Note 214 — XV. CARE OF THE INDIAN.

That of January, 1883, said:

We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, resident in or near ——, viewing the results of our past national Indian policy; viewing also the present positions and relations of the white and Indian races within our borders, and being convinced by many considerations, both moral and political, that only that Indian policy is just, and therefore wise, which has for its ultimate aim citizenship for Indians, through the abolition of the reservation system by granting to all Indians, not now under the Indian Government of the Indian Territory, lands in severalty, with the same titles, law protection, property rights, common school education, and religious liberty enjoyed by other races among us:

Now, therefore, we do respectfully but most earnestly pray that such a policy as above suggested may be adopted and in future pursued, having due regard to the principles of equity and justice involved in past treaties with Indians, yet granting to them upon their present reservations as fast as individuals so desire (and we pray that our Government will generously allure them to this desire).

First: Lands in severalty, with fee-simple titles, inalienable for thirty years.

Second: The same law-protection, legal personalty and citizenship that white men and black men enjoy.

Third: Adequate common-school and industrial education upon their present reservations, and,

Fourth: Full religious liberty.