The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1905-11-09
LOOKING INTO
MORTGAGES
f----
DEPARTMENTS INvESTI,
eating CHARGES OF
INDIANS
LAND GRAFTERS WANTED
Their Operations Place Flaws
on Indian Land Titles.


Washington, D. c., Nov. 9--The
Creek councils complaint of land
grafters has been referred by Secre-
tary Hitchcock to Assistant Secretary
Ryan for consideration The depart
ment's understanding of the matter is
that these so-called grafters lend a
small amount Of money to the Indians,
taking a mortgage as security and
then, In consideration Of a small ad-
ditional amount, get a deed to the prop
erty, to be dated when the land be
comes subject at alienation. In most
cases neither the deed nor the mort
gage is fled nor will they be until
shortly before the land becomes alien.
ablo
Neither the mortgage nor the deed.
IL is stated, has any validity, but they
operate to throw cloud over the title,
especially in the minds Of prospective
purchasers. and thus serve to destroy
all competition in bidding for the land
when IT shall become subject to sale
This will leave the Indian the slterna-
tive Of holding his land, perhaps at the
cost Of lawsuit, or OF selling it to the
holder Of the Invalid mortgage. who
is therefore able to get it at almost his
own price
II this understanding of the matter
is correct, it is not clear at the interior
department that Secretary Hitchcock
can afford any relief Judge Ryans in.
vestigation Of the matter has not pro-
ceeded far enough. however to enable
any positive announcement But
whether the department has any pow.
er in the matter on not. it is certain
that Secretary Hitchcock viii 'avite
the attention Of congress to the sub
iect and urge legislation as will tend
TO make these operations more diff
cult. II not impossible There is some
doubt whether IN the strictest sense
there is any criminality in such trans
actions, such, at least, as could be
made subject TO indictment, though. Of
course, the department understands
these transactions are possible only
by taking advantage of the Indians
ignorance.
No action has been taken as yet on
the Cherokee legislation, which L. F
Parker, Jr, has submitted to the de-
partment and the President for ap-
proval There is reason to believe
however, that the bill providing for the
appointment Of three commissioners to
remain? in Washington this winter to
advise with the secretary and congress
concerning legislation effecting the
tribes will be approved The bill tc
continue the tribal chief in oiflce for
year to close up odds and ends OF
tribal matters is not likely TO be ap
proved. and it is understood to be the
opinion Of the department that only
congreeshas authority 10 approve that
Legislation proposing to allow those
born after July J.. 1902. to participsts
in the distribution Of the tribal money
and property
According 10 a report which is be
lieved to be authentic. congress will
be asked to appropriate $4,000 of ths
funds OF each tribe to continue this
schools IN operation until some kinC
of government shall be provided FOL
the territory The money appropri
ated from federal funds for the tuition
of white children in these triba
J schools viii not be available after th'
ltribal school shall go out Of existence
because the act prescribes that
shall be a part Of the fund for tn
maintanence Of tribal schools