The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-02
TEE JUDSE AND TEE FLAG.
An Indian Territory Jurist VINO WIN Pro-
teOt the National Banner.

MusKooEE. !. T., Juno 2S.--There has been
| q great deal Of trouble in the Indian Terri
tory over the collection Of tribal taxes. Tho
law compelling persons not citizens Of the
different tribes to pay certain taxes as a per-
NIT to do business in the various nations was
passed by tho Indian Legislatures and ap-
proved by President Mckinley. Tho Secre-
tary Of the Interior was authorized to collect
these taxes. Certain merchants sought TO
enjoin the Secretary Of the Interior from
making collections. The Federal courts de-
cided the taxes to belegal. and the opposition
to the Secretary and his order to collect be-
came very pronounced Some OF the dis
gruntled persons proposed to hang the flag
at half MATT on July to show the bitter feel
ing existing against the order.
The attention OF Chief Justice Raymond
OF the United States Court of Appeals for In
dian Territory was called TO this suggested
demonstration, which became known pub.
llcly through this article, printed in q
Weleetka newspaper
WILL Bs AT HALY MAsT.
Citizens Of Weeetka are resentful over tho treat
ment accorded the Indian Territory delegation
which went to Washington on the tribal tax matter
A rousng celebration Is being planned In Welrrufa
for July T. and the citizens declare the nag viii b-
hung at half mast as result OF the arbitrary action
of President Roosevelt and Secretary Hitchcock Ia
the tribal tax case.
Immediately upon learning Of the Use 10
which 1t was proposed to put the flag, Judge
Raymond issued this order prohibiting sira
an indignlty:
UNITED Stains OF AMERICA,
INDIAN TERsIToEr.
order 10 United .Si1ics Commissioners
II any citizen attempts TO fly the nag OF this Union
at half mast anywhere In the Indian Territory on
July because he was compelled under order OF the
Secretary OF the Interior 10 pay his tribal Tax.
which the Federal courts have decided TO be legal
he should be arrested on the spot.
Because a citizen may not agree with the action
OF any branch OF this Government Is no reason WHY
he should insult the flag OF our common country.
10 which every citizen OF the land owes profound
respect and perfect loyalty, and furnishes no ~,
cuse for hanging at half mast the Slars and Stripes
representing the power and glory of the republic,
This Is not a matter OF party politics. hastv
III advised course would cause lrreparabic daras.
TO the good people OF the Territory in the future.
II may be that an officer OF the Government can
be abused, but you shall not Insult the nag OF our
country.
II every citizen OF the country should be per.
mitted to hang the flag at half mast every time he
failed 70 agree with the Chief Executive of the IA.
ton, the ruling OF some Cabinet officer.
act OF the Congress Of the United States. or soms
decision OF our Federal courts. and thus insult the
emblem OF our sovereignty, the man whose patriot.
Ism is alive would at once resent II: riots would
ensuc. bitter feuds arise, friendly relations be-
tween the different sections OF the country be dis
turbed and universal unrest be the ugly breed Of
such a vicious practise.
To adopt such course would lead TO anarchy
and violate the peace of this country. much dc.
sired by all good citizens. c. W. RAYMOND
Judge United States Court.
1t ia said that In issuing this order Judss
Raymond established a precedent. Whether
the disgruntled citizens of Weleetka will at
tempt to disobey it Ia what is worrying the
United States Commissioners now.