The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1913-11-11
Impressive Scene in Washington
When Chief Tiger Speaks and
and Commissioner Grasps
Hand in Encouragement
VIGOROUS POLICY FOR
PROTECTING INDIANS
Reforms for Safeguarding the Full
blOods and Minors to Be In
stituted Conference to Be
Held Soon at Mnskogee

That Commissioner OF Indian Affairs
Cato Sells, who has displayed marked
energy in tackling the serious prob
lens confronting him. has already con
vinced the Indians thar he is their
firm friend, is indicated by an incident
which occurred at the recent confer
ence Of the governors and principal
chiefs, attorneys and other officials
with the commissioner in Washington.
j. c. The incident is related by Reford
Bond of this city. the national attor-
ney for the Chickasaws. who partici-
pated in the conference.
The conference had lasted till 3
O'Clock in the morning and after the
other participants, Indian and pale
face had expressed their views. the
commissioner called upon Chief Tiger
Of the Creek Nation. Speaking no
English at all and understanding very
little Of the language, the chief had sal
in silence during the long discussioa
Of matters affecting the welfare OF his
people. but when Mr.. Sells extended
the invitation he arose with the dignity
characteristic Of his proud race and
through an interpreter addressed the
conference. In conclusion the Creek
chief said. 'Mr. Commissioner, ! don't
speak English and don't understand
everything said by you and the other
gentlemen, but ! can explain my atti-
tude by telling a story. Sometimes a
number Of big dogs tree something and
stand back and bark up the tree Then
maybe a little flee dog comes along.
He sees the big dogs barking and not
knowing what they are barking at he
may turn and bark up another tree.
And so it is with me don't know
everything that is taking place and
I'm afraid ! might bark up the wrong
tree"
The words. as well as the solemn
manner OF the chief, had made a pro-
found impression upon all present and
as he concluded, Commissioner Sells
stepped TO the side OF Tiger and grasp
ed his hand. saying. 4 know you don't
understand my language and can't ap-
preciate all ! have to say. and there
fore / take you by the hand that you
may feel IN my touch what you cannot
catch from my voice
1t was clear to all that the Indian
understood the meaning which Mr.
Sells sought to convey. Chief Tiger
later told the other chiefs that never
ID all his life had ne received such en-
couragement from a commissioner OF
Indian affairs and he felt that in Mr.
Sells his people had a good friend who
would do a great work for them. Sim
liar sentiments we're also expressed by
the other Indians present.
As the next step in plans agreed up
on at the conference in Washington
Mr.. Bond states that Commissioners
Sells will meet the governors and prin
cipal chiefs, the tribal and probate at
torneys, together with the county
judges OF the east side of the state, II
a conference to be held in Muskogee
the latter part OF the month, at which
time a probate force for the Five Civ
ilized Tribes will be fully organized
An effort viii also be made TO have
the county judges adopt a certain form
OF procedure for the sale of inherited
fullblood lands and rules for guardians
, reports at specified times. 1t is fur
ther the purpose TO discourage the sail
Of lands belonging to minor Indians.
During the Washington conference
lasting several days. the entire situa
ton relative to conditions in the Fiv'
Tribes was thoroughly canvassed an'
the commissioner made plain his pur
pose to pursue a very aggressive polio.
in protecting the estates Of minor In
dians from cunning schemers. Rad
cal reforms are to be instituted in tn
administration of the estates OF lndiai
minors TO the end that the expens
of handling such estates may be re
duced to a minimum and that the hell
CONTINUED on Page Two.)