Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 September 1903 — INDIANS MADE DUPES? [ARTICLE]

INDIANS MADE DUPES?

Peculiar Methods Ara Said to Have Been Followed.

The investigation of affairs in Indian Territory ordered by Secretary Hitchcock naturally excites public curiosity regarding the nature of the chargee against government officials which were filed some time ago. The public impression regarding the alleged frauds upon the Indian is somewhat vague and indistinct, owing to the meager information that has been given out at Washington. The investigation is based primarily upon a report made by Samuel M. Brorius, a special agent employed by the Indian Rights’ Association, which alleges that a large and very profitable business has been done in the lands allotted to the Indians by the Dawes commission. It is charged that the whites, who have induced Indians to lease their lands for five years, have refused to pay rtait or to surrender the land and have not been compelled to surrender it. The heirs of “allptters,” it is claimed, have heen induced to sell their land at small prices and full payment has been avoided. Several companies have been organised to deal in these lands and leases, and they are accused of the operations romplained of.