Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1898-03-17

tor said he had not introduced th,
bill and would not take any action
until the house passes the Curtis
bill. After that, if it is decided
further court Legislation is neces-
sary, the senate will attach it t.
the Curtis bill. Previous 10 th,
passage of The act named the sena
tor declared no court legislation
would be considered.
*s*
Information having reached here
that large pastures are being
fenced in the Greek nation, in am.
tlcipation of the passage of the
Curtis bill, endeavors are to be
made 10 head off this abuse. One
provision suggested is that the bill
named be made retroactive to the
extent of invalidating all leases
made subsequent to such a time
as will exclude those complained
of. Capt. McKennon, of the
Dawes commission, will also ask
that special agent of the depart
ment be sent to the territory to
prevent the offenses.
***
Senator Morgan has introduced
a bill "to enable the Cherokees or
any of the five civilized tribes to
bring suit in the supreme court of
the United States"
This is the bill by which the
Cherokees hope to get into the su-
preme court Of the United States
for the purpose of getting a gener-
al decision of their treaty rights of
self government, and for which at
torneys have been employed. as
stated in my last weeks communi-
cation. Ex-senator Call of Flor
ida will press the measure.
The bill provides: "That the su-
preme court shall take jurisdiction
OF all questions between the Unit
Ell States and the Cherokee tribe
OF Indians, and either ofthe other
tribes, who shall institute suit
arising under treaties and laws of
the United States, under their pat
ents to land, and as to their right
of tribal jurisdiction and that the
decision of the supreme court shall
be final determination of their
rights and also Of the power of the
United States, under their treaties
with, and patents from, the Unit
ed States"
a similar measure has been in
troduced in the house by Congress
man Livingston, of Georgia.
~
The bill authorizing the con-
struction'of a toll bridge across the
Arkansas at Webbers Falls has
been favorably reported.
*s:*
Following up the frequent tender
of troops from the Indian Terrific
ry in case of a war.with Spain Con-
gresham Brownlow, of Tennessee,
has introduced bill for the organ
ization OF military companies in
the Indian Territory.
1t empowers the secretary of war
to appoint an adjr;ant general
Of territorial militia, and commits
stoned officer, who shall hold Of
ice four years and be commader
IN chief of territorial militia. The
commander in chief is empow-
cred to appoint an inspector gen.
sral, two aides-de- camp, one
surgeon general and one
luartemaster general. The rules
md regulations of the United
states army are to govern. The
commander in-chief may order the
militia so organized, in
o active service when the safety
II the territory may demand it.
al enlistments are to be for two
ears. All companies so organized
re to be armed and uniformed by
he United States. The militia of ,
be territory, when in active SER !
ice, shall be allowed the same
'ay as the army of the United
tates. /,
The bill has been referred to the !
ON mittee on Indian affairs. :
***
The 100000 item for the cree. 8
on of three central jails in the :
srritory was dropped from the
eneral deficiency bill on the 14th. \
was decided that the appropria- \
on committee had no ju-
sdiction and the matter was
,ferred to the committee a
\ buildings and grounds, 4
hich most likely ends it for this 4
,sslon. Only three towns will, of
'urse, be chagrined by this an q
luncpment .