The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-02
THE JUbaE AND THE rLAa.
An Indian territory Jurist Who VIII Pc.
tect the National banner.

MusKoGEE, l. T.. June 2s.Thcre has been
a 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 per-
init to do business in the various nations wa.
passed by tho Indian Legislatures an ap-
proved by President Mckinley. the cecrc-
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 be legal, 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 mast 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 ln-
dian Territory was called to this suggested
demonstration. which became known pub.
licy through this article, printed in
Weleetka newspaper
WILL. BE AT HALY MAST.
Citizens Of Weleetka are resentful over the treat
ment accorded the Indian Territory delegation
which went 10 Washington on the tribal tax matter.
A rousing celebration Is being planned In Weleeka
for July 4, and the citizens declare the nag will bs
hung half mast a result Of the arbitrary action
OF President Roosevelt and Secretary Hitchcock 10
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 such
an indignity:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
INDIAN TERRITORY
Order 10 United .Stlies Comrtssloners
IL any citizen attempts 10 ny 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 70 pay his tribal tar.
which the Federal courts have decided 10 be legal
he should be arrested on the spot
Because citizen may not agree with the action
OF any branch OF this Government Is no reason why
he should insult the nag OF our common country,
10 which every citizen OF the land owes profound
respect and perfect loyalty, and furnishes eX
cuse for hanging at half the Stars and Stripes
repre- senting the power and glory Of the republic.
This Is not a matter OF party politics. A has.y
III advised course would caus, irreparable damage
TO the good people OF the Territory In the future.
II may be that an ofIlccr Of the Government can
be abused, but you shall not Insult the Gag OF our
country
II every citizen OF the country shsuld be per.
mtted to hang the nag at hall mast every 'lsie hs
failed 10 agree with the Chief Executive OF the ma
lion, the ruling Of some Cabinet oficcr, some
act Of the Congress Of the United States. or soma
decision Of Federal courts. and thus insui ,ne
emblem OF our sovereignty. the man whose patriot
ism Is alive would at once resent 1t; riots would
ensue, bitter feuds arise, friendly relations be-
tween the different sections OF the country bc DIS.
turbed and universal unrest DO the ugly breed of
such q vicious practise.
To adopt such course would lead TO anarchy
and violate the peace OF this country. so much de-
sired By all good citizens. c. W. RAYMOND
Judge United States Cou!'
1t is said that in issuing this order Jud.s
Raymond established precedent Whether
the disgrunted citizens of Weleetka will at
tempt to disobey ii ia what Is worrying the
United States Commissioners now.