United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

United States v. Wright, 229 U.S. 226 (1913)

United States v. Wright

No. 918

Argued April 11, 1913

Decided May 26, 1913

229 U.S. 226

Syllabus

In determining the effect of statutes regarding the introduction of liquor into Indian country, within the territorial limits of Oklahoma, every consideration arising out of the guardianship of the federal government over the Indians and control of their land indicates that, as to them, the liquor prohibition should be maintained after statehood so far as consistent with the control of the state over its internal police.

The liquor prohibition, so far as it concerns Indians, has always been deemed one of the peculiar responsibilities of the federal government.

The provisions of § 2139, Rev.Stat., as amended by the Acts of July 23, 1892, and January 30, 1897, so far as they related to the introduction of liquor into the Indian Territory from points outside of that Territory, but within what is now Oklahoma, have not been repealed, either expressly or by implication, by the Oklahoma Enabling Act.

The facts, which involve the construction of the various acts relating to the introduction of intoxicating liquor into Indian country in Oklahoma, are stated in the opinion.