Speech #530141568

I want -to say again. in reply to the main objection made by the gentleman. that these claims were founded on evidence that established the jurisdictional facts. I want to make this statement without fear of contradiction. because I say to you. my associates upon this floor. that that is the whole question upon which the Committee on Appropriations propose to reduce this appropriation $514.000that only those persons were permitted to have allowances who were citizens of the United StAtes. I want to say. gentlemen. being somewhat familiar with the details of these rigid investigations. that among the very first questions suggested on the part of the Government agents. by the special agent or the ordinary Indian agent. was: "Are you a citizen of the United States?" If the party answered that he was a naturalized citizen. the proof of naturalization was required to be submitted. Then the next proposition was that these parties were required to prove that the Indians were not in amity with the United States." One of the main questions submitted on the examination was as to whether the tribe was in treaty reiations with theGovernment. "Treaty relations with the Indians" has been -used as a synonymous term with " in amity." and that has been the case ever since 1796. or for nearly a hundred years. in Department practice upon this question. Now. gentlemen. talk again about "fraud!" I desire to make a third assertion. and I wait for a reply if I am not correct in my -statement. and that is this: That in no court of any State of this Union1 not even in the Federal courts. are claims so minutely4kamined.