Lucullus Virgil McWhorter
The Discards
"The Discards" by Lucullus Virgil McWhorter is a collection of remarks and observations, likely written in the early 20th century. The book addresses numerous socio-political issues faced by Native Americans, particularly the Yakima tribe, highlighting the challenges of land and water rights. The work seeks to bring awareness to the struggles and injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples due to governmental mismanagement and exploitation. In "The Discards," McWhorter, who identifies as an adopted member of the Yakima tribe, shares a series of articles touching on various grievances regarding the Indian Bureau’s treatment of Native Americans. The narratives recount instances of land theft, misappropriated water rights, and various legal and personal struggles that underline the complexities of Native American life and administration in the early 20th century. Highlighting specific cases like that of Louis Mann and Simon Goudy, the author captures the sentiments of betrayal and despair felt by tribal members, while also exposing the broader systemic failures that perpetuate these injustices. This collection serves as a poignant reminder of the historical context surrounding Native American rights and governance.