History Documentation:
LETER ON LAND CONDEMNATION - July 30, 1923
Catholic Indian Mission
Reserve, Wisconsin
July 30, 1923
Mr. Byron A. Sharp
Hayward, Wisconsin
My dear Mr. Sharp;
I have been requested by attorney to secure from the Indian Office an official ruling as to the status of those Indians whose lands were condemned by court proceedings by the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light & Power Company.
We would all like to know whether or not it is the opinion of the Indian Office, that such Indians as Anakwad, known as ‘restricted’ Indians would have power to go to the State court in suit for damages on their own accord, without interference or on an initiative by the Indian Office.
I will cite this typical case, taking Anakwad. This Indians land was condemned by court proceedings at Hayward, or was it in Superior in Federal Courte. The Indian Office was ‘guardian ad litem’. Now, would Anakwad have the power to secure his own attorneys, go into State Courte and sue for damages occasioned by the non-removal of graves which is over and above and was not considered by the condemnation proceedings. Our would the Indian Office have to handle all litigation in this matter that affects Anakwad and his restricted lands.
If you will be kind enough to submit this at an early date for a ruling, perhaps we can go ahead and secure some action tedious and long drawn out ‘passing the buck’ in this removal of graves business.
Very respectfully submitted,
Philip Gordon
(I hereby certify that this is an accurate copy of a duplicate copy of a certain letter addressed to former Superintendent B.A. Sharp by Reverend Philip Gordon on July 30, 1923 – Lyle Berger – Clerk)