The Daily Alaska empire., 1947-07-17

references of claimed "possessory' and tribal rights as private pro- perty rights. Also, Curry had sign- ed the statement as Attorney for the Towns of Angoon, Craig, Doug las, Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, Rake Klawock, Saxman, Sitka, Wrangell and Yakutat. The Chambers wire to Senator Butler refuted Curry S representation of the Town of Jul neau' and expressed doubt that he represents Wrangell and Sitka. It also stressed that all actual 'pri- vate" property rights are fully pro- tected under the resolution and by present law.
 Faulkner declared the aboriginal claims matter, coupled with the Lemke Veterans Homestead Bill, now before Congress, is the most important issue that has come be- fore the Juneau Chamber perhaps forever"
 InSuC lNOW At hASdu He acknowledged that the Cham Der has Teen criticized for not pre- viously being more active in sup porting the pulp legislation, but added that the moves of the Inter- for Department have been so con- fusing that it has been difficult to know where support should be giv- en. Now however, the matter has come to a head Action now is es- sential.
 Text of the wire sent last night by the Executive Board. to Senator Butler, reads:
 Preference Indian statement page 8740 Congressional Record, July 10 our opinion no points raised are based on facts and comments on paragraphs following.
 "1-Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Indians possess individ- ual rights but no aboriginal tribal rights and all individuals and gov- .ernment agencies recognize these individual rights without question to lands which are actually used by these Indians, but no tribal rights have been recognized as these h. dians were not organized in tribes but into clans within each race or large family group. Under SUR 11e these individual rights will receive full protection Hearings Depart ment Interior held was for purpose of determining whether Indians had possessory rights and results inde- terminate until Secretary Ickes ar bitrarily made determination not in accordance with facts brought out in hearings.
 No Encroao.lmen:
 "2-No encroachment on private property involved as all Indian property will be scrupulously pro- tected.
 "3-Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that no aboriginal rights ex- ist and tt,.s decision superior to that e MT. Ickes.
 "4-Pulp companies interested in entering Alaskan field have stated that they feel HJR as passed by House would give ample protection.
 '5-Circuit Court of Appeals de- c!sion based on Treaty Cession with Russia and should be fairly conclu- sive as to government protection as we must depend on our Courts for determination of rights under Con- stitution.
 Not Indian Named
 "6-No lair play is involved and any recognition of Indian rights not based on Court decisions would ke giving valuable rights to one group of full citizens at expense of all other citizens as these extensive lands under consideration have nev- CT been recognizd as Indian owned.
 "7-These lands have never con- tributed to Indian livelihood ex- cept for hunting and berry pick ing by individuals and these privil- eges are enjoyed by all citizens which includes Indians. Pulp de- velopment would provide oppor- tunity for long season work, ten months or more per year, for 1n- dians along with whites and make them much more self sustaining than any reservation idea possibly could Indians here enjoy all rights enjoyed by whites and will continue to do SO. Pulp sales will provide only means for Indians to become self supporting through own efforts and do much to remove inferiority of race in economic struggle as fishing is short seasonal occupa- tion and gradually producing less income for them. Estimated 25,000,- 100000 feet of timber on 1,600, ,000 acres under consideration. Curry's representation shown Congressional Record, July 10, that he represents Town of Juneau is misleading. He does not represent Town of Juneau and we are fairly certain he does not represent any organization in Alaska except perhaps some Indian group. Please insert this telegram in Congressional Record"
 The Chambers vote to have Ranfield appear for Juneau was