The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-12-11
tine INDIANS.
Needs of White Residents In the Ter.
rItorY Must lie ConnIdercd


For a number OF years past It has been
apparent that the conditions under which
The hVe Civilized tribes were established
w. The indian territory under treaty pro-
visions with the United States. with the
right or self government and the eX-
cMsion Of all white persons from within
their borders. have undergone 80 complete
a change as 70 render the continuance OF
the system thus inangurated practically
impossible. The total number OF the i've
civilized tribes. as shown by the last census.
IS 1894. and this number has not materials
inSfeSdSe rom 956 s Coy SH 10 wS S
by permission OF the Indian government,
has settled IN the territory The present
area OF the Indian territory contains 20.
69ib6i acres, much OF which Is very FER
tile land. The United states citizens ro-
siding IN the territory, most cf whom have
gone there by Invitation or with the con-
sent Of the tribal authorities, have made
permanent homes for themselves Numer-
GUS towns have been built In which from
able residences and business houses have
been erected IN many Of them. Large busl-
which vast sums or money are en-
ployed. and yet these people, who
ment OF the productive resources OF the
country, are without title to the land they
occupy and have no voice whatever IN the
government either OF the nations or tribes.
Thousands OF their children who were born
In the territory are OF school age, but the
doors or the schools OF the naton'sar shut
against them and what education they get
IS by private contribution. No provision
for the projection 0, q the life or property
tribal governments and courts.
An Indian Aristocrncy.
The secretary Of the Interior reports that
leading Indians have absorbed great tracts
OF land 10 the exclusion OF the common peo-
pie and government by an Indian aristoc-
racy has been practically established, 20
the detriment OF the people, IL has been
found impossible for the United States 20
keep its citizens out OF the territory and
the eNecutory conditions contained In
treaties with these nations have for tho
most part become impossible Of execution.
Nor has Il been possible for the tribal gov
prnmcnts 20 secure 20 each individual
Indian his fun enjoyment IN common with
other Indians OF the common property or
the nations Friends OF the Indians have
long believed that the best interests OF the
Indians OF the five civilized tribes would
be found IN American citizenship with ali
the rights and privileges which belong TO
that condition.
The Dawes Commission.
ny section l6 OF the act OF March 3. 1898.
the president was authorized 20 appoint
three commissioners TO enter into negotia-
lions with the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chicka-
saw Muskogee (or Crcol) and Seminole ma.
lions, commonly known as the Five Civ
illzed Tribes IN the Indian territory. Brief
~, the purposes OF the negotiations were
held by any aid an such nations or
tribes. either by cession OF the same or
some part thereof 20 the United states or
by allotment and division Of the same In
sevcralty among the Indians OF such ma
lions or triboa respectively as may be en-
titled 20 the same, or by such other method
as may be agreed upon between the sew
crnl nations and tribes aforesaid. or each
or them with the United States, with a
view 10 such an adjustment upon the basis
Of justice and equity as may With the con-
sent OF the said nations or Indians. 80 TAR
as may be necessary. be requisite and suit.
able 10 enable the ultimate creation of
state or states OF tho union. which shall
embrace the lands within said Indian ter
ritory
The commission met much opposition
from the beginning. The Indians were
very slow 20 net and those In control mani
tested n decided disinclination 10 meet
with favor the propositions submitted 10
this organization the commission effected
an agreement with the Choctaw nation
alone The Chickasaws. however. refused
10 agree 10 It's terms. and as they have
common Interest with tho Choctaws IN
tho lands ~ said nations, the agreement
With the latter nation could have no ef-
feet without tho consent ~ the former
an agreement with both trihos-thc Chloe
taws and Chlcknsaws This agreement
~ is understood. has been ratified by the
constituted authorities 81 the respective
tribes or nations parties thereto. and only
requires ratification by congress 10 make
n binding on the 21fh Of September, 1897
nm agreement was effected with the Greek
nation. but n IS understood that the ma
tional council of said nation has refused
90 be had with the Cherokees. the most
populous of the Five Civilized tribes, and
with the Scminolcs. the smallest in point
OF numbers ana territory.