The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-08-30
tionate share, in all tribal funds: and
in a short time the Osages were draw
ing average yearly incomes of $l2,0 900

IN a short time the Osages were draw
ing average yearly incomes OF $4,000
apiece.
Nor was that all. Head rights"
we're Unbeatable. In the course Of
time Indians came into possession Of
10 or more head rights Indians
with incomes OF $4,000 and sl00,0 900
a year were not uncommon. Many
intermarried with the nci1hboring
Kaws. Of which tribe Vice President
Curtis Is a member.
Pawhuska quickly became a boom
town. It grew to $4,000 population
and sported the finest stores and
shops of any city Of its size in the
land. High-grade automobile sales
rooms. piano stores and furnishing
houses were opened. The Usage spent
his money frccly-l;ke a child playing
with toys-and everybody had q grand
time.
Inevitably. many and many an IN
dian was fleeccd mercilessly. Also.
many an Indian squandered his mon
ey with unbelievable foolishness. even
| though he were fortunate enough to
steer clear Of INSCRIPTIONS whites.
There were Indians who bought a
new auto every month OF SO. driv-
ing 1t until it got smasiled-and then
gaily buying another. Big mansions
w'erc built. white servants we're hired,
fine furniture was bought.
Few Invested Wisely
A few Indians invested their money
wisely. A few set themselves up as
stock raisers with their new wealth,
or went into business. But not many.
Most of them acted precisely as
might be expected of a people. one
generation removed from barbarism,
given almost unlimited funds in a
modern world. The government is
holding several million dollars fol
some OF them until such time as they
shall be adjudscd competent to re-
ceive 1t.
Now the great wells arc playing out
The head rights until recently goo6
for $4,000 and more a year. arc nov
paying Just $35 a week; and there /:
every indication that they will shrink
still farther.
Pawhuska business men have seer
the handwriting on the wall. On.
dealer In musical instruments. dis
posing Of his stock preparatory tt
leaving. remarked that when time.
were good he sold Al many as 81
h~ig1-Eradc player pianos a month
to Indians. Things arc different. now
and he is going away. Others ar
following suit.
Chief Bacon Kinds Warning
Bacon Rind. the picturesque forme
chief Of the tribe. explains that h
repeatedly warned the Osages to saw
! their money. but that they refused t.
! listen to him. Fred Lookout. tn
present chief, has had the same OK
periencc.
For 10 years. Bacon Rind says. !"
have been warning my people tina
some day the oil and the easy none
would 60. I have urged them to &
back to their own lands. to becom
farmers and cattle and horse raiser'
> as I and my sons are doing. Now tn
, oil has gone and they cannot blam
me. I have spoken"
Reckless Spenders
/, There are many stories like tina
One boy. who has enjoyed the incor
from 10 head rights"-which NEAR
that for years he drew more tina
100000 q years. today In del
!. 100000. Another came into $47.Ot
I on hts 2lst birthday, bought a ne
\ auto each week. smashing them al
] and finally was forbidden by a coul
! order to operate an auto any more.
\ There arc exceptions. Of cours
I One young man, holding five hes
rights has invested hts money ar
Y Is said to be worth half q million. Al
other owns q fine home. several aut,
and an Aifplane. is n, official in q b
amusement corporation And has mat
other investments. Another Is
prominent lawyer In PAwhuska. B,
such men are not common.
OF the 3.27o osages who are draw
Inc head rights" II Is said that n
more than 100 have made inves
ments that Will take care OF the
when the oil wells finally give out el
tirely.
y IN IS years 1t Is estimated TIL
: the Osage nation has received ii
proxtmAtely 4575. 100000 in oil roya
ties.