Rich Indians by Alexandra Harmon

Author:Alexandra Harmon [Harmon, Alexandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Ethnic Studies, American, Native American Studies, Business & Economics, Economic History, History, United States, General
ISBN: 9780807899571
Google: QE42an8nupUC
Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Press
Published: 2010-10-25T02:42:49+00:00

The chief whose Osage name was most often translated as Bacon Rind appeared at least twice before congressional committees to request repeal of a 1921 law that put a “noncompetent” Osage headright holder on a $4,000 annual allowance. He acknowledged that lawmakers would consider him an ignorant “blanket Indian” and admitted that he could not refuse his children the many things they wanted, but he nevertheless questioned why a man with his history of work and his eminent status in the tribe was involuntarily subject to financial guardianship. Courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, Love Studio photograph, image X-32576.

and they spend more money on their children. . . . They do not want their children to do anything, which as you take it in your own condition it is wrong. At the same time the Indian thinks it is right. . . . I think it is right he should think that and I honor him for it.”116 More often, Osages seemed to say that the older Indians’ unwillingness or inability to change was reason to take pity on them and allow them to them do as they pleased. Even young men who abjured the old ways spoke in defense of their elders’ right to be extravagant. “They can not understand these laws,” Abbott explained. “They think they ought to have more money. . . . I want them to quit worrying concerning this. Pay more money to them because they want to live like kings; they do not want to make millions out of their money; they want to have an easy time to live while they are living.”117

Full-bloods such as Bacon Rind sometimes played the ignorant Indian card in the hope of gaining lawmakers’ sympathy, but they were not as naïve as their statements suggested.118 Like their less traditional fellow tribesmen, they recognized the extent of United States power, saw the resistance in Congress to rescinding the act of 1921, and made back-up or compromise proposals. John Abbott, while continuing to insist that the old people deserved to get all their money, opined, “It’s good to put a young man under supervision if he throws his money away and drinks and neglects his family.” This position was consistent with that of the tribal council, a mixed-blood stronghold, which asked both for more say in tribal financial affairs and for continuing government protection. Not only did the tribe need a federal shield against conniving private parties and local officials, councilmen said, but also government guidance was appropriate for those individual Indians who would otherwise take a self-destructive course.119 A rambling speech by Eves Tall Chief summed up the balance that many hoped to strike.

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