OCR Text |
Show Solons Reply To Resolution On Indian Freedom Statements have been received re-ceived from all of Utah's congressional con-gressional representatives in Washington pertaining to the Duchesne County Commissioners' Commission-ers' resolution for citizenship of Utah Indians. Excerpts from the four representatives are as follows: William A. Dawson I have talked with Senator Watkins on this metter and am assured by him that he is looking into the problem. I am sure he will render ren-der you a full report on this, and if I can be of further assistance, as-sistance, please write. Rep. Douglas R. Stringfellow As you may realize, during the last session of Congress a number of the tribes were granted grant-ed the full responsibilities of citizenship, and it is anticipated that in the forthcoming session, commencing Jan. 6, 1954, that other steps will be taken to grant similar rights to other tribes. I am certainly in favor of your resolution if the Indian people have progressed to the point where they are capable of assuming privileges and responsibilities re-sponsibilities of full citizens of the state and shall do all in my power to bring about their emancipation. Sen. Wallace F. Bennett, by Lyle M. Ward, administrative assistant A copy of "Resolution "Resolu-tion Favoring the Immediate Granting of Full Rights of Citizenship Citi-zenship to the Indian Peoples within the State of Utah" will be brought to the attention of Sen. Bennett upon his return to Washington. As you know, Senator Wat-kins Wat-kins is a member of the Senate Committee handling Indian matters, mat-ters, and I am sure Senator Bennett will want to work closely close-ly with him in giving this problem prob-lem the careful consideration it warrants. Sen. Arthur V. Watkins First, may I say that after the passage of the Indian liquor bill during the last session, the bur-, bur-, den now rests upon the State of Utah to decide whether or not the Indians within the State of Utah shall or shall not have liquor. At the present time the Federal Prohibition against the purchase or possession by Indians In-dians of intoxicants has been abolished. However, the State prohibition against the sale of intoxicants within the State of Utah to Indians still stands. For a multitude of reasons, I have not felt that the Indian should be discriminated against in this respect. However, I shall not seek to invade the perorgative of the administrative and legislative legis-lative functions of the State government, but leave to them the problem of determining whether or not this discrimination discrimina-tion is justified. I have taken the liberty of forwarding to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs my personal request for a summary reviewal of Ft. Duchesne Reservation with recommendations in answer an-swer to your resolution, and, as soon as those recommendations are received, I will be most happy to communicate them to you. |