Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-07-22


nation. II is perfectly well known that the Exec
utivc was pressed. all sides, to come TO an ami.
cable arrangement with the two Creek parties, and
That such an arrangement was thought desirable,
at almost any price. The Indians OF the two par
ties arrived in Washington in an rritated and sus-
picious temper Of mind, and il doubly necessa-
ny to lose no opportunity, and to neglect no means
oil soothing their feelings and acquiring their conf
ience. This could only be done by extending to
them full measure Of those accommodations and
induIgences which, under all circumstances and
at all periods, they have expected and received
when treating with the Government Of the Unite
States or its agents.
The first item Of expenditure objected to above
as extravagant or untouched, is the pay Of James
p Denney, who acted as clerk to one of the Indian
parties. Ii is well known that the Indians illite-
rate themselves. choose the person whom they will
trust to write for them. To deny them this privi-
lege, would be 20 destroy all the confidence they
might otherwise repose in us. They chose Denney
as their clerk and agreed TO give him the pay which
he received. lie was known by the Department
TO have performed the service and it does not APP
pear TO the minority Of the Committee, that il re-
CURED or admitted any other voucher than his own
certificate. When the importance of the transac-
ton is considered the extent Of the cession obtain
ed, and the political magnitude Of the whole affair,
At may be thought that the sum paid was properly
allowed, under the circumstances of the case.
The next items for remark, the accounts OF
brown and Tennison, for the board OF the two del.
counts, part OF the preceding remarks apply
Ii was absolutely necessary TO treat the Indians in
such way as to crafty their feelings and inspire
their confidence. In respect TO these two items,
the minority Of the committee find that the DE.
partnent, instead Of being chargeable with profse-
ness, is entitled TO the praise Of frugaty. In 1924
Choctaw delegation visited w Washington, and was
boarded at Tennison's. No previous contract hav-
ing been made for their expenditure. it amounted
to nearly $1,000. When the Greeks came TO
nnfn stndo ffo 4
the Department, to avoid the recurrence of a ST.
Iniiar overcharge, bargain made with the
two innkeepers, to board them at 81 25 per diem
for each individual. Ii, in consequence Of their
large number, and the length of time they staid,
TINS allowance amounted TO cons lerable sum,no
blame can, Oh that account, be attached to the De-
parttnent, which had taken every practicable pre-
caution TO limit their expenditure, and, by bring
ing their business to close, to hasten their de-
part1re: The board OF the agent who repaired TO
the Seat OF Government by direction of the De-
partment, was allowed for % days, in conior-
nifty with invariable usage, and the obvious rea-
sonablenes OF the thing. The charge for backing
boots will, perhaps, be found not out of proportion
to what is commonly paid for that service, when
the number OF Indians and the length of time they
were here are taken into consideration; although
the minority OF the Committee have not investi-
gated the item with great precision, but were ra-
ther disposed to let it pass a small affair.
Exception is taken TO the charge for painting the
tee would observe, on this head that it is an item
OF expenditure which has annually appeared, in
the returns OF the Department. since the year 1922
and no expression OF an opinion the part of Ell
'her House OF Congress, disappearing Of such an
expenditure, has come within their knowledge
Livery person acquainted with the Indian charac-
ter must perceive that this application of the arts
on civilized life, for their personal qualification
must be Oh great importance in conciiiatng their
good VIII. a small sum of money expended in
HA,,h ole-.-
desirable result much larger sums laid out in
manner less adapted to strike the imagination of
the unciviliZed. So far from censurng this expend-
ture, either in the past the present Administra-
ton, the minority OF the Committee are OF opinion,
that, were larger apartment provided for the bu-
reau OF Indian affairs, in which might be more add
vantageously exhibited the portraits in question
ana others which may be added to them together
With an ample collection of the arms, costumes.
household implements, and all other articles apper-
taihg 70 indian lie and manners, it would be pro-
ducnve OF happy effect on the Imagination and
disposition OF the Indian Populations, which, from
ume 10 time, repair TO Washington, and with
winch this Government transacts very important
business; and, also, form a repository, possessing
a nigh degree oil scientific and historical value
with view TO similar effect, and TO CRAFTY
the taste OF the Indians for articles of ornament it
mas been the practice of all the modern nations
IN their intercourse with them, to furnish them with
medals In the case of the European nations, these
likeness
since the Government of the u. States succeeded
TO the foreign monarchical Governments in their
relation to the Indians, medals have, in like man.
ner, been distributed to them, from the time of
Ten. Washington to the present day, bearing the
likeness oil the President for the time being Orders
we're gwen 6y the late Secretary Of War, for such
medal of MIR. Monroe, when he succeeded to the
Presidency. On the election of Mr.. Adams. the
IKE oruer was given to the same artist to execute
ior the same price, requisite die for a similar me-
oai The minority of the Committee fins no oliec
,'on 10 make this charge. They have no reason to
peheVe mat It's amount IS excessive; nor do thew
perceive out Of what other fund i; could with more
proprety, be paid.
Some objections have been taken to the allow.
ances made to Mr.. McKenney, the Chief Clerk in
inc INDIAN Bureau, Tor his services during the past
year, at Green Bay, and on his tour among the south
western Indians. Before entering on the exnia-
nation OF This matter, the minority of the committee
VIII observe, that Mr.. NJ * enney's paw as Clerk
is liked at l 600 dollars When the present oreani
zauoh oil mat bureau was effected, by the late Sc
crelary OF war, The minority Of the Committee un-
derstand that Mr.. McKenney was prevailed m =,
the instances Of Mr.. Calhoun, to accept the place
ne now nils, with the admission, that the salary
was inadequate to the labors of the place and 10
his qualifications, and with assurances that no pro-
per effort should be spared TO procure an increase
Of ms compensation by law. At the first session of
the nineteenth Congress, bill for th;s nurnose
was reported to the House, by Hon. John Cooke
Chairman oil the Committee Of Indian Affairs and
the same bill has been reported, from the same
committee, at the present session The minority
OF the committee consider these facts as eyipciDg
ue opinion Oh competent judges that the depart.
ment OF Indian Affairs requires more efficient
snu responsible organization, and that the indy-
dual at present at the head Off has nv the same
Judges been considered meritorious l. valuable
public officer. ~
Such unquestioDa5ly was the opinion entertain
he