How we cite our quotes: (Section.Sentence)
Quote #1
That all allotments set apart under the provisions of this act shall be selected by the Indians, heads of families selecting for their minor children, and the agents shall select for each orphan child, and in such manner as to embrace the improvements of the Indians making the selection. […] (2.1).
It's great that the Native Americans supposedly had choices about where they wanted their 160 acres of land (within the reservation, of course), but was it really a choice if they were forced into it? Not to mention that the reservations were created by the government in the first place.
Quote #2
That if any one entitled to an allotment shall fail to make a selection within four years after the President shall direct that allotments may be made on a particular reservation, the Secretary of the Interior my direct the agent of such tribe or band, if such there be, and if there be no agent, then a special agent appointed for that purpose, to make a selection for such Indian, which selection shall be allotted as in cases where selections are made by the Indians, and patents shall issue in like manner (2.3).
How many times have you heard your parents say, "Pick one, or we'll pick one for you?" Like, a million times? No? Just us? Well, either way, this is pretty paternalistic. If a person chose not to select their allotment within four years, one would be selected for them.
Quote #3
That where any Indian not residing upon a reservation, or for whose tribe no reservation has been provided by treaty, act of Congress, or executive order, shall make settlement upon any surveyed or unsurveyed lands of the United States not otherwise appropriated, he or she shall be entitled, upon application to the local land-office for the district in which the lands arc located, to have the same allotted to him or her, and to his or her children, in quantities and manner as provided in this act for Indians residing upon reservations […] (4.1).
The folks get the choice of having the land they already owned allotted to them. Sweet.