Document: 329 U.S. 40 67 S.Ct. 167 91 L.Ed. 29 UNITED STATESv.ALCEA BAND OF TILLAMOOKS et al. No. 26. Reargued Oct. 25, 1946. Decided Nov. Mr. Walter J. Cummings, Jr., of Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Mr.Everett Sanders, respondents. The CHIEF JUSTICE announced the judgment Court and delivered an opinion, in which Justice FRANKFURTER, DOUGLAS, MURPHY joined. 1 Eleven Indian tribes have sued United States Claims under Act 1935,1 gives that court jurisdiction to hear adjudicate cases involving 'any all legal equitable claims arising or growing out original title, claim, rights * lands occupied by bands described in' certain unratified treaties negotiated with Territory Oregon. 2 Four tribes,2 he Tillamooks, Coquilles, Too-too-to-neys Chetcos, successfully identified themselves as entitled sue Act, proved their title3 designated lands, demonstrated involuntary uncompensated taking such lands. thereupon held title was interest without consent latter compensation. In answer government contentions absence some form official 'recognition', could be appropriated liability upon part sovereign, 1848,4 establishing Oregon, cited affording any recognition required support claim issues decided, not previously passed this being importance administration affairs, prompted grant certiorari. case argued during 1945 term on April 1, 1946, restored docket reargument before a full bench. 3 events giving rise here occurred opening development After creating territory 1848,5 Congress 1850 authorized negotiation area. Under Act,6 Anson Dart, later succeeded General Joel Palmer, appointed Superintendent Affairs Oregon region instructed negotiate extinguishment district. On August 11, 1855, Palmer respondent concluded treaty providing cession return money payments creation reservation. operative only ratification. It submitted Senate until February, 1857, never ratified. 4 Pending expected ratification, following recommendations from President November 9, created reservation, subject future diminution almost identical provided treaty. A large called Coast Siletz Reservation, consisted Tillamook Tribe title. Almost immediately Tillamooks were con ined portion land within other three tribes, well moved possessions 1865 Executive Order reduced size reservation; 1875 statute approved Orders 1855 1865, order open more public settlement, removed additional By 1894,7 officially accepted reservation it then existed, thenceforward did take 5 are wrongful when they deprived 1855. Even found complete since tribe forced share its former Indians, was, event, conditional one, opened settlement at will President. Petitioner disputes neither finding nor proof 6 Other than benefits flowing 1894,8 none four has received compensation loss Until present jurisdictional act 1935, these lacking sued, forbidden access courts. They alone whom Dart twenty-odd between yet receive title.9 7 now had no opportunity occasion pass precise issue presented here. one prior 1935 judicial determination right recover nothing title; act,10 1929, reached Court.11 193012 again adjudication but expressly directed award damages if immemorial possession shown. This thus eliminated recover, once established. 8 Prior adjudications against limited treaties, statutes, transactions carefully Congress. always strictly construed acts offered opinion justness handling except so far specific language permitted justiciable recognition. 9 is specific, consequences clear. admitted denied liability. removes impediments sovereign immunity lapse time provides claims. No new cause action created. merely moral made one. heard merits decided according principles pertinent o might Act.13 Accordingly permits That power withhold scrutiny been If, many times said,14 manner extinguishing usually political question presents non-justiciable issue, effectively otherwise seeking disposition 'By consenting submitting decision action, considered purely question, we bound decide, man man. *' v. Arredondo, 1832, Pet. 691, 711, 547. 10 long virtue discovery vested sovereign.15 deemed occupancy favor because previous possession. content occupancy, concerned 11 As accorded protection ownership;16 vulnerable affirmative possessed exclusive extinguish will. Termination left free clear Third parties fairness methods used occupancy.17 Nor Indians prevent tribal forestall termination However, first asked whether 12 We cannot affirm Claims. Admitting undoubted compels conclusion need paid. speaking Marshall say: 'It difficult comprehend proposition should give discoverer country discovered annulled pre-existing ancient possessors. gave purchase, denial possessor sell. king purchased coerced surrender them.' Worcester Georgia, 515, 543, 544, 547, 483. our does satisfy 'high standards fair dealing' controlling affairs. Santa Fe R. Co., 1941, 314 339, 356, 62 248, 256, 86 260. compensation.18 13 contrary would ignore plain import traditional early acquisition main progressed process reveal striking deference paid claims, analysis State supra, clearly details. usual policy coerce compensation.19 great drive Western 19th Century, however productive sharp dealing, wholly subvert settled practice title.20 1896, noted '* nearly every band territorial limits relations government.' Marks States, 161 297, 302, 16 476, 478, 706. Something grace obvious regard given 14 Long end system advent legislative control 1871,21 evinced own attitude toward relations. Ordinance 1787 declared, 'the utmost good faith shall observed Indians; property taken them *.' Stat. 50, 52. When 1848 created, § Act22 secured inhabitants privileges guaranteed 1787. Congressional change 1871. Dakota Territory, 1872 interests what 'compensation ought, justice equity, said whatever may lands.' 17 281; Buttz Northern Pacific Railroad, 1886, 119 55, 59, 100, 102, 30 330. latest indicia Commission Pub. 726, 79th Cong.2d Sess., 25 U.S.C.A. 70 seq., 28 259a, similar those bar heard, 'claims based honorable dealings recognized existing rule law equity' review. 15 executive consistent prevailing idea non-coercive, compensated facts case. declared put motion treaty-making machinery. Respondent among negotiated. cases, ratification follow. steps make amends pending To determine ust result. admit if, addition 'recognition' Original attain status compensable definite acknowledgment followed. Apparently petitioner seized Duwamish 1934, 79 Ct.Cl. 530, fashioned fullblown concept 'recognized title.' suits 'all nature, both equitable.'23 solely outside act; unless recognizing Indians' shown, recovery had.24 necessary authorize suit alone. reads into too much. specifically allowing came Coos Bay, Lower Umpqua Siuslaw Tribes tl. 1938, 87 143, directives proved. 'Recognition' appeared count possible method proving itself, requisite Furthermore, bar, unmistakable stands squarely significance attach decision: 'The hold intend basis use bringing rendition Alcea Band 1945, 59 F.Supp. 934, 965, 103 494, 556. 18 Authority petitioner's position Northwestern Bands Shoshone 324 335, 65 690, 89 985. there 'arising July 2, 1863 *.'25 Suits authorized, thought properly arise way 'recognized' acknowledged belonging Indians. thrice involved, attempt settle controversies brought authorizing litigation title.26 19 do lend substance dichotomy 'unrecognized' urges. Many recite paramount 'is inquiry courts.' Sante page 347 U.S., 252 S.Ct., 260.27 Lacking permitting inquiry, questioned where payment lands; courts speak unlimi ed deal call title;28 doubted that, involuntary, title.29 think same applicable 'Whether tract unceded country, matter little moment sacred; something him his consent, consideration agreed upon.' Minnesota Hitchcock, 1902, 185 373, 388, 389, 22 650, 656, 46 954.30 20 Requiring formal nullify intended Act. rigors view, appear require guaranteeing undisturbed, perpetual which, example, provide. Yet very statute. 21 quite familiar precision advisable drafting statutes cases. 1925 passed. June, held, lack specificity, extend title.31 year act, employing 1929,32 Bay arose. attention ramifications affairs 1930's33 suggests realized words expect turned either over all, guarantee respondents' Respondents satisfactorily thereof. 1935. plenary nature; absolute.34 'enable others, appropriate purposes, rendering, assuming obligation render, just Creek Nation, 295 103, 110, 55 681, 684, 1331. 23 view grounds rests, consider alternate holding below relative sufficient 24 Affirmed. JACKSON took 26 BLACK, concurring. 27 Before special brought, I Government pay respondents descendants numerous whose homes Nation founded. See 354—358, 699—701, 985, concurring opinion. seems pretty me, however, 49 801, ancestors 'original interpretation unusually broad Cong ess used, also fits pattern congressional legislation become progressively generous treatment capstone type last Congress, established sweeping powers old seizure things. awards, review Claims, rules equity even blanket awards finding, comport 'fair dealings.' Pub.L. Cong., 2d 2(5), 70a(5). Since here, could, assume, pursue, recent legislation, us preclude similarly interpretation, see reason why interpreted. leads me concur affirmance judgment. REED, RUTLEDGE BURTON join, dissenting. directly legally aboriginal through land. allows persuades express reasons dissent. foresee result ruling States. know amount taken. West Mississippi must large. releases obtained smaller areas, charges unfair up lands.1 rightly states effect words: 31 judici l (329 45, 169.) 'Lacking 51, 172. 32 means, treats get charity helpless peoples.2 valid account ouster These sums owing them, deduces Court's nation, kept closed them. holds, recovery. conflicts understanding Government's nation. 33 character least two kinds: first, aborigines interrupted governmental order; and, second, area place live. occupy compensation.3 But continue interference heretofore compensation, equitable.4 34 distinction springs theory European nations American aborigines. Christian sovereignty discovered. Johnson McIntosh, Wheat. 572—586, 681; Story, Commentaries Constitution (5th Ed.) 152. While title,5 conquering asserted responsibility compensate loss.6 conqueror propriety validity assertion power. who continued homes, like paleface squatters evicted. Tenure developed along different lines states, Louisiana Purchase, Mexican Session Northwest Boundary Treaty. instance known intimation limited. Whenever use, purchase sword.7 35 Barker Harvey, 181 481, 45 963 Mission claimed permanent ceded Guadalupe Hidalgo. patent issued confirmation grants derogation p. 491, 694, 'that reaching effect, burdened domain disposal States.'8 confirmed claim. Rights withdrawn act. tenure terms ratified Sioux 316 317, 326—328, 1095, 1099—1100, 1501. 36 understand Court, terminating duty Therein, think, lies fundamental error true distinctions authority absolute power, suggestion unlimited. Cohen, Handbook Law, 94, 291, 309, 310, 311. Examination authorities cited, show, reference Fifth Amendment taken, discussion titles Congress.9 37 Chief expounded doctrine laid down nation's guidance dealing Indians: 38 then, unequivocally acceded civilized country. hold, assert themselves, acquired. maintain, others maintained, conquest; degree circumstances people allow exercise. 39 All institutions recognize crown, crown right. incompatible Conquest deny, private speculative opinions individuals be, respecting asserted. 41 conquest acquired maintained force. prescribes limits. Where incorporation practicable, humanity demands, wise requires, conquered remain unimpaired; subjects governed equitably old, confidence security gradually banish painful sense separated connections, united force strangers. 42 inhabiting fierce savages, occupation war, subsistence drawn chiefly forest. leave wilderness; govern distinct impossible, brave high spirited fierce, ready repel arms independence. 43 'What inevitable consequence state things? Europeans necessity abandoning relinquishing pompous it, enforcing sword, adoption adapted condition impossible mix, society, remaining neighborhood, exposing families hazard massacred. 44 'Frequent bloody wars, whites aggressors, unavoidably ensued. policy, numbers, skill, prevailed. white population advanced, necessarily receded. immediate neighborhood agriculturists became unfit game fled thicker unbroken forests, soil, originally longer inhabitants, parcelled persons mediately, grantees deputies.' 587—591, 681. unnecessary undertake late date weigh wrongs occupancy. injustices done friendly peoples, sought soften mercy. Never appropriation 'Extinguishment course matter. supreme. manner, raise issues. 66, 104, stated 586, extinguish' doubted. treaty, exercise dominion adverse otherwise, Beecher Wetherby, 95 517, 525, 440.' 347, 252, 47 colonies, nation alike e rly respective sovereigns title.10 extinguished continually, matter.11 purport 48 reports debates12 indicates create relies finds existed suit. whole "high affairs.' 339 248 referred unauthorized takings home settlement. 50 556, 483, set apart Cherokees. Therefore Marshall's comments situation exist 51 filed holds involved 'created susceptible interpretation. read does, permit passage arose due. 52 further grew reverse direct bill dismissed. Cf. 801. section provides: 'That hereby conferred appeal Supreme party, hear, examine, adjudicate, render final (b) in, to, th appurtenances published Document Numbered Fifty-third session (pp. 15), dates thereof, Umpqua, Tribes, intention include descendants, exceptions named, residing west Cascade Range whom, later, military Range, Grande Ronde, Reservations Territory.' seven plaintiff failed 'Original title' designate 323. declared: contained impair person pertaining unextinguished affect regulation property, rights, law, competent passed.' 437. 286, 1851 nineteen None ratified; twelve included 1853, 1854, 1897 1912 paying treaties. 1256, amended respects immaterial 307. discussed infra 172, 1929 531, amending 1263. Assiniboine 1933, 77 litigated Mille Lac Chippewa 1913, 229 498, 500, 811, 812, 57 1299; Sac Fox Iowa Fox, etc., 1911, 220 489, 473, 552. 260, note infra. 1823, 573—574, 1877, 440. 'moral' speak, refers mean substantive So Blackfeather, 1894, 155 180, 194, 4, 70, 114, 'While reimburse embezzled superintendent *.', point Yet, suit, hardly embezzlement funds. practical admission conquerors renders speculate extent conquest. 1821, Op.Atty.Gen. 465, 466 (William Wirt). Federal Law (1945) 51—66. 544. 323, 329, 14. 886. 600. 1407. 337, 354, 692, 699, statements third parties, attempts defect other's tracing attacking convey 440; 330; Martin Waddell's Lessee, 1842, 367, 409, 997; Clark Smith, 1839, 195, 201, 123. And 985; 260; Conley Ballinger, 1910, 216 84, 224, 54 393; Lone Wolf 1903, 187 553, 216, 299; Cherokee 294, 115, 183. 566, 221, assessed Wind River Reservation Wyoming 1937, 299 497, 244, 251, 81 360: 'Power manage betterment welfare exerted ways provisions treaty.' Oklahoma Texas, 1922, 258 574, 592, 406, 413, 66 771. 1901, 963, non-presentment commission, Klamath 304 119, 58 799, 82 1219; 301 358, 826, 1156; 360; draw land, privilege using mode saw fit surrendered government. reservations order, wit, possess uses purposes designated.' Spalding Chandler, 160 394, 403, 360, 364, 469. Of tenor 90, 91, 225, 393. older explaining contain 'recogniz d' considered. Indeed, inference otherwise. Mitchel 1835, 746, 283; 543—548, 483; 573, 530. decade 1930 1939 notable history 1830's 1880's.' 83. Stephens 1899, 174 445, 722, 734, 1041. 13, Sess.: 'Sec. 2. behalf tribe, band, identifiable group Alaska: (1) Constitution, laws, orders President; (2) including sounding tort, respect claimant suit; (3) contracts, agreements revised ground fraud, duress, unconscionable consideration, mutual unilateral mistake, fact, cognizable equity; (4) owned claimant; (5) equity. accruing after approval Commission. 'All hereunder determined notwithstanding limitations laches, defenses available States.' 70a. There sound generosity remnants Such lead succor vanquished contest. Realty 163 427, 1120, 215; Pope 323 16, 3; Public 24, 259a. 375, 376, 833, 109—110, 745, 283. Treaty Paris, 1783, rights. pages 587—589, 568, 222, Missouri, Kansas & Texas Ry. Co. Roberts, 152 117, 496, 377; Tiger Investment 221 311, 578, 584, 738. 597—600. E.g. Lane Pueblo Rosa, 249 113, 185, 186, 63 504; 109, 1331; 375—377, 834, 1156. passim, Laws Colonial Governments, Relating Affairs, 1633 1831, inclusive: With Appendix Containing Proceedings Confederation 1800 1830, Same Subject. Hitchock, 565, S.Reps. Nos. 571, 795, 1134, 74th 1st Sess.; H.Rep. 1085, Cong.Rec. 7806, 11188, 12520.

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