The Port Gibson herald, and correspondent., 1851-01-24
Oficial State Pauers,

Official State Papers.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFT AIRS.
Among the less remote tribes, comprising a
large portion os the red race within our borders,
unusual order and quietude have prevailed;
peace has been preserved, not only towards our
own citizens, but, with the exception of the
Sioux aud Chippe@as, among themselves. These
two tribes are hereditary enemies; it is difficult
to exercise effective restraint over Them, or pre-
vent the occasions which their proximity to
each other affords for mutual expressions.
Last spring general war between them was
only prevented by the prompt interpcsitfon of
Gov. Ramsey. a
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 population, and by the use of ardent spirits.
1t was determined, consequently, early m the
present year, to remove them northward to the
country belonging to their tribe. But from the
delay OF the requisite appropriation, this purpose
has been but partially accomplished.
The Commissioner recommends an appf6pris
alton to meet the expense os negotiating treaty
for acquiring so much Of their country east OF
| the Mississippi as we may require; 70 provide
! that their lands and means shall become the
common property of the whole tribe, and that
a portion OF their funds shall be set apart to
secure the means Of civilization.
The President has given permission to the
Menominees to remain in Wisconsin until the
! first day of June next. M
The treaty with the Stockbridge and Munsee
Indians, in Wisconsin, which provides for their
removal, stipulates that they shall be consulted
! in selecting their future residence: and they
] have indicated site near ST. Peters river.
| Their removal viii relieve Wisconsin from its
| Indian population.
Many of the Winnebagoes have become dis
contented with their new location on the Upper
| Mississippi. portion have returned to their
old haunts in Iowa and Wisconsin, and serious
! " annoyed our citizens. Measures have been
adopted to procure their peaceful removal with
every prospect of success.
The tribes of our southern colony are rapid
ly advancing 10 civilization. Several have con-
slulions Of republican character. and written
laws. They are adopting agricultural and me-
chanieal pursuits, and making commendable
exertiohs TO disseminate the blessings OF educa-
ton. The Commissioner recommends some
change in their system of schools: TO develops
and extend the advantages they now ENJOY
The wild tribes of the great Western praries
consider themselves entitled to compensation sor
the right Of way through their territory, and the
destruction Of their game, grass and timber, by
our troops and the emgrants. The Commits
sionef recommends moderate remuneration.
, The policy is also recommended Of a delegation
of their principal men visiting our larger cities,
ard thus giving them a salutary impression of
our strength and power.
A report from Gen Lane contains the latest
oficis, information in regard to Indian affairs in
! Oregon, and is submitted.
The functions of the agents authorized by
Congress for the Indians in California have been
Z suspended for want of necessary appropriations.
They have been constituted commissioners to
negotiate treaties with the Indians in, that Slate
ard others appointed to negotiate treaties with
the tribes adjacent 10 the line between the United
Z States and Mexico.
: The Indian affairs in New Mexico require
!, prompt attention. There are over thirty thou.
i sand Indians within its limits-predatory and
barbarous-who have been guilty of the most
: cruel outrages not only upon our citizens, but
i, upon the sem-civilized Pueblo Indians for
!. whose protection the Commissioner solicits the
q interference o.. Government. Commissioner
I should be appointed TO define the boundaries OF
+ their land, and to negotiate treaties with them.
i Military posts should be established and liberal
. appropriations made for redeetning captiFes.
h The Indians in Utah are generally peaceable
! little is known of their condition.
+ Commissioners should be appointed to confer
4 with the authorities of Texas in regard 10 the
i Indians of that State, whose affairs remain in
) the same embarrassing condition that has exis.
ted for the last five years. This suggestion
contempates their removal 10 suitable eoun
= try, where they can be exclusively under fedora
!. control.
Z Only a portion Of the Seminole Indians in
: Florida have been removed west of the Mis-.
s sissippi.
: The removal OF The Choctaws remaining in
: Mississippi is recommended, and more efficien
= measures than have hitherto been adopted are
: called for to accomplish this object.
: The great obstacle to the amelioration OF ths
condition of the Indians is their appetite for ar
dent spirits, and the facility with whchiti is graf
3 ifed BY smuggling liquor into their ccuntry--tc
: remedy which the aid Of the Statss from which
this traffic is carried on should be invoked.