Mo.
CONVENTION ECHOES.
Let us take for our key note
Jesus Christ and let us build upon
this scale, faith, virtue, knowledge,
temperance, patience. Godliness.
brotherly kindness, charity, and
let ..us take this chord; Whatso-
ever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things
are Just, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are OF
good report, II there be any praise
and if there be any virtue, think
on these things.
~
No cultivated, rational mind can
help wanting TO have a share in the
government Of the nation to which
IL belongs.
~.
Whiskey is the key to nearly
all the prisons.
Nv
Nothing can be unwomanly that
He calls you TO do and as your
heart beats in sympathy with the
suffering on every side, limit not
your powers, | pray you, by re-
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06
THE TOWN Lot QUESTION.

There is danger of the townsite
promoters in the Cherokee nation
becoming overzealous at this time
and injuring a just and commeada-
BILE cause, and one in which a very
large proportion Of the progressive
element Of Cherokee citizenship is
deeply interested. Those who
have seen proper to make their
homes in the towns for business
and social purposes have pur-
chased from the nation the right
OF occupancy Of townlots, in many
instances paying therefor a price
as large as similar lots would sell
for where actual fee simple deeds
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

pect him. The way this spirit be.
came an evil one was because OF
his helpers-Envy and Prejudice.
/ once knew a dear, kind little wo-
man. whose motto wGs "Never say
anything about anyone that you
would not be perfectly willing to
say to their face" She was always
polite and kind 10 people. | have
often heard her say when people
we're crilicising the debit side OF a
persons character, "Would you
say that to her or to him2" aud
she would Immediately begin to
bring out the credit side.
If people could realize the infiu-
ence of words they would surely be
more careful. A word or sen.
lence may lessen the good infu-
ence of a person, and if it does II Is
stealing, for to take away anyO1e's
good name or lessen their power
for doing good, is certainly worse
than stealing COWS or dollars.
"Judge not that ye be not judged,
for with what judgment ye Judge,
ye shall be judged, and with what
measure ye meet it shall be meas
ured to you again"
am reminded Of two little
brothers l used to know years ago.
Johnnie did a good deal of volum-
inous swearing without any provo
cation; Willie, who had a higher
sense Of what was right and proper,
used to vigorously "cuss" Johnnie
for his uncalled for "cussing," and
so for fear that | may be judged
for judging l will cease my criti-
cising, feeling however that | have
not employed the little evil spirit,
nor either Of his busy little help.
ers. M. @. s.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

Use Of large tracts Of land, allowing
them to make their own selections.
Il resulted, as might have been
expected, that the numerous tracts
thus set apart for school and gos-
pei purposes are now comprising
lands that are made especially val
liable by means oftheir location
and quality of SOIL some lie with.
in, and some closely adjoining,
the corporate limits of our largest
and most hourishing towns, and
are destined, at no distant day, to
be to these churches, (if they
should succeed in making good
their title), a great source of f.
nanoial aggrandizement.
Now the most of these lands have
never been improved by the
churches. Upon some tracts a
small space, large enough for the
foundation of a church, or school
house, has been improved; the bal.
ance of the 100 acres is lying in q
state Of nature and simply "held
down" for future opportunities.
There is no misunderstanding the
purpose for which the use of these
lands was granted; il was that the
churches should use them in edu-
eating Indian boys and girls in the
sciences and the industrial arts,
and agriculture more especially.
Yet no educational farm las ever
been opened, no educational shop
built, indeed nothing done that
has utilized the land for what it
was granted.
Now we believe there is a prin-
ciple of law like this: When land
is granted for a specific use, or pur-
pose, and the grantee fails, for a
long series of years, to use the
land for what il was granted, he
forfeits his interest in it and il re-
verts to the grantor.
But let il be supposed that, in
the case of these churches, there is
to be no such forfeiture; what then
would be the result2 Well, we
know that Indian autonomy is
soon to be abolished. The In
dians of this territory are soon to
be scattered up and down the
earth, and so far away as to the
very ends of the earth, and always
beyond the reach of any benefit
emanating from these mission
schools; after that the pupils must
of course be the children of the in
coming white population. Then,
the sum of the transaction will
stand thus: The Indians years
ago granted immense tracts of ex.
ceedingly valuable land to the
churches to be used in educating
their children; the churches held
the land till the Indian was gone
and then utilize it in operating
schools for educating the children
of white people. In short, the
missionary comes TO the Indian
ostensibly to educate his children;
he does not do it, however, but
simply makes the Indian foot the
bill for educating the white mans
children.
1t is not easy to believe that a
body claiming to be the immacu-
late bride of the Redeemer would
go very far in the line of such a
questionable piece of business.
Too.QUA-sTEE.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

were obtained for the same. OF
course, every one has known all
along that the title was imperfect,
and that the time would come
when a more perfect title would be
desired Well, that time has
simply come and now the thing
desired by the townsite people is
perfect titles to their homes and
business lots. In the improve
ment Of the towns in the Cherokee
nation, it should be borne in mind,
no one has been injured, and other
citizens have not been impover-
ished. The rights OF all Cherokee
citizens to an interest in and to
these lots is not disputed. The
people of the towns recognize the
fact that the tile to all this country
as it now stands is a common one
and that il includes townlots and
townsites.
But i. should not, and doubtless
will not he the policy of the COM
missions who are to provide for
the allotment Of the Cherokee
country, and incidentally for dis
position of townsites, to demand
an extortionate price to be paid in
order to quiet title to the property
in question.
While the townsites undoubted-
ly belong to the whole Cherokee
nation, those who have made them
what they are have some rights
that should and we believe will be
observed. Men who have in
vested their money largely in the
improvements of town property
have done so IN perfect good faith
and with the consent of the au-
thorities of the Cherokee nation;
indeed have paid the cash into
the national treasury for this priv
ilege, and not in violation of the
law. The entire possessions Of
many Of our people are in the
towns. A residence upon a town.
lot in many instances constitutes
the home of Cherokee family,
and the proposition for them to
pay a price equal, or in any degree
approaching the present value OF
such lot would be an injustice and
ought not to be thought of.
The conditions relative to town
sites in the Choctaw and Chicka.
saw, and the other nations in this
territory, are not parallel with
those in the Cherokee country,
and the chief difference is that
while the towns in the other ma
tions are owned by, and in posses
sion Of United States citizens, the
towns in our country have been
built by Cherokee citizens almost
exclusively.
The proposition in the agree
ment with the Choctaws and
Chickasaws to sell the townlots to
the present occupants at 62 IL per
cent of their present value is per-
haps fair and just in so far as it APP
pertains to that country and its
conditions, but it certainly would
not do to apply anything like that
to the Cherokee country, and for
the reasons mentioned. In one
case it is dealing with intruders
and squatters who absolutely have
no rights to any portion of the
soil and in theother with bona fide
citizens who own an equal interest
in the common domain of the
country.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

ANY proposition that contem-
plates depriving the churches and
schools Of the land they occupy
in this nation, or a reasonable
amount Of III, is not TO be counto-
nanced and will most assuredly
fail to be adopted by the commis-
sions now in session at Tahlequah.
Our civilation is very largely the
product ofthe schools and churches
and they should not now be forgot
ten nor neglected.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

fusal to try your hand on any lev
er of relief that He may ordain.
~
believe that the idea these
women would have us get from the
word temperance, cannot be better
expressed than by "Christian self
restraint
A*s
lie cast his not at morn whore fishers tolled,
Az eve he drew II empty TO the shores
He took the divers plunge into the sea,
But thence withinhis hand no pearl he bore
He ran a race but never reached his goals
lie sped an arrow. but he missed his aim
And slept atlast beneath n simple stone.
with no achievements carved about his
name
Men called II failure, but for my own part
dare not use that word. for what ifheaven
Shall question, ere its Judgment shall be
read.
Not. Hast thou wonS but only, Hast thou
strivcni
RESOLUTIONS.
We, the members of the Indian
Territory w. @. T. T., assembled
in the eleventh annual convention,
believing God requires of us an
earnestness of purpose in the work
for humanity and knowing that
without Him we can do nothing,
we therefore look to Him for
guidance in all our lines of work.
Resolved, That we declare our
loving appreciation of our national
president, Miss Willard, our
national corresponding secretary,
Mrs. Stevenson and our national
superintendent Of purity, DR.. Mary
Wood Allen.
That we indorse the worth of
national organ, the Union Signal,
the little Purity Magazine, the New
Crusade and the School Physiolog.
ical Journal.
Resolved, That the importance
Of the l.. T. l.. and purity work be
brought more prominently before
the unions.
That we pay some attention to
the railroad work.
Resolved, That we in loving
memory have the name of our
pioneer president, Mrs. Stapler
placed in the temperance temple
in Chicago.
Resolved, That the w. G. T. U.
of the territory declares its belief
that one standard of morality is
equally binding upon men and
women.
That we more watchfully protect
the purity of both girls and boys
and more carefully consider how
we may reach and help our fallen
sisters.
Resolved, That we use all in
fluence possible against boxing
contests and prize fights and use
every effort to keep them out our
territory.
Resolved, That we trustfully and
prayerfully work for the emanci-
patton of women.
Resolved, That we use every
means in our power to influence
the press of our territory to assist
in the upbuilding of public senti-
ment.
That we sincerely thank the
press for the kindly way in which
they have opened their columns to
our cause.
Resolved, That we give our
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

FAIRLAND is in the field with two
candidates for the district clerk
ship Of Delaware district on the
Downing ticket, Alonzo Connor and
VIM. Mccullough. Both men are
young and both well qualified and
popular, aud there is a prospect of
some hard work for the nomina-
tion before the primaries on the
18th Of June. The same enterpris.
ing town also has a candidate for
the senate on the same ticket in
the person Of Frank Lamar, a mem.
Der of the present lower house of
council. Mr.. Lamar is a capable
man and a nomination would be
equivalent to his election.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

In the Choctaw agreem ent great
liberality has been tlavn the
churches and the schools in The
protection Of their present hold
ings, and it is not probable tibet
the Cherokees will allow them
selves to be out done in this par
ticular. The nation has granted
the use and occupation of land for
schools and churches all along and
now that the end is coming should
see to il that they have ample pro-
lection.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

FROM present indications the
tribal governments will continue
at least eight years longer, but the
chances are that they will be shorn
Of power and prestige. The tribal
judiciary will be abolished and all
legislative acts will have to be APP
proved by the president of the
United States. The moneys Of the
tribes will be guarded by the gov
ernment and the executive will be
the nominal governor Of his tribe.
II is the policy of congress TO re-
move the common funds forever
out Of the reach Of the thieves and
plunderers who have stood SO long
with their hands in the treasury.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06

In the Modern Want Column.
"a young criminal lawyer desires at
q suitable remuneration a respectable
minal."-Fliegende Blaetter.
Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-05-06
That Little EYIl Spirit.

His name Is Unkind Criticism.
He is always busy, often making
himself heard where he has no
business and whore we least ex.
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-07-08

When you 60 to private -..sv ...sv in Lon.
Son. Gon you only !9ok =. =. the pictures by acct
coms ~ sne people you have really
- 20 see. You walk about and stand
about for hours in your best frock, your
smartest and newest shoes and the most
sublime hat you can manage to evolve
Your gown is usually too tight, your
shoes are frequently ditto and your cha
peau, ten chances to one, ia frightfully top
heavy. Still all these sorrows must be
borne with a heightened color and as
pleased an expression as you can manage
to work up. Duchesses dig their elbows
into your ribs, you step apologetically upon
the patent leather toes of duke, mar
chionesses disarrange the back of your skirt
and marquises are apt to ogle you through
eyeglasses The greatest actresses and
the most celebrated demimondaines rub
shoulders, while actors, artists, litterateurs
and cabinet ministers are as thick as peas.
1t is all very amusing and entertaining If
you only have keen sense of humor. If
you are not blessed with this gift of the
gods, private view is no sort of use for
you to go to. Give your coveted ticket
away and wait till the crush is over and
you can get in for shilling.-San Fran
cisco Argonaut
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-07-08
WAR NAY Be RESUMED.
THE SUI TAN DOES NOT INTEND TO
GIVE UP THESSALY
The Minister Of War Has Sent Telegram IA
,,Pasha AnnoGnclng the Decision.

London. July S.-Graeco- Turkish af.
fairs appear to be re-eptering an inter
esting stage.
The porte has dispatched a circular
to it's representatives abroad contain
ing a skillful defence OF the Turkish
case and declining to consider any
frontier line in Thessaly north Of the
river Pennies. which is regarded as the
natural Boundary.
1t appears that the sultan has con-
vinced himself that the powers will not
resort to coercion and he has decided to
test the alleged concert of Europe to
the utmost On Monday he summoned
council of ministers for an extra
ordinary sitting to the Yildiz Kiosk,
with the result that after q heated dis
cussion report was drawn up in favor
OF resuming hostilities If peace should
not be concluded within a week.
The minister of war sent a telegram
to Edham Pasha announcing the de-
cision.
This accords with all the news re-
ceived for the last 10 days. The Turks
are rapidly strengthening their positions
In Thessaly, massing troops in Domoko,
fortifying Velestino and in other ways
entrenching themselves more firmly
The Thessalian harvest has already been
reaped by the Turkish soldiery and larre
quantities Of grain have been stored at
Elassona.