The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-07
r III + r E P u Bill G..
WASHIN GTON:
SATURDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 7. 1856
Indian A FAIRS.

We present our readers this morning the
well-dgesled and interesting report of the Com
missioner of Indian Affairs TO the Department
Of the Interior.
From this report we are gratifed TO learn
that among the less remote tribes, comprising
large portion of the red race within our Dor
ders, an unusual order and quietude have pre-
vailed; and that peace has been preserved, not
only towards our own citizens, but, with the
exception Of the Sioux and the Chippewas,
among themselves. These two tribes are hered-
itary enemies; and it is difficult to exercise
any effective restraint over them, or to prevent
the occasions which their proximity to each
other affords for aggravated mutual aggressions.
:. During the last spring general war between
these tribes was only prevented by the prompt
interposition of Governor RAMSEY.
There is only one policy by which the Indian
race may be regenerated. The wilder tribes
must be placed where they can be controlled
and compelled to choose between agricultural
labor and starvation There should be assigned
To each tribe district adapted to agriculture,
where the Government should supply them
with stock, agricultural implements, and cloth
ing aid them in securing comfortable dwellings,
and secure them the means Of education. To
these purposes their own funds might be APP
piled more advantageously than by the present
system of money annuites. The time is at
hand when these views may be practically APP
piled to the Sioux and the Chippewas
Since the last treaties with the Chippewas,
a portion of them have continued to reside on
the ceded lands in Wisconsin and Minnesota
where they have been injured by contact with
our own population, and corrupted by the unre-
strained use of ardent spirits Ii was deter
mined, consequently, early in the present year,
10 remove them northward to the country be
longing to their tribe. But from the delay OF
the requisite appropriation, this purpose has
been, as yet, but partially accomplished. Their
entire removal, however, will not relieve our
citizens nor secure their own well being. Their
vagrant habits, and their pursuit Of the chase,
would exhaust the wild products of their coun-
, try and bring them to a state of restitution
, Concentration. west of the Mississippi, educa-
ion and the introduction of agricultural and
mechanic arts, can alone avert from them q
fate from which policy and humanity would
alike desire to protect them.
The Commissioner recommends that Con
gress be asked for an appropriation to meet
f the expense of negotiating treaty for ac-
quiring so much Of their country on the cas-
, side of.the Mississippi as we may require; tt
provide that their lands and means shall be
come the common property Of the whole tribe
and that portion Of their funds shall be SCI
, apart TO secure the means of civilization above
indicated. Such a system pursued towards the
Chippewas, the Winnebagoes, and the Me
, nominees would soon produce change in oul
Indian relations at the North corresponding
I to the general improvement now manifes
among a number Of our coonized tribes in tn,
: Southwest The destruction of the buffalo by
l the half-breeds from the British side Of tn,
line. and the introduction of ardent spirits
: among our Indians by the traders of the Hud
z sons Bay Company, are causing serious evils
: and threaten serious difficulties Measure,
should be adopted to put stop to the abuses
arising from the latter source, for which tho
C establishment of military post and IndiaT
agency in that quarter will be indispensable.
j The President has given permission to th'
> Menomnees TO remain in Wisconsin until thu
!, first day Of June next.
a The treaty with the Stockbridge and Nun
t see Indians, in Wisconsin, which provides 70
their removal, stipulates that they shall b.
consulted in the selection OF their future resi-
I! dence; and they have indicated site near tn,
c ST. Peters river. Their removal will substan
i tally relieve Wisconsin from its Indian popula
4 ton.
Many of the Winnebagoes have become dis
J contented with their new location on the Uppe
Mississippi A portion Of them have re
+ turned to their old haunts in Iowa and WI,
o consin, and have seriously annoyed our cti
e zens. Measures have been adopted, therefore
! to procure their peaceful removal with ever
y prospect Of success.
! The Commissioner concurs in the policy o
his predecessors with reference 20 the tribes OF
Our western borders. This policy proposes /,
2 throw open a wide extent Of country for thu
/, spread Of our population westward, in order L
+ secure to the Indian tribes their present home
+, and possessions forever. We have an ampl,
Nhlitl w liif HuuANNfsA WI iUt iubcA N'hAutIN
{ our coonized tribes; but another. Of higher lat
: itude, is required, leading more directly towards
, our remote western possessions.
4 The tribes Of our Southern colony are rapidly
advancing in civilization. Several Of them have
! adopted regular constitutions, Of republican
y character, and with written laws They arr
: adopting agricultural and mechanical pursuit,
? and are making commendable exertious to di.
i seminate the blessings Of education. The Com
> missioner recommends the adoption of SONS
n change in the system Of schools which has beef
: established among them, which will develol
I, and extend the advantages which they now en-
? joy
The remnant Of the Six Nations, in the Stat
of New York, seem to have reached the loves
point in their declining fortunes, and are pass
ing into state Of civilization and prosperity
z In 1913, in formal convention they adopted
J, | republican constitution and are now enjoying