The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-12-11


The same remark applies TO the claims for services
rendered in the Of the Revolution. The atten-
ton Of Congress having been repeatedly called TO the
fact that the laws the subject Of both these do
SC ipons of claims had become obsolete, and act
reyisiDg them having been passed the utility Of main
tanning a distinct bureau Tor their examination
not perceived and whatever business remains 10 be
done has been placed under the supervision Of the
Commissioner of Pensions with his assent
II would be derec,ion Of duty TO omit calling
the attention Of Congress TO subject 10 which II has
been often invited by predecessor in this depart
ment, namely, the insecurity and Inconvenience Of
the buildings in which, for the want Of in the
War Office, the Offices Of the Paymasier General,
Of the Ordnance Bureau Of the Chief Military Engi-
neer, of the Typographical Engineers and the Com
missioner Of Pensions, are kept. Models, surveys,
maps reports and various documents Of incalculable
value, belonging TO those bureaus are immnentIy e.
posed Some immediate provision for sun able build
ing seems indispensable.
BY Joint resolution Of Congress, approved Febru.
airy 49, 1889, the Secretary of War authorized to
contract for the purchase Of the island at the confu
Of the ST. Peters and Mssiss ppi rivers and to
report his proceedings to Congress- subject to their APP
probation or rejection. On the 18th March, 1889, the
contract made, and the Of $i2 900 agreed TO
be paid. As the property is deemed necessary for
military purposes being adjacent 10 Fort Smelling an
estimate for an appropriation for It's purchase has
been submitted in a form which will relieve the sub
ect Of all difficulty respecting the title to the land, by
leaving to the proper department to ascertain the
persons entitled to the purchase money. commu-
ncaion of my immediate predecessor to the Speaker
of the House OF Representatives the I'd September,
1871, will furnish all the information the subject
in the possession of this Department
Pursuant TO the appropriation in the act OF Sepem-
Der g. le4l for deirayng the expenses OF selecting
suitable site on the western waters for the establish
nent of a national armory, board Of officers,
sisting of Brevet Brgader General Armistead, Lieu
tenant Colone! Long otthe Typographical Engineers,
and Surgeon General Lawson, has been appointed TO
make the necessary examinations. They are now en-
gagged In that duty and their report on the subject Will
be laid before you, soon as 1t shall be received.
The report Of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs
presents much valuable information concerning the
very important matters in charge OF that Bureau The
absence Of the Commissioner IN the negotiation OF a
treaty, when the undersigned called to the De-
partnen OF War, and for some time afterward toge-
Their with the very short time allowed for the exami
nation and consideration of the various and compca
ted relations with the Indian tribes will account for
the OMISSION In this report, Of views and opinions
which mi hit be otherwise expected. Believing il 10
be branch of the public service requiring peculiar
attention and mature deliberations II will not cease to
engage the most strenuous efforts TO improve its admi-
nstration and promote the interests of the helpless
people who are the objects of its cares and, II occa-
sion should require any suggestions for those purposes
they will hereafter be the subject OF special report.
The amendments made by the President and Sc
to the treaty with the Miami tribe assented
to by them in the month OF June last thus extin-
State OF Indiana An arrangement has also been
made with the Saginaw Indians, by which certain
omissions in the treaty of 1887 have been supplied
and the cesson of their lands intended 10 be embraced
in II, has been completed
Since the adjournment Of Congress, a treaty has
been concluded with some Of the bands Of the Sioux,
for lands, not included in any previous negotiation,
and another has been made with the half breeds ofthe
Sioux for cesson Of the lands set apart to them by
the 9Th article of the treaty held at Prairie d Chen,
on the 9Th Of July, 1880.
A treaty is negotiating with the Wyandots for
their lands in the State of Ohio which, it Is believed,
will soon be brought to a conc fusion. The attempt 10
negotiate with the Sacs and Foxes has utterly failed.
As The of this failure believed to he tempo
rary, such may be removed by arrangements with
other tribes, renewed effort will be made when pro-
ptous occasion shall offer.
II is Of regret that the information respect
ing the state Of the Indian schools is scsnty and
imperfect. Few subjects commend themselves more
strongly 10 all sympathies men and Christians,
than the education and civilization Of the Indian
tribes and far depends this Department, the
obligations resulting from the provisions made IN
rous treaties for that purpose, and from the appropri-
atoms by Congress, shall be faithfully discharged
| The recommendation Of the Commissioner to re-
vive the investigation into the claims arising under
the 18th article of The treaty Of Dancing Rabbit
Creek, and that proposing that authority should be
given for the sale of lands at once, upon their being
aeded, on which buildings have been erected, or i'm
/ provements have been made by the United States,
are respectfully commended TO the consideration OF
Congress
| The condition Of the accounts Of the Disturbing
agents demands prompt attention. There appear TO
be large balances against some Of those agents. who
supposed be entitled credits Of equal amounts
for expenditures, but which credits cannot be allowed
under existing laws. in consequence of the sums thus
expended being taken from other funds. Some law
like that suggested by the Commissioner authorizing
transfers OF appropriations, seems Indispensable and
the interest OF the Government well as of the
agents requires that it should be passed speedily
| possible.
| Measures have been taken to execute the act Of
1884, relation intrusions Indian lands for The
purpose Of preventing the sale ofiquor and unlicensed
trading, which It is hoped may prove successful
Respectfully submitted.
JOHN C. SPENCER.
| To tho PRESIDENT.