The Vinita weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1905, 1903-08-20

than no acres in extent for himself, his
wife or each OF his children, but the
agent claims that this is eyaded in many
ways, and that large tracts are held for
profit IN spite Of the provision that they
are subject to fine aud imprisonment for
doing 50 Excessive holdings have been
improved, and demand has been made
now that a change is required by law for
the payment for improvements. Ths,it
is elaimed, was never contemplated, as
the Illegal returns from the excess Of
lands more than paid for the value OF
improvements
RusTLERs AS ACCESSORIES.
Brosius says that trust companies to
deal in Indian lands have been organic.
ed by the score, and cover every field OF
the five civilized tribes. Agents, or "rus-
tiers" herd the ignorant Indians to.
gether In parties OF from five to twenty,
and induce them 10 lease their holdings.
The Incian is induced to secure an al.
lotnent Of improved land, taken from
the excess land Of other Indians. He is
being told that he can not receive rent
for the lands during the five years. as
the rent must be held out to pay for the
improvements Brosius claims that while
he was in the territory one Of the rust.
lers brought in thiity.four Choctaw
and chiekasaws, and another one thirty.
six, and third less number, who were
sold to the tribal trust company at from
$50 to $50 head. to be used IN securing
control OF their lands
Much the same tactics are employed
by the oil aud gas companies in secur-
ing leases for oil lands Brosius says:
"The air is rife with scandal in connec.
ton Herewith He cites striking ex.
ample Of an Ind an mother and her two
children being deprived Of their rights.
He says; The Indian mother being ig.
norant Of values was induced to give up
the lands that had been IN possession OF
the family many years on being paid
5000 each for the three tracts belonging
to herself and two children. The person
who made the deal received $50, 600 from
the oil company for his share in the pro-
dl
bfos'us has taken up this case and is
trying to have the lease iiivaiidaled. The
scheme was managed 50 skilliully, how
ever. that il Is doubtful II the wrong can
be Fighted, except ON the ground that
she was unauthorized to act on behalf Of
her minor children.
COMMISSIONERS CRITICISED.
Al considerable length Brosius reviews
the action Of the Dawes commission in
handling lands for the Delawares and
cherokees, and in commenting on ii
says; The unusual interest manifested
by the commission in this matter is
worthy of consideration, as il Is alleged
70 favor interested parties in securing
leases" He then goes on TO show that
the lands in question are valuable oil
tracts. Getting down to the actual con-
sideration between the trust companies
and the officials Of the government,
nrosius gives facts which be claims are
subslauliated by records,
II will be recall ed that several weeks
ago the statement was made IN these dis
patches that officials under both the de.
partment Of justice and the interior de-
partment were involved in the Indian
Territory scandals Brosius seems to
have established this beyond question.
He introduces this par, Of his rel ort by
way Of comment
The interests Of the trust companies
being an'agonistie to the Indians in
many ways, Il will be interesting to
know Il their organization and .he scope
Of lseir powers as authorized By chartsf
The Tribal development company Of
Tishomiugo, /. I was authorized March
25, with a capital stock Of 100000 and
lad sl2 600 paid Ia Guy r. Cobb, who
was then internal revenue inspector for
the Territory. she largest s,ockholder -
Brosius SAYS; "P L. s3per is large
stoekho der and vice-president If the
company Mr. soper Is United States
district attorney for the northern district
Of the Indian Territory, whose duty It'll
under ghe law to prosecute persons hay
iug excessive holdings Of land aud TO
defend the Indians at all suits Of law or
equity involving their titles to land
Gov Mosely Of the chiekasaw nation Is
also a s,oekhoider
rAMs BIxBY's COMPANY
The aluscogee title and trust company,
which does a business Ia lands, was or
ganized Ia February OF this year Tams
Bixbv, chairman Of the Dawes commis-
sion was a siockholder aud vice -presi-
dent Of the concern ] George Wright,
Indian iusneetnr In shaaiufe CHARGE In