THE CHEM AW A
30
AM ERICAN
MAKES STRONG PLEA
O PPO SE
IN G
C O N G R E S S IO N A L
L E G IS L A T I O N N O W P E N D
N April 5th there appeared in the New York Post a
dispatch from Washington, D. C., which will be of
great interest to a large majority of onr readers.
The article in question follows:
Indian legislation now pending in Congress is at
tacked by Joseph H. Choate, one time United States
ambassador to Great Britain, in a letter to John H.
Stephens, chairman of the House Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr.
Choate points out that when questions of great national moment are
absorbing attention there is danger that matters affecting our domestic
affairs may be neglected or overlooked. His letter follows in part:
“ The welfare of our Indians is a solemn national obligation. We
have no more sacred trust than the protection of the weak from being
overreached by the strong. From the earliest times the intent of our
people has been to give the Indian that protection.
“ Legislation now is pending in Congress which, if adopted, may
overturn the present Indian policy, and subject the Indian to the worst
possible forms of spoiliation, not only from outsiders, but from unscru
pulous persons within the tribal membership. The bill (H. R., 108)
introduced by Congressman Hastings in the House of Representatives
would confer on the superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes the
authority now vested in the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and the
Secretary of the Interior respecting the lands and individual moneys of
the enrolled members of the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma. About
one-third of the Indian population in the United States belongs to these
tribes, with more than thirty thousand restricted Indians; their prop
erty including over three million acres of valuable individually owned
land. Perhaps the greatest oil field in the world has been developed
in the country of the Five Tribes, from which enormous wealth has
accrued for these people.
“ Under existing law, the superintendent of these tribes is nominated
by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the appointment being
political. The pending bill (H. R., 108) proposes to turn over to this
appointee full power and authority over this vast estate, and naturally
every pressure, local and otherwise, would be brought to bear on any
one clothed with this great responsibility.
“ With respect to the Hastings bill, Arthur C. Parker, a highly intel
ligent Indian, engaged in important educational work for the State of