Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1914-02-22
INDIANS IN LAST QUARTER OF
CENTURY UNDER TRIBAL
GOVERNMENT ADVANCED.
HAD Deep Laid PLANS
Candidates In Those Days Would Give
Big Picnics and Invite His
Political Opponents.
(Bl CLARENCE II. REAGAN.

CLAREMORE, okla, Feb. 2l.--
While the Indian did not possess the
education and progressiveness OF the
average member of the white race, II
cannot be denied that in the last
quarter or half century Of their cN-
istence under tribal govrnment they
evidenced "A great aptncss in the art Of
taking care OF themselves in dealings
with the white race and in their doal-
ings with each other as tribe with
tribe.
one feature of the reds advance
ment along this line was the methods
adopted in their political campaigns
and elections. The campaign of an
aspirant to a seat in the tribal gov
,rnment or position as representative
To other governments was story or
sharp moves and deeply laid plans. As
IL Is among the white race today so it
was with the red men years ago-all
could not be bosses, therefore the
game of politics often became swift
and exceedingly dangerous, as the
unturned to gain the goal to which
he aspired, and each Of his supporters
were as deeply interested in his sue
cess.
Electloneerng was carried on IN
these days, long since passed, in rather
an unique manner. The aspirant TO
political fame, assisted by his hench-
men, would give big picnics In the
backwoods and invite all tribesmen to
attend, and especially the opposing
candidates, at which times debates on
different subjects were INDUCED in. In
the event that the tempers of the cam
didates got the upperhand of their
better judgment during the debates
(and in most instances such was the
case) they would resort TO physical
encounters to arrive at an understand
ing.
At q picnic and debate held by the
Cherokees in the Cherokee Nation OF
the Indian Territory some twenty
years ago, three members of the
tribe, aspirants to a certain political
office were killed as the restllt Of an
accusation by one that the other two
had been guilty of the crime Of horse
stealing. Many other similar occur
RANGES could be cited.
At these big picnics elaborate feasts
were held, the tribesmen sparing no
expense in the preparation Of the same
as the whole was borne by the can
didates who were Sccessful in secur-
ing the coveted Offices No bills were
settled until after the election. then
the officers-e elect would receive all
creditors in their offices and in re.
turn for receipted statements give
vouchers on the government in pay
ment. II was generally understood
that all expenses Of the campaign
We're to be paid after election out OF
the general funds Of the tribe.
There was no such thing as taxation
among the different tribes as n rule.
all their money coming from invested
funds in the National treasury at
Washington. II seemed to be the pur-
pose OF each tribe not 10 keep as
much of their money in the treasury
as they could but to get hold Of every
dollar as fast as possible. With TINS
end in view, they generally selected
men for office who had shown a pro-
ficicncy In this line and ones who laid
stress on ther ability as diplomats at
Washington.
In many instances enormous sums
were paid so-called attorneys who
succeeded in securing large sums for
the different tribes from the national
government, one attorney at Table
quah several years ago being allowed
by the Indians the fee of a hundred
thousand dollars for securing "A large
amount Of money for the redmen.