The weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Craig County, Okla.) 1905-1913, 1912-06-07

N-V NAc SuiNc}OFs entered the cher
okee country and began their work
notwithstanding the consultation ot
1888 had ordered that all surveys and
location cease throughout Texas. The
Cherokees were charged with murder
ing and plundering the settlers in theiI
vicinity. A massacre Of family by
other Indians had occurred and the
perpetrators were captured and
brought by Cherokees to the white
authorities, but the crime was laid
upon the Cherokees who. says the
Secretary Of war, referring to the pris-
oners. were brought into the settle
ments by the Cherokees, who by their
cunning representations, charged the
acts of violence upon the Prairie In
dians and the treacherous Mexicans. +"
Says writer of the period: Major
Walters marched to the Neches Saline
and Col. Burlison came to the same
point with his command. The chief
OF the Cherokees informed Major Wal
, tiers that he would resist the occupa.
ton of the Cherokee country with
force. Commissioners had been in
conference with the Indians trying to
secure their removal. These commits
sioners offered to pay for their i'm
proyements, but not for their lands.
They We're required to surrender their
gun locks and remove to the Terri
tory of Arkansas. The Cherokees re-
fused, and the Texans invaded their
country with fire and sword, leaving
nothing to tell the sad story of the
civilized Cherokees, but the bleaching
bones of the dead, and the smoking
ruins of their homes. Texas certainly
copied from the history of the Alamo
and aped Mexican cruelty as near as
possible"
The story of the Cherokees in Texas
has been admirably treated of by Cap
tain Marryat, the noted British novel !
ist, and the state of Texas today no
doubt numbers among her population
some of the descendants of the old
Cherokee pioneers, but the greater
of such defendants are now
dwelling in the state of Oklahoma.
Some of them are in and near Table.
quah, the old capital, and their inter
est in the achievements of their fore 1
fathers is great.
Claim Involves Millions.
For a number of years plans have
been considered to gain from the gov
of Texas indemnity for the
great losses inflicted upon the Chero-
kee settlers. At times it seemed that
efforts would soon be made to secure
such indemnity. But vast difficulties
we're in the way, Journeys to the cap
tai of the Mexican Republic would
nave to be made and the archives of
hat country thoroughly examined.
The achiyes of Texas would likewise
lave to be thoroughly inspected and
egal talent of a high order engaged
MI of this necessarily would mean
he expenditure of a large sum of
money, and of this the descendants of
he Texas Cherokees were not in pos
ession of a sufficient quantity to have
he case taken up Year after year
as passed away, but ever and anon
be Texas Cherokee case has been re-
ived and talked about and specula-
ons made as to the feasibility of in
a suit against the Lone
tar state. At this time it seems
lat something may yet be done. 1t
thought that it may be possible to
ecure the services of a strong firm
lawyers who will take charge of 4
lie suit and press it to a conclusion
II share of the proceeds which
ould amount to millions of dollars.
he United States has always claim
guardianship over the Cherokees.
ven today, full-blood Cherokee.
ough citizen of the United States,
nnot legally dispose of his land
thout the removal of his restrictions
the government. He cannot sell
S land and remove to another state
foreign government without the ex-
ess permission of the government.
i'd if the Cherokee of today is under
ch restrictions, certainly the Chero-
es of more than seventy-fiye years =
o were under the charge of the gov
nment. Consequently, the govern
INT of the United States as guar
IN could become party of the suit,
uld defend its wards interest and
pear against the authorities OF
xas. Just what will eventually
inspire is problematical but it is
,ked toward to with interest by
ose who claim relationship with the
,neer Cherokees of Texas.