The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-06
Abstract OF the Report OF the Commissioner
OF Indian Affairs.

The limits OF his report, the Commissioner
of Indian Affairs says, will admit only Of a very
general and summary view Of the operations Of
his branch Of the public service
In his last annual report alusion was made
to the mutual aggressions of the Sioux and
Chlppewas, and similar occurrences have taken
place within the last year, resulting in depre-
daiions on each others properly, and the muir
der of men, women, and children, regardless of
their treaty arrangements.
With this exception, order has prevailed
among all the tribes with whom we have es-
tablished relations, and who have felt the con-
trolling influence of our Government. To our
citizens they have been peaceable and friendly;
have readily yielded TO the policy of the De-
partment for improving their condition; and at
torded fiattering encouragement, by their adj
vances In civilization, 10 the agents of the Gov
eminent, and to the missionaries who have
been imparting to them the truths of Christi
anity.
During the past summer treaties have been
made with various bands Of the Sioux Indians
by which they cede large and valuable coun-
try west OF the Mississippi, in Minnesota and
Iowa. TO the treaties and the report Of the
commissioners he refers for details. In view of
the rapid spread of the white population, and
the growing discomfort Of the Indians in this
region, the extinguishment of the Indian title to
the lands has long been desired by the Govern
ment.
number Of the Chippewas who had con-
tinued to reside on the lands east of the Mssis-
sippi, in Wisconsin and Minnesota, have been
removed during the present year. With the
exception Of the Anse and Vieux Desert bands,
and portion of Pelican Lake and Wisconsin
River bands, an entire removal has been effect
ed. The remainder are reported TO be suffer
ing from smallpox and measles, and can
not be removed until spring, when it is thought
they can be induced to emigrate The number
removed this year is reported TO be 5000; the
number remaining is about 700. An apprehen-
sion that they might return in considerable
numbers and modest our citizens, has induced
the Commissioner heretofore to recommend that
Efforts be made to concentrate them west of
the Mississippi, where arrangements could be
made TO educate and instruct them in agrcul-
ture and the mechanic arts. But as the country
was not the common property of these Indians,
it was also recommended to ask Congress to
delray the expense of negotiation with all the
bands, for the purpose of acquiring portions of
the country east of the Mississippi necessary
to the wants of the white population, providing
that the remaining lands should be the common
| property of the whole tribe, and that proper
ton of their funds should be set aside to ad-
vance them in civilization and prosperity.
| This recommendation the Commissioner now
| ienews.
The Menomonees are still on the lands in
! Wisconsin coded by them in 1913, owing to
their dissatisfaction with the country assigned
them, and the PRESIDENT, as an act Of favor.
has consented that they shall remain until next
June, provided they do not interfere with the
public surveys. The Superintendent, to whom
the difficulties of their case was submitted
has reported in favor of permitting them to
remain a more remote tract in Wisconsin,
which will not be wanted by emigrants for
many years-a recommendation which the Com
missioner sanctions, in consideration of their
extreme poverty and harmless disposition
This course will require another treaty
A treaty was made with the Ottawas and
Chippewas in 1856, by which they cede their
lands In Michigan, reserving certain tracts,
which reservation the Senate limited for five
years; but as these Indians have manifested
great industry and improvement, the Commits
sioner recommends that Congress appropriate a
sum to consummate measures necessary for
their permanent settlement where they now
reside.
The course previously recommended by seve-
raj of the Commissioners predecessors and him
| SELF in reference to some of the tribes on the
borders of the western States, is the only one,
he thinks, which can save them from utter ex
| tinction-which is. to open northern outlet for
the rapid and onward current of our white
population. Unless this is done, they will be
driven forth to perish on the plains BY timely
precautions these tribes may become an intelli-
gent and Christian people.
The measure Of paying the Choctaws east Of
the Mississippi their scrip has had the effect of
stimulating their emigration westward. The
| Commissioner concurs with the agent of the
SHoCtdWS NeSI tlldJ ~ WOulu DC DBLler 10 paw III
money the funded portion of the scrip, putting
an end TO fraud and peculation, and relieving
Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana Of an In
dian population.
! The Winnebagos are becoming better salts
| fed with the country to which they have re-
moved, and give evidences of being ere long a
thrifty and contented people.
The tribes of the Usage River Agency, com
posed Of Weas, Piankeshaws, Peorias, Kaskas-
kias, and Miamies, have abandoned the chase.
engaged in agriculture, and by intermarriage
have become practically one tribe. They have,
generally, taken the temperance pledge, and
are said TO be doing we'll
The condition Of the Iowas, Sacs and Foxes.
of Missouri, and Kickapoos, is steadily improv-
ing The Sacs and Foxes last spring lost about
one-fiith of their number with smallpox Prompt
measures were taken to prevent the pestilence