The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-11-01

OF Charities. the only branch OF Gov
eminent having any legal authority to
protect these helpless minors in the
courts OF Oklahoma should be destroyed
on the eve OF the distribution Of these
vast natural resources and tribal funds.
the larger part OF which goes to the
minor members OF the tribes?
That | may not be- accused OF deal
Ing In glittering generalities, let me give
you the story In greater detail:
In 1908 these schemers marched on
Washington, and in that year the Okla
homa delegation demanded that Con-
gress withdraw It's guardianship and
protection over the Indians OF Okla
homa. This supervision and control had
always been vested in the Federal Gov
eminent. but under the plea OF State
rights II was represented by the Okla
homa delegation in Congress that the
proper authority to supervise and adj
minis ter these estates was the courts
OF oklahoma; that these courts could
be trusted to afford Indian minors all
the protection they needed. There was
big fight, but the Oklahoma delega-
ton stood firm. and in the end had
its way.
/ In 1904 and in 1907, under acts OF
| Congress, restrictions came off the sur
plus lands OF all members OF the Creek
| tribe except full bloods. and within
sixty days from that time not one adult
in ten owned an acre of this land or
had IA dollar in money 10 show for it..
! The tax books bear out this statement.
Notwithstanding these disasters OF 1904
and 1907 Congress in 1908, upon the in
slstence OF the Oklahoma delegation,
removed restrictions from the home
steads OF all members of the Five Tribes
of less than half blood. and now al.
these citizens OF this class would
| be without place to lay their heads
were 1t not for the little remaining
patrmony belonging TO their children.
1t Ia unnecessary to ask what vii.
happen to the remaining and less COM
petent full blood Indians when restric-
tons are removed from their lands.
and this Is what the Oklahoma dele
cation, spurred on by grafters--the
most powerful and active part OF their
constituencies demanding.
Also, under this last act OF Congress
In 1908 the estates OF all minor In
dams became subject to the control and
authority OF the County Courts OF Okla
homa. The results In this case show
/
keeping faith with the Federal Govern
ment. have grossly violated the trust
reposed In them.
At one time there were 10000 land
suits instituted by the Government for
tho recovery OF Indian lands obtained
by fraud A large majority OF these
suits are still pending. A few days ago
the officials now In charge OF these suits
on behalf of the Government secured a
recommendation from the FIVE Indian
chiefs representing the Five Tribes for
the dismissal from the docket of about
5000 OF these suits. II would seem that
the Government in this matter is rely
ing for judicial guidance upon the legal
wisdom OF these five Indian chiefs.
The extent TO which Indian minors
have been cheated and robbed has be-
come a national scandal. This situation
is not denied by any one, but, on the
contrary, 1t IL recognized throughout
the State and nation. Thousands OF
Indian children have been cheated out
OF their property by their white guard
ians," thousands OF others by shire wd
people who secured the appoin ment of
an ignorant guardian and then took add
vantage Of his ignorance. The Indians
depending upon the good faith OF the
Government have been deceived and
ruined Most OF them have become
penniiess paupers, living upon the lands
OF their infant children. AZ has been
stated, Oklahoma needs no crops-she
has the Indian.
Every conceivable form OF fraud has
been employed to get this property, and