Second. When less land than is necessary to comply with treaty is found, must the number of acres be cut down so that a proportionate allotment can be made? Or may unoccupied government lands outside be allotted to Indians belonging to the reservation?
Instances will occur of this kind, as at Warm Springs, where insufficient lands can be found, and a few families who are well advanced and capable of taking care of themselves could be located outside. I am in favor of that plan, and suggest, if approved, some instructions be given the land officers, so that said location can be legally made.
Third. May Indians not on reservation be allotted lands on reservation, and may they be allotted government lands not on reservation?
There are Indians in this State, that have never yet been brought in, that can be induced to locate under the system of allotment. And when all parties consent, they should be allowed to do so. Again, some of these people have advanced sufficiently, by being among white persons, to locate and appreciate a home. And there are a few instances where the whites would not object to their being located among them.
They must have homes allotted them somewhere, and the sooner it is done the better for the Indians.
Fourth. Are not Indians who have never been on reservation, citizens, under late amendments to the constitution; and have they not the right, without further legislation, to locate lands, and do all other acts that other citizens may rightfully do?
I am fully aware of the political magnitude of this question; but while I am “superintendent” for the Indians in Oregon, they
shall have all their rights if in my power to secure them, whether on or off reservations.
Fifth. Are white men or half-breeds, who are husbands of Indian women, who do now belong, or have belonged, to any reservation, considered as Indians, by virtue of their marriage to said Indian women in making the allotment of lands?
I understand that all half-breed men living with Indians on reservations are considered Indians (but always allowed, nevertheless, to vote at all white men’s elections). But there are several Indian women, in various parts of the country, who are married to white and half-breed men, and the question is asked, whether they are not entitled to land.