The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1913-06-29

sixteen years CALLED under the yoke
of bureaucratic administration of In
dian affairs in Oklahoma, and who
would be willing in many cases to sur
render a quarter or a half of their
share in tribal property for a speedy
settlement, but when it is considered
| that the bunglesome work of sixteen
years must be undone and complete
new system OF settlement must be
worked out, four years is but com
paratively short time. The depart
ment of interior, (if it accomplishes
the task in four years, will have ac-
complished wonders, for in no other
state in the union are conditions in
such choatic state.
Poor Lo, who has been the victim of
the caprlces of misguided department
officials under republican administra-
tions, is clamoring for a change. He
will get it. Not in many years has
the outlook seemed so bright as at
the present time. Those who really
have the Indians interest at heart
but who have been handicapped by
the efforts and arguments of organ
izations and individuals who have
had ther eyes on the Indians purse,
but who have successfully fooled de-
partment officials in Washington, are
feeling elated and expect to accom-
plish much.
Lane Hearkens to Appeal.
The attitude of Secretary Lane to-
ward Oklahoma first became known
when in an appeal to congress he
urged an appropriation to be used in
pushing the settlement of the 10000
land suits in the eastern section of the
state. He declared that conditions
necesstated urgent and
early action if the best interests of
the state were to be conserved.
More recently, in replying to re-
quests for further extension of pay
ments on purchases of unallotted
lands of the Choctaw and Chickasaw
nations, the secretary said:
81 am not prepared to decide now
that any further extension should be
granted. IF conditions this fall shall
Indicate that further time should be
given, no doubt some equitable ar
rangement can be made. Other fac
tors that the convenience Of these
must, however be taken
into consideration.
at is desirable from every point of
view to advance the settlement Of
the affairs of the Five Civilized
Tribes as rapidly as may be. While
one further extension of these pay
ments might not of itself materially
delay the completion of this work
yet, no doubt, it would tend toward
in the end.
These lands are non taxable by
he state so long as the title remains |
with the tribe. Any extension of these
payments therefore delays the time
VIXEN they will become subject to tax
alton and thus afford revenue for the |
state. This condition should not be
permitted to continue unless extraor-
iinary conditions demand"
Knows Tax Decision Burden.
Knowing the burden the supreme
,ourt tax decision of November 1911.
placed on the eastern section of the
'tate, Secretary Lane, it is expected.
will do everything in his power to
lush the closing up of Indian affairs,
10 that thousands of acres of lands
nay be placed on the tax rolls. He
ully realizes that even further chaos
will result if dilatory tactics are pur-
ued.
He is well acquainted with the bur-
len the so-called 10000 land suits
ave created. Land values can never
each their proper level if this liti-
alton is permitted to drag on indef-
liteiy Consequently he is expected
D continue to use his best efforts to
ring speedy settlement.
One of the things which has defeat
d per capita payments in recent years
Or the various tribes, particularly the
hoctaws, is the fight Waged by the
Choctaws for a share in
ne tribal estate OF their western bro
hers. Until the claims of the Miss
'sippi Indians have once and for all
me been relegated to the discard
nd thoroughly discredited, it will be
difficult matter to gain either a
er capita payment or a distribution