The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-12-30
White Earth men
RALLY TO DETROIT
WHITES AND INDIANS JOIN
HANDS FOR A SPEEDY SET
ELEMENT OF LAND
TROUBLES.

Detroit Mimi. Dec. 3o.--At the tnvi-
tation Of the Detroit Commercial club.
200 business men and farmers from the
White Earth reservation and territory
adjacent have gathered In this city TO
consider the attitude of the Indian
department with reference to the set
tlement Of the White Earth Indian res
ervation.
This reservation was opened for set
Element in 1905, and In a short time
settlers began to arrive and purchase
land from the Indians. No sooner was
settlement well under way than gov
eminent representatives charged that
some of the Indians were being de-
frauded and instituted an investiga-
ton, with the result that about 1000
suits have been filed.
There is strong feeling In this part
Of the state that the government ac-
ton has been Unfortunately carried
on. Certain It is that the legitimate
sale of reservation lands is being seri-
ously hindered and good titles need
lessly clouded. Business Of ali kinds
on the reservation is almost at stand
| still. and the people are becoming
highly incensed.
Many indians Attend.
The meeting today is to devise ways
| and means to get the matter before
the proper authorities with a view 20
| having the true status OF the Indians
determined in order that business may
be restored to it's normal conditions.
| Prominent in the meeting today is
a large delegation Of White Earth In
dams, headed by Chief Potter. These
Indians are taking lively interest In
the matter, as they are progressive and
anxious TO secure the advancement OF
the reservation country.
There are also present many farmers
who have invested their savings in
protection of their holdings.
The convention was called to order
by President Charles Morse Of the
commercial club. c. VI. johnson OF
Detroit was elected permanent chair
man and j. L. Pryor secretary.
Upon taking the chair. Mr. Johnson
discussed the opening and settlement
Of the Indian country; the institution
Of suits by the government and the
consequent agitation and present feel
ing of dissatisfaction on the part Of
the people here.
John w. Carlone Of the Chippewa
Indian band expressed his belief that
the time had arrived when the Indian
should be thrown on his own resources.
Chief Potter, speaking through an In
terpreter, said he felt that the Indians
had generally been fairly treated and
that great deal Of the agitation was
unnecessary. He said the government
list of fullbIoods is padded and not
accurate, many Indians declaring they
were fullbloods to secure larger pay
ments.
Indian Rights Men Criticized.
Thee Beaulieu Of White Earth said
that pernicious influence was creep
ing between the good intentions OF the
government and the people, which
should be corrected He referred 20
members of the Indian Rights associa-
ton as phiIanthropic eastern sentiment
talists who knew very little about the
Indian.
} Several other speeches were made
, protesting against the present proce-
dure Of the government, and steps are
: being outlined for definite action al
| the meeting this afternoon.
/ The attendance and interest greatly
I exceed the expectation OF the promo
ters and will undoubtedly bring about
better condition of affairs.