The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-12-28
Indian Affairs.

Oh the annual executive reports, there is probably none
among those emanatng from the subordinate branches of
the different departments of greater general interest and
Importance than that from the Office of Indian Affairs,
which we lay before the public in paper OF this
ming 1t is document in every way credable to its
author; evncng close and careful attention to the diff
cult and delicate duties of that important branch OF the
public service, and containing views and suggestions
which are at once sound, practical AMI phanthroplc.
The various tribes generally shown to be peaceably
disposed both towards each other and citizens
though there have been few disturbances, attended
with loss OF life among of the and
restless with whom we have little intercourse, and over
whom is difficult not impossible exercise any
troll. Prompt measures adopted to prevent far
possible, the repetition of such occurrences though
from the love of the uncvzed Indian for war, and his
propensity to shed blood in revenge for injury it Isl and
has BEEN matter OF great difficulty preserve peace
among those who have into hostile collision
The beneficial effects of the policy of removing the In
dams from the States and organized Territories a
try remote from the unfavorable influences to which they
were then subjected and which causing them rapid
y to decline, continue 10 be clearly evident in their in
creasng prosperity and In pursuance of this
policy, some seventeen hundred have been removed
of their brethren who preceded them west of that river
and it is hoped that within the next year. the greater
portion of the Choctaws yet remaining in Mississippi and
Alabama estimated at about three thousand will also emf
CRATE is essential to their welfare and important to
the interests of citizens residing in the sections where
they large number OF Pottowatomies have
been removed from Iowa to permanent home southwest
of the Missouri river and when the Winpebagoes shall
have been removed in the spring. that young and prosper
State will be almost entirely relieved of her Indian
population, and then will there be obstacle to retard
the rapid settlement and cultivation of her rich and fertile
territory. rigorous but humane prosecution OF the
system of policy will, it is expected soon free
Wisconsin also OF the large number of Indians within
her borders, whose occupancy of extensive of des
rable country greatly ntereres with the Improvement and
prosperity of some sections OF that Territory.
Much good is expected from the excellent laws passed
the last session of Congress imposing additional pen
allies for the introduction and sale OF ardent spirits in the
Indian country, and authorizing the payment of annu-
ties heads of families, and others entitled participate
therein, instead of the old mode of paying them
the chiefs Already there has been considerable check
given to the nhuman traffic in ardent spirits the of
which has been destructive to- red race, and
long has thwarted the best efforts for their civilization
and Improvement 1t is much to be hoped that, sug
gested in the report, the States adjacent to the Indian
country will pass stringent laws for the suppression of
the traffic along and within their borders, which, with
the exertons of the officers of the government would be
eifectual in putting end to this great evil
The Indians generally much gratied with the new
mode of paying annuities Instead of their going into
the hands of the chiefs and their special retaners and
friends-generally embracing the more idle and profit
gate-and thence for very Inadequate consideration into
the pockets of traders and heartless white men,
stanty on the alert prey upon their weaknesses and
take advantage of their necessities, every will now
receive his proportional share, and end will thus be
put to the dissatisfaction and hearburnings occasoned
by the partial and unequal mode of distribution which
has. heretofore prevailed.
The new regulations referred to by the Commissioner,
which have been established will doubt be productive
Of excellent effects with reference to the interests and
well being OF the various tribes
The subject to which particular attention is being
paidof obtaining complete census Of our Indian pop
uation and comprehensive collection of statistics and
other important practical information respecting their
condition and wants-s highly interesting one Such
material will no doubt greatly aid both the Executive
and Congress in 50 shaping the future policy and meas
be more suitable to their peculiar circumstances and
cessities and certainly and rapidly to advance them
in prosperity, happiness, and civilization
Butthe most interesting subject in this interesting doc
ument is that of education. Much good has already
been done through the new system OF manual-labor
schools; and tribes who have heretofore been totally
opposed every effort of the kind, have forgotten their
former preudices, and becoming anxious for the
estabshm en OF such institutions among them while
number contribute largely from their own for the
support OF those already established, about being
tablished, in their country. Arrangements have been
made for putting into operation number of new schools
and every effort and all the for the purpose at the
disposal of the department. TO be exered and used for
the extension of the system rapidly possible. We
have not time space, however, for extended
notice of this document We have been compelled TO
omit several important TOPICS but hope that these hastily
thrown together remarks will have the effect of inducing
readers generally TO peruse the report for themselves
for which we satisfied they will be well repaid
Congressional.
The Senate met to-day at the usual hour, and, after
prayer by the Rev. r. r. Gurley, chaplain of the House
of Representatives, the journal was read
Mr. Niles, from the committee of arrangements, APP
pointed to take charge of the funeral of the late Hon.