The Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory; The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole Nations (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 Excerpt: ...jurisdiction of cases arising between citizens. If either plaintiff or defendant is not a citizen the case goes to the United States court. There has been great progress made by both the bench and the bar of the Cherokee Nation within the last 15 years, the practice now being the same as it is in several states. The records are all kept in the English language, though there is need for interpreters in all the courts where there are jury trials. Legislative.--The legislative department is composed of 2 bodies, the senate and the council. Each district, without reference to its size or population, is entitled to a representation of 2 members in the senate, but in the lower house the representation is based on population or votes. The members in both houses are elected for a term of 2 years. There are 9 districts and 18 senators. The council is composed of 40 members. Each house elects its own officers to serve for a term of 2 years. Among the officers of each house of the legislature are included 3 interpreters, 1 in the senate and 2 in the house, and all proceedings, motions, the reading of bills, petitions, and all other papers and all speeches must be in both languages. If a member makes a speech or a motion in English the interpreter repeats it in Cherokee before any action is taken, and if the speech or motion is in Cherokee the interpreter translates it into English. In the senate the interpreter sits while translating, but in the house he stands. Very few of the members of either house can write and speak both languages. Interpreters are paid the same as members, 63 per day. The regular legislative session begins on the first Monday in November, and the time for which members can draw pay is limited to 50 days. They can sit longer, but without pay. The...