The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-11-22
IN DEFENSE OF MIR. PULLEN.

Quillayuie. Wash. Nov Is, 1895
To the Editor: Man years ago Daniel
Pullen, a white man, obtained the consent
OF the Quiilayute Indians TO establish a
temporary residence and make improve
ments or the lands claimed by them. Hav-
ing ONCE obtained a foothold. ne proceeded
to make certain entries Of the reservation
lands used and occupied by him. \ contest
arose out Of that action, which. after come
ment in favor Of the Indians. From a Sc
attic newspaper, October IS. 1898.
The The above is farce. excepting Daniel
Of he word He a did pc not ct "a get tS5 sae
consent OF the lndians-they did not ques
ton his right. They sold their land to
the United States. and II is recorded in
office TO allow Mr.. Pulen TO make certain
entries Of the reservation? There was no
reservation. The land was surveyed and
land office. Mr.. Pullen fled a presumption
and timber claim at the mouth of the Gull
layute river. The Indians had a few tenn
pofsry shacks. All the houses now on
since Mr.. Pullen bought the land. Mr.. Pull
len proved mp in due form, and no objec-
tion was made. He paid his money ana
took receipt. which entities him 70 a
deed. Most OF the Indians who care TO Wave
home have had from ten 10 100 acres of
land given them by the government Mr..
Pullen IS a farmer. He gave the Indians
employment and paid them in produce and
money. He also bought such furs. skins
and oil as they had to sell. The Indians
wanted flour. sugar. calico. clothing and
blankets. Mr.. Pulien began IN a small way
10 supply their wants. He could have had
them removed 10 the reservation. but he
encouraged them 10 build houses and stay
or his land
Other Indians came 10 Lapush who
never lived there before 70 SECURE the ad-
vantage Of trade TO gamble, dance and TO
ard barn. cleared and fenced land. and
made his home pleasant and comfortable.
He sold Ave acres 20 s. Baxter. an inno-
cent purchaser. long before any question
about reserve for Indians was thought Of
Mr.. Pul.en gave Mr.. Baxter employment.
built nice store, and built an addition
when business justified. Mr.. Baxter bought
and paid for five acres OF land built q
three-story store, and had a good business.
Now he IS ordered off by the Indian agent
without redress. as far as the Indian de-
partment is concerned. This IS unjust. The
courts should and will give him what is
lawfully his as an American citizen.
Mr.. Pullen spent the earnings of 4 life
time on his home. Some wise heads who
We're Jealous OF his prosperity thought best
10 make a new Indian reservation at the
only outlet by the ocean 10 the country.
but IL specified that il would not interfere
with the present settlers. Such a state
ment bears the falsehood on its face. They
might well lock the door 10 a dwelling
and say they would not interfere with the
inmates going out or in Mr.. Pulen
then an old-l.ne Democrat. He is now a
staunch Republican. Some wise men
This was not good policy in the eyes of
the Cleveland administration. Mr. Punen
was refused a patent Cor his land. They
said they wanted II for the Indians. Mr..
Pu!len did not surrender his home. his ali,
lie is Quaker by birth from the state of
Maine He Is a temperance man. He did
any one else to. He was so well respected
by the Indians that forty nine OF the lead
ing men s.Sned q petition 10 the Indian
agent TO make Mr.. Pullen their chief OF
fa1L. iYSfa ~, th.4r
troubles.
In 1877 Mr.. Pullen left his house and post
o!lice IN charge of a poor widow, and with
his family went 10 Alaska. Mr.. Morse the
Indian agent. said he had orders 20 move
all white persons from the Quillayuta In
dian reservation. lie ordered Mrs David
He also had Mr.. PulIeu's organ furniture.
library, pictures and ali dry goods moved
10 small house on private land. The
goods were moved during Mr.. Pulens
absence and without his knowledge or con-
sent on June Is. 1s9S.
They have Mr. Puilen's money. and have
taken his improvements and home without
compensation. Mr.. pullen paid taxes: the
Indians pav no taxes Mr Pulen has a
wife and four children. Mr.. Pullen is
nati;e-bo-n citizen or The United States
- ho Is 10 blame about this land in ques-
t!one The government which sold the land
or Mr.. PuI,en. who bought the land? The
Indian department; has decided that Mr..
Pullen's land belongs 10 the Indians. The
laws ara said 70 be made by tire people ard
for the people. I have been acquainted
with Mr. Daniel Pullen for the las; twenty
ore years and | know those that have
known him from toyhoO9. he Is a good
moral man. and is now made homeless. IN
Justly by the Indian department Mr.
pulIen is now In Alaska. I know not
what action he may take IN this mat
ter. tut = ne Ives 10 return, think he VII
see Z the courts will allow the Indian de-
partment II rob him and his family OF all
they hold dear. Home. Sweet Home"
CAPT. A J. SMITH