The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-12-28

life and then, and not till then can YOU exempfy to
him the difference between the civilized and the savage
stale Let him st down amidst his family and his peo-
Die during the inclemency OF winter surrounded by the
fruits OF his labor, raised congenia season. and
ne viii soon be able to appreciate the difference between
the hard and precaTous life OF hunter and that of
lgrcuurist Thus, by making popular through these
OF the objects in yewand this not the least
important TO the lndianhe other will increase in est
nation, BY the evidences il will soon furnish OF the mental
elevation OF the educated Indian, when compared with
his unrestricted associate
The reports Of the different superintendent agents. and
subagens, Indicate that there has been improve
ment in the condition and Affairs of the Indians generally
Turing the past year. though in many instances there has
been increase in the traffic and use OF ardent spirits
Were not for the almost uncomfortable propensity OF
the Indians generally for this destructive article especial
among the less civilized and the facility with which il
continues to be supplied TO them by abandoned and
PrihcIpled white men, in defiance Of law and all the
lions OF the department and IFS agents. the progress OF the
various tribes in civilization, and in the and
comforts OF cshiled NE would De iaI greater WINS,
elevation and should be spared break up the
traffic in IT, and heretofore extensively and njun-
Ously carried among the Indians principally by the de-
scripton Of persons mentioned In former reports from
this Office, the nadequacy OF existing laws effect this
object has been adyerted To- and OF duty well
as the dictates OF humanity npe me again to call stten-
Under the present laws the only penalty for Introducing
liquor into the Indian country and selling barterng II
TO the Indians, In the former forfeiture OF the
article found, and in the latter fine if convicted OF the
offence. The profits OF the traffic great that the
risk OF detection and loss OF the article is and viii be- in
CURED without hesitation and the fine is of little or no
effect because such persons rarely II ever, possess any
available property BY which the fine can be re-
covered agree with my predecessor that much more
elective remedy would be found in amendment OF the
present trade and intercourse law by which the offence
would be made criminal and the persons convicted OF
subjected to imprisonment for such time Congress
prescribe, or the court IN view OF the circumstances and
extent crminaty of the offence, might in their dscre-
ton think proper
According to your directions circular was issued on
last nd nj IN "a he
tendents agents. and sub-agents, informing them that
hereafter powers Of attorney from nlians to white
persons would be recognised, nor any money be paid
upon them; but that all claims OF Indians must be pre-
sented TO the department through the proper agent when
they would be promptly acted on, and the sums found
iue 10 the claimants be paid TO them ut their homes,
without any deduction for expenses for the collection
OF the amount This deemed necessary and
proper in order TO prevent advantage being taken OF the
ignorance necessities OF the Indians, by persons who
sometimes purchase their claims for nominal con-
sderation, who make excessive and unreasonable
charges for collecting them.
This Office is about entering upon a revision OF the
general regulations prescribed in 1897 for the manage
men of its general business, which, in consequence OF
change OF circumstances and OF new elements of business
having arlsen have, IN some measure become obsolete
or nappicabe to the present condition Of things, and
therefore require alteration and amendment
Under the regulations recently prescribed for this Office
classification and assignment OF Its business among
the clerks has been made, which is expected will lead
its being promptly and satisfactorily despatched
The classes and more perfect system of records
which these regulations require, will also, II is believed
produce greater facility and accuracy in the transaction OF
its business.
have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedent
servant, w. MEDlLL,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Hon. w. l.. MARCY,
Secretary OF War.