The evening times., 1900-03-13

Wah-pah- ah-pe-to. commonly known
as "Bi Jim" Chief Of the band e shaw
nee Indians, and a grandson Of Tecumseh,
arrived in this city today. accompanied by
his interpreter. Joe Blackburn. one OF the
tribe, and NJ p. Bentley. agent Of the
Rickapoos who is here endeavoring TO
further tae claim Of the Shawnses, and
have a statement of their grievances pre-
sented before Congress.
big Jim who does not speak English.
explained 10 a Times reporter through his
interpreter that his mission to Washing
ton was to ask the Secretary of the Inte-
rior TO aid him in securing possession Of
certain lands in the State OF Texas that
we're granted 20 his tribe and their allies,
the Delawares, by Sam Houston.
The grant, it is claimed, had been pre-
viOusiy made to the Indians by Mexico and
was ratified by President Houston. and
confirmed by the Congress OF the Proyis-
ional Government OF Texas.
This claim. known as the Service
Grant" comprises a tract Of land twenty
miles square and was given 20 the In
dians for the service rendered by them TO
the Republic OF Texas in TeconcilinE and
subduing the refractory and hostile bands
which then infested that country.
Big Jim" Is about seventy years cf age
and Is magnificent specimen Of his race
II 49, said that he is virtually -hC king OF
all the ldians Of the country by right OF
pedigree and inheritance.
The history OF the claim IS said by the
agent Mr. Bentley. 30 be a most intricate
and interestu < one. The grant as oIigi-
nally madr b. Mexico was In earnest OF a
stipulation rrayiously made by that gov
eminent 10 Pay their allies. the Shawnees
and the Dciawarcs. sum Of money for
every sraip OF hostile Indian brought in
by then. The bargain was faithfully kept
10y Ms iCo, ruJ &c was fOun3, after a short
period that the immense number OF scalps
procure oy its Indiaa allies necessitated
the payment OF sum Il money which
threatened tc bankrupt the treasury
Hence the grant OF land above described
WAS made TO the Indians and was held BY
them until the breaking out Of the civil
war. At this time the Shawnee and be
Delawares always faithful allies OF the
Government enlisted almost TO a man in
,he Union Army and rendered efficient and
valuable service as soldiers. scouts. etc.
When they returned 20 their State. how
ever. they found that their lands had
2 ''taGgt from lhfln- as tHt ll4iols lleLL-
! selves express 70. that is the white settlers
had taken possession OF them They were
obliged 20 move further north 20 an arid
and reproductive country bordering upon
/ oklahoma Territory. which they az pres
: ent ;uhtbit The tribe is very poor. it is
said as 80 rs found almost impoSsihi 10
obtain bare subsistence from The arid
ground either fer agricultural or grazing
purposes
Various officials OF the Government. &c is
said have expressed themselves as inter
ested in the case Of Big Jim" and a prom
ineut Senator in an interview with Agent
/ Bentley expressed his intention OF pre-
sCntiug the matter 10 Secretary HitChCocl
/ as deserving every consideration.
The claim. j, is said. viii further be laid
/ before the Senate ami House Commit tees
/ on Indian Affairs and every EFFORT made for
/ a satisfactory adjustment