Reservation Plan (continued)
He described the northern and northwestern portion as having luxuriant
grass which affords good grazing, "horses, cattle, sheep, and goats
thriving wonderfully upon it." McLaughlin predicted that, when cleared of
downed trees and brush, with its abundant supply of excellent water It
would make one of the finest stock ranges in Oregon. After describing the
land in the foregoing terms, he reported as follows:
After examining the lands in question, I assembled the Indians in council
to negotiate with them for the cession, and they at first asked $2 per
acre for the tract, holding out for soie time for that price for the
portion containing the live timber; but I, regarding the burned district,
with its range advantages, of equal value to th live timber portion, would
not concede any extra price per acre for the southern tract.
After some consultation among themselves they reduced their price to $1.25
per acre, whereupon I made them a lump-sum offer of $28,500 or the entire
tract, being a fraction over $1.10 per acre, which offer, after consulting
further among themselves, was accepted and the agreement thus concluded.
The resulting per capita payment for the ceded lands worked out to about,
only $72, leading McLaughlin to recommend a lump sum payment.
The Commissioner of Indian Affairs in transmitting the Agreement to
Congress for ratification, noted with respect to the payment "this is
undoubtedly a moderate price for the land."
In reporting the bill to ratify the June 27, 1901 agreement, the House
Committee on Indian Affairs suggested an amendment which would enable the
Indians to receive greater compensation for the ceded lands. The
amendment provided for sale of the lands by sealed bid with the actual
proceeds of sale to be distributed pro rata to the Indians. This
modification was presented by the Agent who gave it his approval after
consultation with leading members of the Grand Ronde Indians.
Indian Claims Commission
In Docket No, 238 the Indian Claims Commission the Kalapuya and Grand
Ronde Community filed a claim to recover the value of the lands ceded
under the McLaughlin Agreement on the basis that the payment had been an
unconscionable consideration. It appears that the claim was dismissed.