The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-01

structions have accordingly been given to hold a
treaty with the different tribes, making provision
for the accomplishment of these objects, and stip-
ulating, that, for the unrestricted right Of way
through their country, for their good conduct
towards our emigrants, and for the destruction OF
game unavoidably committed by them, they shall
be allowed a reasonable compensation annually, To
consist principally of presents of goods stock and
agricultural implements, with assistance TO in
struct and aid them in cultivating the soil and in
other kindred pursuits, so that they may thus be
enabled TO sustain themselves when the buffalo and
other game shall have far disappeared no
longer ofurnish them with inadequate means ofsub-
sistence II is also intended TO bring in delegation
from the different tribes, for the purpose of visiting
some of the populous portions of the country,
In order that they may acquire some knowledge OF
our greatness and strength which will make a
sautary impression upon them, and through them
upon their brehren; and which will no doubt tend,
in no slight degree, to influence them to continue
peaceful relations towards the government and our
citizens. II was at first supposed that the negota
tons might be held this fall, and the delegation be
brought in early next spring; but more recent and
better information has led to the conclusion that
the Indians cannot be assembled for the purpose
until some time next season.
Since the establishment of the new Territory of
Minnesota, the attention OF large number of our en-
terprising citizens has been directed TO that quarter,
in consequence of the fine climate, and the richness
and fertility OF the lands on the Mississippi, and
within wide sweep on both sides Of il; by the
perabundant water power afforded by that river and
some OF its tributaries, and by the superior advan
tages offered by the extensive forests of pine,
venient to water transportation, for large and lu
crative trade in lumber. There has, consequently,
been considerable emigration there during the past
year, and II will, doubt, go ON increasing annu-
ally, that in few years the population will be
sufficient to justify demand for admission in the
Union as State.
The Indian title has been cxtinguished to but "a
comparatively small portion of the country within
the limits of the territory, lying principally the
east side of the Mississippi; being bounded on the
moth by line extending east, from opposite the
mouth Of the Crow Wing river till it inersecs the
western boundary line of Wisconsin at go l5 west
longitude; the east by that boundary from the
above point to the head Of the St Croix river
and down il to the Mississippi and on the west and
southwest by the latter river The country above
the northern boundary belongs to the Chippewa In
dians of Lake Superior and the Mississippi, though
many of those Indians still remain, by sufferance,
the lands south OF 1t, which they ceded to the
United States by treaties made with them in 1887
and 1912. They under obligations to remove
from them whenever required by the President
which should be at early day, their longer
residence there is incompatible with the tranquility
and interests OF our citizens, who suffer annoyance
and loss from their depredations And, in view of
the rapid spread of our population in that direction
and of the permanent welfare OF the Indians it may
be expedient at carly period, to renew the effort
unsuccessfully made in lS4T, to purchase all the
naming lands east of the Mississippi up to
northern boundary, and provide for their removal
and concentration west of that river; where, con-
fined within narrower limits, they will be compelled
as the game becomes scarce, To give up the chase
and their wild unsettled mode of life, and to
to agric uture and other civilized pursuits. In such
situation, too the Government, aided by the zeal
missionaries of our various religious denomina-
tons would have far better opportunity effectively
to bring TO bear upon them its policy and measures
for the civilization of our Indian tribes, by means of
manual labor schools, and instruction and aid in
agriculture and mechanical arts.
The desirable portions OF that part of Minnesota
east of the Mississippi, To which the Indian title has
been extinguished, were already far occupied by
white population to seem to render il absolute
ly necessary TO obtain, without delay, cesson
from the Indians the west side of that river for
the accommodation of our citizens emgrating 10
that quarter; large portion of whom would proba-
bly, be compelled to precipitate themselves on that
side of the Mississippi, and on the Indians lands,
which would inevitably lead TO collisions and blood
shed, unless the Indians purchased out and re-
moved. These lands owned by the Sioux, who
are wild and untameable people, and whom, af
ter years of unremitted efforts, and the expendi-
ture OF large sums OF money, the Government has
not been able TO any beneficial extent to induce to
resort TO agriculture, to adopt any OF the habits
of civilized life. They the most restless, reck
less, and mischievous Indians of the northwest;
their passion for and the chase seems unlimited
and unassuageable; and, 50 long they remain
where they are, they must be a source of constant
annoyance and danger 10 our citizens, well as TO
the Indians of our northern colony between of
whom (the Chippewas) and themselves there
lists hereditary feud, frequently leading TO COLI
sions and bloodshed, which disturbs the peace and
tranquility of the frontier and must greatly inter
fere with the welfare of the Indians Of that colony,
and with the efforts of the Government TO effect
their civilization. The game having become scarce
in that portion of their country desired, many
leaving il and migrating westward, where the tolls
of the chase are better rewarded. II is therefore
comparatively yaluelcss 10 them, though much Of
it ON the Mississippi and Minnesota or st. Peters
rivers is rich and fertile, and capable OF sustaining
a dense civilized population, and, when open 10
settlement, will soon be occupied.
In view of the facts and circumstances thus
briefly detailed, il was deemed advisable, soon
as possible after the Department became fully ac-
quainted with them, to make an effort 10 obtain a
cession Of the lands referred to; and two commits
sioners accordingly appointed for that pur-
pose in August ast--one of them the excellent and
efficient governor Of the territory who is otfcio
superintendent Of Indian affairs, and the other a
distinguished citizen of ability, peculiarly fitted for
the discharge of such duty, from his having held
a similar position as governor of the Territory of
Iowa, and being consequently well acquainted with
our Indian affairs IN that quarter, and especially
relations with, and the character, habits, and dis
position Of the Indians with whom the negotiations
were 20 be held. A copy of the instructions given
to the commissioners, which will more fully show
the necessity and policy of the measure, is herewith
submitted, marked ID.
On repairing 20 the Indian country, the commits
soners found that most of the Indians had left for
their fall hunt, in consequence Of which, and other
causes of difficulty, which may hereafter be obvi-
atcd, they succeeded in etfecting only partial
compliance with their instructions. Their efforts
resulted in treaty for the purchase, on reasonable
terms, of a tract Of country lying Immediately on
the west side Of the Mississippi, and estimated TO
contain about three hundred and eighty four thou
sand acres which set apart for the half breeds
of the tribe by the treaty Of July Is. 1880 II is
presented TO be valuable for agricultural and other
purposes, and viii, no doubt, at once be occupied
by large influx of our hardy and cnterprising
emigrants. The necessity and importance Of this
purchase fully justifes the expense that has been
incurred; and the treaty will be laid before you at
the proper time, 10 be submitted TO the President
and the Senate for their consideration.
The situation of some of the smaller border tribes
west of the Mississippi requires the attention Of
the Government. Most If not all of them, possess
an extent OF country which, however desirable
originally, with reference to their maintaining
themselves by the chase, that game has be-
come scarce, is not only of use, but positive
disadvantage 10 them, az il has tendency to keep
them from concentrating and applying themselves
with any regular systematic effort TO agriculture
and other industrial pursuits. They also thus
thrown into detached and isolated positions which
render them more liable 10 be attacked and plum