Chronicles of Oklahoma

ident. Their case in the negotiations of 1890 was left largely to
Senator L. B. Bell and Col. Wm. P. Ross whose knowledge of law
and facts relative to the Outlet, and whose command of English
and cutting logic enabled them to play their role admirably. They
did not intend to be left with a mess of pottage when negotia-
tions with the Commission were over.
It has been noted that there were matters, not relating di-
rectly to land, that the Cherokees thought were as important as
the money consideration. The committee representing them was
authorized to negotiate for the settlement of all claims with the
United States. Throughout the negotiations the committee took
time for consideration and for council among themselves so that
they could make suggestions and answers as a group and not
merely as individuals. On the first day of the negotiations the
Commission said plainly that they did not want the committee
"to start off with long range firing and written propositions,"
but to say what they thought." On the second day they sub-
mitted to the committee an offer of $7,528,442.19 for a cession
and relinquishment of all the title, claim, right and interest of
the Cherokee nation in and to lands in the Indian Territory
west of the ninety-sixth meridian."0
It appears that the Cherokees wanted about twice the amount
offered, or two dollars and fifty cents an acre, and "pay" for the
Public Land Strip. On December 9 Sayre said that no proposi-
tion involving the purchase of, or payment for, the Public Land
Strip would be entertained by the Commission. The Commis-
sion realized that the lands in the Outlet could be secured at a
less price than that asked by the Cherokees.I "We are here
239 Jerome said: "I have lived a good many years and it has been my
fortune to have lived a commercial life. I have negotiated for all kinds
of interests, lands, railroads, mines, bonds and every conceivable kind of
interests and it has been a rule always that everything should be plainly
told at the start. That is one of the laws of a commercial and business
man that is almost as inflexible as the laws of nature."
240 The proposition bearing the signatures of Jerome, Sayre and Wilson
is in the Indian Office, 7488 Ind. Div. 1890. It is dated Dec. 4, 1890.
241 In council with the Sacs and Foxes June 5, 1890 Sayre said he had
been in Washington quite a while during the past winter and knew from
those in authority in the matter that no greater price than one dollar and a
quarter an acre could be paid to the Cherokees for the Outlet. Sayre said
he felt confident that before the Cherokees got through they would accept
that price or less.

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