Speech #470074264

There was no specific appropriation for the refugees. either from the annual appropriations or from the moneys appropriatedfor the Creek orphan fund. There is no specific approprfation for these annual payments. nor is there any specific appropriation for the amount taken from the Creek orphan fund. but under these general provisions the Government was authorized to take from these appropriations to carry out any stipulation. either a stipulation to the tribe or a stipulation for the payment of any other sum. provided it originated in a treaty made with the Creek Indians. Then the fact stands. and it cannot be disputed. that this Government has paid in money from its Treasury these amounts to the loyal refugees of this nation. and if the persons entitled to this Creek orphan fund. as the representatives of those who were orphans in 1832. were loyal. they received the benefit of that fund while they were refugees. and if they were disloyal and engaged with the other members of their tribe in hostile war against the Government. if they were engaged in their savage warfare against the people of this Government under the obligation of the treaty whichthey had made with those who were at war with us. then they had no right andhave no right to the repayment of this money now. becasn the treaty made in 1866 does not refer. as it is claimed. to this specific orphan fund.