The New York herald., 1850-12-09

net be Obtained BesiAes, The Of large
numbers Of Indian children, BY sf1ording them
more stricted opportunities Of indugnQ in the
use use Of their own language, seriously interferes
knowledge Of which k generally prerequisite to
their civilization. BY diminishing the size and ex-
pense Of these institutions, they could be multi
piled and extended; there would be less difficulty
while others in the vicinity could be taught as day
scholars, and the beaefits of practical on
be thus more widely difused.
The only considerable number of Indians who
have retained any portion Of their original pos
sessions, and survived the perils of immediate con-
tact with white population fast thickening around
them, are those remaining in the State of New
York, comprising q mere remnant of the once
numerous and powerful lroquois, or "Six Nations"
After rapidly diminishing for many years, they
seem at length to have reached the lowest point in
their declining fortunes Having been placed, by
the humane legislation OF the State, in a situation
similar to that of colonzed tribes, they present
the interesting spectacle OF once barbarous people
in state of rapid transition 10 civilization and
prosperity. striking indication of their progress
civil poii;y. Impressed with the disaavsntsses ' Of
their ancient and irresponsible olgarchica form of
government, and its tendency 10 retard their ad-
vsncement, majority succeeded. in lS4S, in
efecting an entire revolution. Having formally
assembled in convention, they adopted arepublican
constitution, and their government and affairs
now well conducted, on principles similar to those
on which ours are administered. There are still,
however, individuals among them, whs, from
their connection with the old system, are opposed
TO the new order of things; but, as the object of
these maicontents Is to regain their lost power,
rather than to promote the public good, no en-
couragement has been given to them, either by the
State of New York or the general government.
II 10 much to be regretted that no appropriation
was made at the last session Of Congress for negoti
ern prairies. These Indians have long held undis-
puted possession OF this extensive region; and,
regarding 1t as their own, they consider themselves
entitled to compensation, not only for the right o.
way through their territory, but for the great and
injurious destruction of game, grass, and timber,
committed by our troops and emigrants They
have hitherto been kept quiet and peaceable by
iterated promises that the government wo3ld act
economy, justice and humanity require that these
promises should be promptly fulfilled. They would,
doubtless, be contented with a very moderate re-
muneraton. which should be made in goods, stock
animals, agricultural implements, and other useful
articles.
AS a further measure for securing the friendship
and good conduct of these Indians, it is earnestly
recommended that a delegation of their principal
pose Of visiting some of our larger cities and more
densely populated portions of country. These dele
gates would thus be impressed with an idea Of the
great superiority of our strength, which, being i'm
most salutaTy influence upon them.
Our IN formation in regard TO the Indians in Ore
gon and California Is extremely limited but the
deficiency, it is hoped, will shortly be supplied by
the agents and commissioners provided for at the
last sc sson of Congress- Copies Of the instructions
given TO these officers are herewith submitted to-
gether with report from General Lane, late COVER
nor and acting superintendent Of Indian affairs in
Oregon, containing the latest official informatioafn
possession of the effice respecting the Indians in
that far distant region, and received too late to
company the annual report OF last year
After the three agents authorized by Congress
for the Indians in California were appointed, IL
found that no appropriation had been made for their
salaries and the necessary expenses of their agen-
cies: Their functions az agents were therefore sus-
pended but, as there was an appropriation for ne
gotiating treaties with the Indians in that State,
they were constituted commissioners for that pur-
pose. They will thus have an opportunity of ao~
be on the spot to enter upon their duties in that
pacity when the requisite appropriations shall have
been made.
Commissioners have also been appointed for the
highly important purpose of negotiating treaties
with the various Indian tribes djacent to the line
between the United States and Mexico. .aev
are expected to accompany the nloundarv commis-
sion and are charged with the duty of collecting all
such statistical and ether information concerning
those Indians, as may aid the department in adopt
Ing the proper policy and measures for their GO
vernment, and to carry out in good faith the stpu-
lstions OF our recent treaty with the Mexican re-
public.
The ruinous condition of our Indian affairs in
New Mexico demands the immediate attention Of
Congress In no section of the country are prompt
and efficient measures for restraining the Indians
more imperiously required than in this territory,
where an extraordinary state of things exists,
which, so long as it continues, will be reproacb
10 the government.
There are over thirty thousand Indians within
Its limits, the greater portion of whom, having
never oeen subjected to any salutary restraint,
ma ~ nd iufro
they have been in the constant habit of making ex-
tensve forays, not only within the territory ITSELF
but in the adjoining provinces OF Mexico, plunder
iIg and numbering the inhabitants, and carrying
OIL large quantities of stock, besides numerous cap
tives, whom they have subjected to slavery, and
treated with great barbarity and cruelty. Humani-
ty shudders in view Of the horrible fate Of such of
their female captves as possess qualities to excite
have suffered severely from their outrages within
the last two years, Of which, their attack last fall
upon Mr.. White's party, while travelling to Santa
re, is one OF many instances They murder
except his wife, child, and servant, whom
they carried of. Our only Indian agent in
the territory, who IS stationed at Santa Fe, on
hssring of the lamentable occurrence, promptly
made every effort in his power 70 rescue the cap
uy,s, and bring the Indians TO punishment. The
Military officers in the territory also made com
mendable exertions for the same purpose, but, un-
fortunately, withno other result than the discovery
by military party in pursuit of some Indians sup
posed to have her in their possession. IL was evi-
dent that she had just been murdered, as the body
was still warm. The sad duty Of iuterring the
corpse was performed by the military with becon,.
ing decency and respect Proper efforts have been
continued TO rescue the child and servant, hut as
yet without success. Renewed Instructions have
nceni,y been given directing a large reward to be
offered, whicn ;; is hoped will lead TO favorable
result. But their atrocirrs and sggressions are
committed, not only upon our cftrz-Ss, out
upon the Pueblo ldnians, an Interesting semi
civilized people, living in towns or villages
called rrebfos, whence they derive their name
Before the country came into our possession, they
were in the habit Of Of repairing the injuries they
sustained by retaliation and reprisals upon their
enemies; but from this they are now required to
desist; and thus the duty is more strongly imposed
upon US OF efiofdipg them adequate protect
The interference OF the government is required
also 10 secure them against violations Of their
rights OF person and property by unprinciped white
me n, from whose cupdty and lswlessness they
are continually subject to grievous annoyance and
CplTeteiop.