INDIANS ARE SAVAGES TO SELFRIDGE CITIZENS TO Ft. Yates In 1918

In 1918 when the proposition of county seat removal in Sioux county was first brought to a vote, the Selfridge supporters were in a frenzy over the Indian vote. Their contention was that the Indians were savages and not entitled to vote. They spent thousands of dollars to spread propaganda to this effect and threatened Indians who intended to vote that they would go to the pen if they attempted to exercise the right of [franchise].

This is in striking contrast with today. In this election Selfridge wants the Indian vote, not because they are less hostile to the Indians, or despise them less. This change of attitude is due to the fact that the Fort Yates citizens spent their good money to establish, by the decisions of the district and supreme court of the state of North Dakota, that the Indians are citizens and voters and entitled to the same rights and privileges that their white brothers enjoy.

That much Fort Yates did for the Indians.

Facts are that the Indian citizen has been given every consideration by the people of Fort Yates. The organizers of Sioux county, who were the late J. A. Stiles, John Leach and the late Major Belden, recognized that Indians should be given a voice in the affairs and the management of their county. This was no mere gesture. When Sioux county was organized in 1914 the roster of county officials included Chas. [] Gayton of [Selfridge] and J.A. W[ills] of Solen. Both were Indians. Chas. Gayton had the honor of being the first sheriff of Sioux county. Jim Wells was the first clerk of court of Sioux county.

In succeeding elections Chas. McLaughlin was elevated to the office of sheriff. J. R. Harmon was recognized by being elected to the office of county treasurer and later county auditor, which office he holds today.

Other Indians have held minor offices. But it was first established to Sioux county, North Dakota, that the Indian is a citizen and enjoyed the same civil rights as the white man. In Sioux county the first Indian who ever had the distinction to serve as jurors were summoned into district court.

The recognition of the Indian in Sioux county in the early days was not incidental to a bid for their vote. It was done for the purpose of elevating the red brother to the place he was entitled to in the affairs of the nation, now conceded by act of Congress since citizenship was conferred on all Indian tribes. This was done by Fort Yates and Selfridge fought the Indian first, last and all time.