The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-11-14
SPIRIT OF PROGRESS.
Compulsory Arbitration Is the Plan of
South America


Guthrie, O. r, Nov I3-The spirit Of
progress has AT last permeated the Usage
Indian tribe, the last of the nations in
Oklahoma and Indian Territory holding
their lands and tribal funds in common,
and the following notice has been issued
by their principal chief:
'Office Of the Principal Chief, Usage Ma
tion, Pawhuska. o. r, Nov. s. 1903.
'"To Members of the Usage Tribe:
1t appearing that there is a strong
sentiment among the members of the
Usage tribe for d tribal settlement and
NATURALIZATION of tribal property and
funds, I, as principal chief. call for
tribal meeting for December 5. 1903, this
being during the December payment.
i earnestly urge you TO be present. At
this time a delegation will be selected
and authorized to represent the tribe in
treating with the government for final
settlement Of tribal affairs.
1T is important that you be present
and participate. Very respectfully,
JAMES BIGHEART, Principal Chief"
This call marks an epoch in the history
OF the tribe. As has often been printed,
the Osages are the richest nation of peo-
pie in the world They stand alone in
history as to the ownership of their
lands. having bought and paid for every
acre in the reservation with the tribal
funds, yet they hold their domain in
common, with treaty guarantee made
in 1866 by the United States, that 10
state or territory shall ever pass laws
extending jurisdiction over them with
out their consent. The tribe. which num-
bers 1S07 members, is about evenly di-
vided among the fullbloods and the mix
edbloods. The former have held to the
traditions of their ancestors, celebrate
the rites and ceremonies that have come
down to them, and have bitterly opposed
allotment The younger members Of the
tribe, with the nixed-bloods, are more
liberal. and favor division Of lands to
members and a sharing of the tribal
funds
The wealth Of the Osages consists Of
100000 acres of fertile land. situated in
the northeast part of Oklahoma territory.
and nearly $9.o0o00O in the United States
treasury, at Washington. held as a trust
fund for their use and benefit. and upon
which The government pays per cent
interest annually. Every member Of the
tribe has a large farm, usually worked
by white tenant, and which yields
handsome revenue. which, taken with
the pasture money, amounting yearly to
$4,000 and the interest money. amount
ing to $500, co. Yields TO every buck,
squaw and pappoose an annual income
OF nearly $500. This gives 10 4 family
OF six-the average-an amount approxi
mating yearly seed. and all without do
Ing any work of any kind or character.
The movement for division of tribal
funds and allotment is backed by all the
miXed-bloods, also by most Of the young
men of the tribe. the latter having at
tended schools and colleges, and learn
ed the ways of civilization. The mixed
bloods, dress. act and live like white
men, and are anxious for the change
There is no doubt that when the matter
IS submitted TO the nation to vote upon
the new or0er Of things proposed will
carry by a big majority and the last O
the tribal nations in the twin territories
will be dissolved.
There is TO public or school land in the
Usage nation. the territory of Oklahoma
having been unidentified for all such
lands some years ago. The reservation
has been attached 10 Pawnee county for
judicial purposes. and as the tribe is tax
ed for court expenses, the members. who
are not allowed to vote. being in the
same position as Were the fathers Of the
revolution, they having 20 submit 10
taxation without representation.