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SCHOOLS

There will of course be many conjectures as to what the detail methods of the Interior Department will be in conducting the schools in the Indian Territory.

There is uniformity in this, that with or without agreements all of the Indian Schools schools will be conducted by the Interior Department; and there is no authority or money for that department to conduct any schools but Indian schools. One of the first questions perhaps which will arise is whether the department will conduct these schools just as other Indian schools of the government service are conducted and made exclusively Indian.

Under the customs heretofore in vogue in the Choctaw Nation white children have attended the Choctaw schools, but at their own expense. Under the same customs black or colored children have not attended the Choctaw schools. Up to the time the Choctaw Nation lost or will lose the conducting of its own schools, in accordance with his own laws, the freedmen of the Choctaw Nation were provided with school facilities, but their schools were separate from the Choctaw schools. The custom has been for colored children, other than the children of Choctaw freedmen schools, to attend the freedmen schools, but at their own expense.

After this time no Choctaw freedmen schools can be conducted at the expense of the school funds (royalties) of the Choctaw Nation; because the Atoka agreement provides that "the revenues from coal and asphalt, or so much as should be necessary, shall be used for the education of the children of Indian blood of the members of said tribes." The revenues from coal and asphalt are the only revenues placed under the disbursement control of the Interior Department by the Atoka agreement. Then the children of Choctaw freedmen and other black or colored children in the Choctaw Nation are and will be on the same footing.

We are not going to anticipate the Secretary of the Interior by guessing at what his answer to this question will be. We hope he will not have to answer it in full.

These same conditions exist in the Chickasaw Nation and will have to be met in the same way.

It is thus seen that the school question involves or may involve three classes or races of children viz: Indian children, white children and colored children. The colored children - have not been reckoned with or taken into account heretofore for educational purposes.

The Dawes Commission in their annual report for last year made a strong appeal for government aid for the purpose of educating the white children of the Indian Territory. An effort was made to get an appropriation of $150,000.00 of the last Congress to be devoted to educating white children in the Indian Territory.

The United States can't afford to come into the Indian Territory on its own account, and at its own expense for educational purposes and make discriminations as between the races.

If the government undertakes to educate the white children it must do the same for the colored children, and if it undertakes to provide educational advantages for the white and colored children, then we think no discrimination should be made against the Indian children, indeed if there is any difference to be shown the government owes more to the Indian.

The question of schools in the Indian Territory is going to be full of perplexities to the Interior Department.

Townsite Problems.

Those who have read the Secretary's instructions of the townsite appraisers know the size of resident and business lots was left to the judgement of the Commission. The commission asked for a final decision, setting to these sizes from the Secretary. So far no result from their petition; but it is the opinion of parties, in a position to know, that the Secretary will throw the responsibility back upon the Commission.

In this event the appraisers will most likely decide upon the sample as given in their instructions. Resident lots will be 250x100 feet and business lots 100x125. Then the man who has in good faith improved a home which covers two or three lots of this size can buy, will have refusal, or first choice of, the remaining lots on which are substantial improvements at 521/2 per cent. Gardens, fruit trees, etc., such improvements are not held to be permanent or substantial improvements. To know what will be classed as permanent improvements, watch the first town work.

Another important decision to all is--the parties who own the buildings on ground will have first privilege to buy that ground. The one who has rented the land on which the building may stand is not considered in the matter, since it is the Choctaw Nation selling the land, and in towns citizens and non-citizens fare alike. No one owns the ground, and the rent one has gotten for a building having stood upon a spot of ground is just a clean pick up to that one; and now the Nation sells each man the ground upon which he has put improvements. In our town this cuts a small figure; but there are many towns which are owned--the land claimed--by one man, and he has rented it for building spots. You will readily see the conditions which would be if this man was allowed to buy up and own all this still. One or two things would be the outcome--he would put up unreasonable rents or break up the town.

The streets will be run out by the surveyors and parties who have improvements or fences in the streets will not be allowed to buy such ground as belongs to streets or allys.

Sufficient ground for good, wide streets will be left and belong to the town. As for moving parties off, opening up those streets, that will be the business of the town authorities after incorporating. Any one ought to have sense enough to get out of the street--THE CITIZEN will when the move is made.

Effects of Strikes.

The striking of miners now is a direct blow to the school system and funds here. The school fund, as all know, is mainly the royalties from coal mined. So long as the mines are worked regularly our schools will have abundant means to carry them on in the most advanced and best methods. But when the miners strike and cause a delay in the mining of coal the school fund is cut short. This last protracted strike throughout the Territory has cut off thousands of dollars that should have now been in the sub-treasury at St. Louis. W. L. RICHARDS has been sent to Washington, in behalf of this country's interest, to look into and secure measures against those instigators and perpetrators of strikes. The general welfare of the county is at their mercy. They have a right to quit, but have no right to prevent from working those who would do so. In some instances there have been threats made against a man's life because he wanted to work.

The Talequah Arrow "moves to amend" as follows: "The fact remains that Mrs. Norma SMISER, of Atoka, is a notary public."--Exchange.

A few weeks ago THE CITIZEN announced that Mrs. Norma E. Smiser had been appointed a notary public. This notice was intended only for the information of our local customers needing such services. But such a stew and fuss as it has created! Many papers have published this notice, claiming the honors due ladies of their towns, etc., etc. We cheerfully retire from any contest for honor in this line "since there are other" distinctions of which we are pardoned for having more pride in "our close relations" to the Choctaw Townsite Commissioner.

The appraisers construe their instructions relative to laying out town of 200 inhabitants, etc., first, to mean that towns of 200 inhabitants have a preference over smaller towns. They come first in order to incorporate, have city government, etc.; and not that a town falling under that number cannot be surveyed. It is supposed the towns falling under this number will be the last ones to Commission will lay off; and in the meantime thrifty and energetic spirits can be at work building and making up these smaller towns. The instructions are confined to towns located at the ratification of the treaty, hence new towns are not provided for.

The people of the choctaw and Chickasaw Nations do not appreciate the advantages they have over the Cherokees and Creeks. Or, in others words, the difference in living subjects to the Curtis Bill and the agreement. The negroes are getting the best of the Creek allotments, and are leasing these claims to cattlemen for 25 cents an acre for one year. The Secretary has approved the legitimate leasing of lands and so the cattle me will overflow the Creek Nation after all. The Choctaws have always had in Washington the oversight of one who had deep and true interest in all National matters.

THE INDIAN CITIZEN last week contained an article under the caption of "Both Sides," which, while ostensibly arguing the case, sounds the alarm to all holders of town lots in the Choctaw Nation. it simply means "hands on your pocketbooks."__Purcell Register

To late, Brother, to sound this alarm to the Nation. The game is up__'tis either to pay for your land "the appraised value" or quit the country. The wise thing to have done was to put your hands on these speculating folks who have run up the market value of town lots. You have only been looking at one side."

MONDAY night, the 22nd, at the Methodist church you will hear Mr. Frederick Abbott.

Washington Letter.

Washington, May 13, 1899.
EDITOR INDIAN CITIZEN:

The matter of leasing minerals in the Indian Territory seems to be occupying a good deal of attention of the officials of the Interior Department at this time, as well as the grazing leases. Since the receipt here of Gov. McCURTAIN'S protest against the leasing of other minerals and coal and asphalt in the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations the Department have re-announced their authority under the Atoka agreement as well as under the 18th section of the Curtis bill to lease or direct the leasing of any and all minerals in the Choctaw Nation for a period of fifteen years or for thirty years and fix the royalty on the same. The question of what royalties of other minerals than coal and asphalt shall be covered into when received; has not been considered.

The Dawes Commission have reported to the Department that the appraisement of the lands of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations will be proceeded with as soon as practicable having due regard to the importance and magnitude of the Interest involved.

When the appraisement shall have begun and certain values are placed on certain lands, suppose the Secretary of the Interior should lease those lands so valued for mineral purposes other than coal and asphalt and the values of those land are diminished by the mining operations who is going to make the appraised values good to the allottees and patentees? Or are they to be revalued?

Academy News

The lecture announced in last week's issue has been postponed to Wednesday Night, May 24. Professor Martin comes well recommended; and we are sure the will interest the Atoka people in that ever present topic. "Our Boys and Girls."

At eleven o'clock on Sabbath, May 21st, Rev. Daniel Rogers, D. D., of Muskogee will preach an educational sermon.

On Thursday the 25th, at 2 p.m. a program will be given in the Academy. A program will also be given at 8 p.m. A cordial invitation is extended to all who are interested in the advancement of the young. Sickness and other causes have seriously hindered the preparation of these exercises. No attempt has been made to cater to the wishes of those who demand a howling quality of fun. the cheap show attempts that, we do not care to compete. We have endeavored, along with thorough class work, to give some drill in songs, marches, recitations and essays. Parents and friends of the school will be interested. We shall endeavor to have the children speak so as to be heard in all parts of the room. We ask for them the kind attention of all who come. E. H. RISHEL, Prin.

Chickasaw Appraisement

W. Burney, one of the appraisers for the Chickasaw Nation, stated recently that the Chickasaw appraisers would begin work at Colbert.

In regard to the authority of the appraisers to make changes in the present survey of towns, he said that they had no authority to open streets and that this matter would be left entirely to the town councils. The board has the right to enlarge or reduce the amount of land incorporated by any town, and one mile each side of the incorporation will be reserved until the appraisement of the town is completed. A citizen may file on this land, but he can get no title until the appraisers decide whether or not they will need to annex and of the land thus reserved to the town.

The same rule in regard to appraisement, etc., applies also to the Choctaw Nation.__Exchange.

A High Standard

{Mrs. M. E. DAVIDSON, in Word and Works.]

Our kind editor's motto, " hitch your wagon to a star." has been an inspiration to me. It has lifted the wheels of ambition from the ruts of indifference. Let us look upward and fight life'e battles bravely, trusting in the guidance of the Hand that placed the "star."e; May we not also hitch our religious and moral standards to a star? Giving them thereby permanence, purity and depth. It is so much better to have a high standard and with God's help live up to it to the best of our ability. "Give thy heart to thy Creator in the days of thy youth before the evil days come." Trust in Him. Do not be satisfied with anything but the living presence of the Lord Jesus in your heart. Do not grieve the spirit and when the years verge toward life's sunset there will be less pain and sorrow as we look back over its pages.

Grace there is my every debt to pay.
Blood to wash my every sin away.

The Tacky Cake Walkers.

Last Monday night the cheerful, cosy home of Mrs. A. TELLE was most cordially surrendered to the accommodation of the "tacky crowd" of young folks invited there in honor of Miss Pearl FOLSOM, Mrs. Telle's niece. Mrs. FOLSOM, Mrs. RUSSELL, and Mr. and Mrs. MAHNKER aided Miss Pearl and Mrs. Telle in entertaing the following young folks:

Misses Mattie FEARS, Eunice SCRATCH, Hattie and Mollie DOCTOR, Etta DILLON, Nora SMISER, Luella WINANS, Carrie HAAS, Bessie KENNEDY, Mable YORK, Ida HASSELL and Mrs. Bertha STANDLEY; Messrs. Harry PHILLIPS, Willie FOLSOM, J. W. JONES, Otto SULLIVAN, Gus HUGO and Alex HAAS, Hayden LINEBAUGH, G. T. RALLS, John FITZERALD, Albert WOODS and Editor Scott FULTON.

The crowd was soon formed in line and walked for the cake before the judges, Editor Scott FULTON and Mr. and Mrs. MAHNKER. This was such a crowd of experts the judges, had a hard time awarding the prize, but it finally fell to Miss FEARS and Willie FOLSOM.

The boooby prize was taken by Miss SCRATCH and Harry PHILLIPS. The first prize was a nice large cake, but the second was a sham, being a large white bowl trimmed as a cake. Several young ladies furnished music for the occasion.

Refreshments consisting of cream, cake and berries were duly served and enjoyed by all because they were most delicious. This was a most thoroughly enjoyable affair because of the freeedom and easy maner of all. The young folks are especially indebted to Mrs. Telle for the many treats she affords them in this line.

The guest upon disbursing bid farewell to Mrs. FOLSOM, Miss Pearl and Master TELLE who left on the Tuesdays Flyer for their home in Ardmore.

CITIZENSHIP CASES DECIDED

WASHINGTON, May 15, --Chief Justice Fuller, in the United States supreme court, today handed down the opinion of the court on the 163 cases involving the interest of as many individuals to citizenship in the Indian Territory. The cases involved the constitutionality of the law creating the Dawes commission which had passed upon the application for citizenship of the persons affected. Without entering into an examination of all the cases involved, the court held the law to be valid; and therefore affirmed the findings of the courts below in all the cases in question.__Dallas News.

LOCAL ITEMS.

New "Names" will appear in RED

There were two sections of Local Items in this weeks paper. If you find a repeated item, I apologize; I have tried to avoid repeition.

Commissioners RALLS is at Durant this week.

Dr. MILLER of Grant, I. T. was in Atoka Monday.

F. E. SMITH from Ward's Chapel was in our office Monday.

Father LINEBAUGH is suffering this week with malarial trouble.

Miss Mamie PHILLIPS is just recovering from an attack of sickness.

Emil HAAS of St. Louis, was visiting the family of Mr. Julius HAAS this week.

Miss Pearl WILKINS of south McAester is visiting Miss Edith BLOSSOM of this city.
Mr. Julius HAAS and son Hugo went to Denison Sunday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Yeidel.

Mr. Frederick ABBOTT gave his producings in a style which barred all criticim.__Brandon Sun, Man.

"The program was rendered with a touch and finish of an artist of rare talent."__Waco Times-Herald.

"The entertainment was ameritorious one in every detail. The impersonations of Mr. Frederick ABBOTT were fine."--Boston Globe.

Sam SMISER arrived in Atoka Monday morning. He is on the look out for one of his horses which got out at Wilberton and started this way.

Dr. SHARK has had ten years of experience in dental work and is a graduate of Iowa City School of Dentist.

J. B. SALMON, son Jake, Jay THOMPSON and J. W. JOHNSONleft Tuesday morning for an overland trip to Mena, Ark.

The B. Y. P. U. services will be conducted Sunday evening next by Prof. Masters. All are invited to attend. Subject__The Gift of Power. Acts 1: 1-18.

Capt. Chas. LaFLORE and wife of Limestone were in town last week, and Mrs. LaFlore returned again this morning on No. 1. they are at the "Dillon House".

Editor Scott FULTON came up Sunday on No. 2.

Walker BOND of Wapanucka was in town Tuesday.

MissRATHBURN of Coalgate was in Atoka Saturday.

Bob DAVIS, of the Omaha Paper House, was in Atoka Wednesday.

Mocha Java coffee, former price 35 cents, now 25 cents at D. N. ROBB & Co.

A fine apple vinegar at thirty cents per gallon at C. R. SMITH & Co.

"Mr. Frederick ABBOTT is a master in his profession."__Strathroy Age.

Joshua YOTA having served out his jail sentence left for home last Wednesday.

Tom DILLON and Charles BLOSSOM are now the possessors of fine Crescent bicycles.

Miss Mollie JACKSON was the guest of Mrs. MURROW Sunday and went South on No. 1 Monday.

You will now find Mrs. Bertha STANDLEY on Main street in the D. M. MILLER resturant building.

"As an elecutionest and impersonator, Mr. Frederick ABBOT has no equal."__Ft. William Journal.

Ladies shirt waists in newest styles, ranging in price to suit all picket books. H. & A. HAAS.

Remember we handle the Big One flour, the best of all. Price, $2.00 per hundred. S. DAMIE.

"Mr. Fredrick ABBOTT is an artist of rare talent, both natural and cultivated."_Napanee Banner.

Rev. J. W. MURROW preached at Coalgate last Sunday and had a large audience and a plesant trip all together.

Why is it that Alex HAAS and Judge G. T. RALLS go up or down the road together? Can anybody answer this conundrum?

Mr. SCRATCH got home Sunday morning with the picnic crowd. They are all eloquent in their description of the enjoyable time they had.

Mr. Lang PHILLIPS and little son came in Sunday to see grandmother PHILLIPS, whose condition continues critical. She is now at the home of her daughter Mrs. G. A. COBB.

C. R. SMITH has been handling strawberries shipped here from Judge HARRISON's farm near Lehigh. They are the largest, finest and most delicious berries ever on market here.

The Choctaw Medical Board meets at Atoka, Monday, May 22; Poteau, Wednesday and Thursday, May 24 and 26; San Bois, Saturday, May 27.

Ice cold drinks and ice cream at C. R. Smith & Co.

J. B. McDOUGALL of Denison was in Atoka Sunday.

Mrs. J. W. VAIL was in town shopping Monday.

The latest in belt buckles at D. N. ROBB & Co.

T. P. CARDWELL of Coalgate was visiting his family Sunday.

J. D. LANKFORD spent Tuesday at coalgate with his mother.

J. N. SANDERS of Comanche was in town Friday the 12th inst.

"Mr. Frederick ABBOTT is an elocutionist of great talent."__Daily Columiban, N. Westminister, B. C.

Leon OFFICER and Gus HAAS were out at Lehigh Sunday on their bicycles.

Mike CONLAN spent Sunday at home, returning to South McAlester Monday morning.

Dr. E. N. WRIGHT seems to be quite busy these days; but is not partial to long country jaunts.

Mason's fruit jars and jelly glasses cheaper than ever was known before at C. r. Smith & Co.

Come and see our splendid line of laces and embroideries. nicest line in town at the very lowest prices. S. Damie

J. D. Lankford sells Rheumatic Oil and Bronchial cough Syrup and High Roller Pills on a guarantee, no cure no pay.

Mrs. WIGINGTON and son Paul left a few days ago for Moberly, MO., to spend two or three months with friends and relatives.

Mrs. I. W. FOLSOM, Miss Pearl, Willie FOLSOM, Master TelleFOLSOM and Editor Scot FULTON dined at Dr. FULTON's home Monday.

Try our nice line of pants, just arrived. The best goods that ever came to the Indian Territory. S. Damie

Parties desiring to locate a gin in Atoka, will do well to see John M. HODGES, as he has a location, building and some machinery he will sell at a bargain.

Angie DILLON accompanied Mrs. Chas. LaFLORE home Sunay and returned with her Tuesday on No. 1. Angie says she likes Limestone fine and is going again soon.

Mrs. Bertha SALMON STANDLEY has moved her business location to the resturant stand north of J. D. LANKFORD's drug store and south of Miss Nora B. SMISER's Millinery Shop.

Mr. KENDLE is having quite a serious and painful time with his arm. He was unloading a car of potatoes about ten days ago and bruised his arm from which the trouble has developed. We hope he will soon be relieved.

I have opened a Barber Shop at the HODGES HOTEL. If you want an easy, clean shave, call and see me. GEO BELL, Atoka I. T.

J. F. MOBERLY, Blacksmith. All kinds of work in my line done at reasonable prices. Shop on Dillon corner, Fourth and Main streets. Atoka. Ind. Ter.

BATY BROS WAGON YARD--Accommodations first class. Corn, oats and hay always on hand. Come and see us. Located at wagon bridge. Atoka,:-: IND. TER.

Blacksmith MOBERLY and some others made a trip to Arkansas during the last ten days.

Sam SMISER returned to Wilberton Monday.

Mrs. Neta CROWDER from South Canidian is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. McLAUGHLIN. Mrs. Crowder and little son arrived on NO. 1 Tuesday.

Mrs. Henry BREEDLOVE and little daughter, Miss Bessie, came in from Coalgate and stopped at the Dillon House this week. Mrs. Breedlove went south on the Flyer Monday.

We acknowledge with thanks, to Dr. LeRoy LONG of Caddo, the receiptof an invitation and program tothe Territorial Medical Associateion which meets at South McAlester June 20,and 21st.

Miss Mary ELITZKA, who was an assistant of Mrs. Ewing when the Bates House was first taken by Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, is back with them again. She arrived in Atoka from ardmore the first of the week.

When the Dawes Commission arrives inAtoka it will have a new name to enroll as a member of JuliUS FOLSOM'S family. This young lady arrived last Friday and is quite an important personage in the home circle.

A. C. MESSICK sold out his restaurant interest here this weekto Paddy McGUIGAN and will take charge of a general merchandise business at Caney for Zy DULANEY. Mr. Messick called on THE CITIZEN, paying up old scores and advancing his subscription to be continued to him at Caney.

Additional Local: Joe DANIELS and Mr. HENDRICKS of the Wapanucka neighborhood were in our office Tuesday.

Abour 100 negroes were broght here and taken to the Lehigh mines last Monday.

N. B. AINSWORTH and L. C. BURRIS, Choctaw trustees, were in the city this week en route to Lehigh and Coalgate to look after business there. Mr. AINSWORTH returned to his home in McAlester Wednesday on the 12:30 Flyer.

Mrs. Joe WARD of Coalgate drove in town last Saturday accompanied by Misses Anna RATHBURN, Ida ELZEYand Miss GILES. After taking in the sights and beauties of Atoka these ladies tarried at the base ball grounds west of town and watched Stringtown wipe up Atoka's crackerjacks (nit).