The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1901-08-16
A CURIOUS INDIAN REPUB.
Lie IN THE NORTH CAR.
OLINA MOUNTAINS.

OLINA MOUNTAINS.
In the recesses of the North Caro-
lima mountains there is highly-civil-
lied band of Indians who form a ma
ton separate and distinct from the
State Government and based upon
the theories of democracy. The peo-
pie who compose the community are
Cherokee Indians of pure blood, al
though many degrees removed from
the savagery of their ancestors, and
their scheme of government, while ad-
herring to many OF the traditions Of
their tribe, as far in advance of any
existing among other of the original
natives of the soil.
The chief, or president Of the re-
public is elected by plurality vote
by the qualified electors of the coun-
try. He must be at least thirty years
of age and a native of the republic.
He holds office for four years. How
ever, should he be authorized by his
congress to leave the country on pub
lie business, his compensation is fixed
at 81 day and mileage. He is not
only the chief executive of the nation,
but is its first citizen, and he is always
regarded as the personal friend and
adviser of his people in their individ-
ual capacity, and it is frequently the
case that he adjusts disputes and set
ties controversies between his people
in order to save them the expenses Of
litigation.
Ex-President Chaldohih's daughter,
who was educated in Boston, is said to
have been the most beautiful and pop
ular woman of the nation, and during
his administrations she was the Dolly
Madison of the little republic.
Jesse Reid, the incumbent, is no Or
binary man. He is giving the coun-
try one of the best business admins
trations it ever had. Mr.. Reid is a
prosperous farmer and stock raiser,
and prefers his comfortable home on
the beautiful Saco river to a residence
in the capital. Mrs. Reid is decidedly
domestic in her tastes and takes little
interest in matters beyond her home
and religious and charitable affairs,
but by her friends she is esteemed as
a very excellent woman.
The vice-president of the republic,
Stilwell Saunonkih, is an interesting
character. During the Civil War the
Cherokee republic espoused the cause
of the South, and one Of them, General
Stand Wait, rose to the rank Of a
brigadier. His command was COM
posed largely of his own people, and
one of his most gallant and trusted
officers was Major Saunoakh. Since
the war the major has been noted for
his enterprise, and it is said that he is
the most popular man in the nation.
The legislative branch Of the gov
ernment is vested entirely in one grand
council or house of representatives,
and this body is almost omnipotent
Its members are elected biennially.
They must be citizens and freeholders
of the republic and twenty-one years
of age, and during the time for which
they are elected they receive 81 a day.
The speaker Of congress, who is
elected by that body, has compensa-
ton $3.50 day while the house is in
session. This is limited to thirty days,
but the president can convene it in ex-
traordinary session whenever the ex-
igencies of public affairs may require
it.
Matters of foreign relations are in
the hands of congress, but, in fact, the
work is delegated to the minister.
The incumbent, James Blye, is alto
gether very remarkable young man.
There are few Americans whose use
of pure and accurate English excels
his. He is possessed in high degree
of the qualities of craftsmanship, and
of these the most marked is the judi
cial temperament. These make of him
a minister whose policies are followed
and not prescribed. He goes regular
ly to Washington every year to look
after the interests of his people. He
also represents them at the capital Of
North Carolina when it is necessary
for his country to transact any busi-
ness with that State.
The offices of the congress are a
speaker, vice speaker, clerk, sergeant
at arms, and doorkeeper.
Speaker Cornsilk, of the present
congress, is full-blooded Cherokee,
but is an able man, fine presiding
officer and it is said that it was through
his efforts that the Creed Rules" were
adopted.
All real property is primarily vest
ed in the government, but when cit
izen reaches the age of sixteen or a
Cherokee girl marries white man the
right accrues to select any portion Of
unapproprated land, and upon appli-
cation to the legislature it is segre-
gated, and the applicant becomes its
owner to all intents and purposes ex-
cept sale, which is prohibited, unless
the purchaser be native. If the title
is acquired by in:ermarriage with
Cherokee and she dies, the title reverts