History Documentation:
LETTER ABOUT FLOWAGE RIGHTS 1919 June, 4
Department of the Interior
Office of Indian Affairs
Washington, D.C.
June 4, 1919
(Received date stamped at Hayward Indian School – June
9, 1919)
TO: Mr. R.C. Craige
Superintendent Hayward Indian School
My Dear Mr. Craige,
Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of May 16, 1919, forwarding the report of the proceedings of the tribal council of the Indians of the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, held May 6, 1919, at which the question of flowage rights desired by the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light & Power Company was considered.
It is noted that the council voted in favor of selling the right to flood 310 acres in consideration of a payment of $100 per capita; or a total of $127,600.00; also that it rejected the offer of the company to make payment by turning over other lands owned by it.
Inasmuch as you report that the company absolutely refused to pay the price demanded by the Indians, $20,000.00 being its maximum offer, and that your efforts at compromise where unsuccessful, it is not seen that any further action can be taken by the Office at this time, particularly as the Act of May 18, 1916 (39 Stat. L 123-157) makes the consent of the Indian a conditions precedent to granting any rights there under.
Very Truly Yours
E.B. Meritt
Assistant Commissioner