The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-12-15

The schools in the Cherokee nation are under the SUI
pervson and control of their authorities and are
shown by the report OF the superintendent TO the prn-
clpal chief Ga copy OF which has just been received at
this oiiice) To be in highly fourishing condition.
In the support and management of this important and
extensive SYSTEM there is nothing whatever drawn from
the treasury of the United States beyond the permanent
nua appropriation OF $4,000 for he civilization OF In
dams which, IN order to afford the same advantages 10
tribes not possessed of means OF their own, ana as
matter OF philanthropy and sound policy, should IN my
opinion, be increased TO 100000
The law establishing the Territorial government OF
Oregon omitted 10 provide for the appointment OF any
agents in that interesting portion oil our country The
President however pursuant TO that provision of the
law of June 90 1884, organizing me department OF Indian
affairs which authorizes him TO employ competent
number of sub 10 reside at such places he may
direct appointed three persons who have long resided IN
Oregon aud were represented to be well acquainted with
the location and peculiar characteristics OF the various
tribes in that region, 10 act in that capacity until more
satisfactory arrangements can be made. The disrbu-
ton OF their duties and the boundaries of their respective
agencies, have been left Ia the governor who is by law
the superintendent of Indian affairs in the Territory, and
to whom the necessary and usual instructions have been
forwarded.
The fortunate termination of the war with Mexico
and the enlargement, OF boundaries by the acquisition
of California and New Mexico, will increase the number
OF Indians in the United States and require the appoint
ment OF additional agents for the proper management OF
the affairs of this department The knowledge possessed
by this office OF the character. habits and location OF the
various tribes within these Territories, is limited TO
justify It IN making any specific recommendation as to
the measures which should be adopted at this time. The
extension them of the laws regulating our inter-
Ncourse with the other Indians of the United States and
authority and means 10 appoint and maintain a suitable
number OF agents, will enable the department 10 make
such suggestions next year for the consideration OF the
President and OF Congress, as will lead 10 some more
definite and satisfactory action on the subject.
From the various reports which have been received
from MAJOR Neghbors the special and efficient agent OF
the United States IN Texas, COPIES OF which annex
ed,) IL appears that peaceful and friendly relations with
the numerous and warke tribes OF that State have gen
orally been maintained Ii may be, however that this
h.
the large military force that has been kept the from
ter and by which the whites well the Indians have
been restrained from those acts OF aggression which
frequently terminate in violence Your attention has
been called the two last reports from this Office the
peculiar situation of these Indians, and TO the anomalous
character of their relations to the general government
Texas, coming into the Union, expressly reserved the
right to, and exclusive jurisdiction over, all the vacant
and unappropriated lands lying within her limits The
existing laws regulating trade and intercourse with
the Indians having been limited 10 certain geogmph.
ical boundaries and never having been expressly ey-
tended Texas, are not believed 10 be in force IN
that State. The department has, therefore, power TO
prevent the settlement OF disordery white persons among
the Indians, the introduction and sale OF spluous Ii
quors or the numerous other causes OF strife and Difficult
ty; and hence the duties Of the agent have thus far been
confined TO such persuasive influences he could bring
to bear during his intercourse with the chiefs OF the diff
ferent tribes By the nth article of the treaty with the
republic of Mexico, il will be perceived that the United
States spuate and to restrain all ncursons OF In
dams from territories into Mexico, for whatever pur
pose the same may be made and when such incursons
cannot be prevented to punish and exact indemnity
therefor with the diligence and energy If they
were meditated committed within territory and
against people Some legislation will be neces.
sary for this purpose; and proper observance OF
stipuatons with that republic, well the peace and
safety of our citizens residing this and ex
tensve frontier calls for such action as may be deemed
requisite at the earliest possible day.
Very respectfully, your obedlent servant,
w. MEDLL,
Commissioner Of Indian Affairs
Hon. WIN L. Nancy, Secretary of War