The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-10-14
SEM|NOLES TO
Be CARED FOR
BY THE GOVT.
SENATOR FLETCHER RECEIVES
LETTER FROM INDIAN COMMITS
sIoNER-BlsHoP GRAY INTER.
ESTED.

United States Senator D. =. Fletch.
er received letter this forming from
Hon. r. v. Valentine, the Commission
er Of Indian Affairs at Washington, in
which the matters relating to the
present condition Of the Seminole In
dams are discussed.
This question has been of great in
terest to the prominent residents OF
South Florida for some time, and
Bishop Gray, Of the Episcopal church,
has been a leader In the Indian move
ment for several years. The bishop
is in Cincinnati at the present time
attending the conference OF the Epts-
copal church, and could not be seen.
Senator Fletcher looked into the
matter while in Washington last win
ter, and upon reading an address made
by Bishop Gray, at Ocala, some little
time ago, he wrote the Commissioner
Of Indian Affairs asking about the
goernment's knowledge Of the condi-
ton Of the Indians.
Commissioners Letter.
The commissioners letter explains
the whole matter in a few words and
sets out the steps that the government
means to take to care for the remnant
70 the once powerful tribe. The text
Of the letter is as follows:
Hon. D. U. Fletcher, Jacksonville,
Fla:
"Sir-I have the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt Of your letter OF Sep
TENDER 20, 1910, transmitting a clip
ping from the Ocala Banner regarding
the Seminole Indians in Southern
Florida. You ask if there are any gov
eminent lands available for reserVa-
ton in or about the Everglades.
During the year 1895 to 1900. from
money appropriated by Congress for
this purpose, 23,O6172 acres were
purchased for the Seminole Indians in
Florida, lying in townships At and 48
south, range 80, SO and "a east. On
November %, 1907, the department ap-
proved a Recommendation from this
office withdrawing certain unappro-
priated public lands in Florida for the
Seminole Indians, comprising approx
mately $50 acres, lying in townships
so and 81 south range 40 and Al east.
"Tt has not been possible to COM
pile an accurate census of the Semi
mole Indians in Florida, but from the
best information obtainable 1t appears
that these Indians number approx
mately 500. These Indians in Florida
are but the remnant of the once pow
erful Seminole tribe, and, owing to the
treatment accorded them during the
Seminole War. their descendants even
to this day, as you are no doubt
aware, are adverse to having any
dealings with white persons, especial
ly any one connected with the govern
ment service.
Through the kindly interest OF
Bishop Gray and his co-laborers, how
ever, in Southern Florida, these In
dams are beginning to stand IN less
fear Of white men. The Act OF April
4, 1910 (36 Stat. L., 27D, carries with
it an appropriation Of $4,000 for the
relief of distress among the Semi
mole Indians in Florida and for pur-
poses OF their civilization. Recently
special agent has been appointed
for the purpose Of more closely inves-
tigating and supervising local condi-
tons among the Seminole Indians IN
Southern Florida. After careful in
vestigation by him, should it be found
that these Indians require additional
lands for the protection OF their in
terests and the promotion Of their
general welfare, shall be glad to sug-
gest to the department that the mat
ter be submitted to Congress for its
consideration, as suggested In your
letter of September %.
Personally, desire to assure you
that the interest of these Indians will
be protected to the fullest possible
| extent. Your interest in their well
fare. as evidenced by your letter of
September %, is appreciated.
Every respectfully,
"R V. VALENTINE,