The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-07


Conformation in regard TO the superior character
and advantages Of these lands having Leen widely
disseminated, and The idea having been for several
years held out that IL the intention ofthe Gov
eminent to purchase and throw them open for set
Element, they attracted the attention of lorge
number OF our people looking out for new homes,
and particularly those in unhealtliful climates
sections Of country. In the expectation that the
purchase Of these lands would have been consum-
mated before this time, many persons intending to
settle upon them have already emigrated to the
Territory in order 10 select choice locations. They
have made temporary arrangements, and are
anxously awaiting the opportunity to fix them
selves permanently. There ia ground for appre-
hension that they will not delay much longer, but
go over and take possession OF the country, or por
tons of it, though the treaties may not be ratified
Ii such an occurrence takes place-and have no
doubt 1t willserious difficulties, if not b!oodshed
viii be the result. These persons can scarcely be
kept back now, and, indeed, ] believe some have
actually gone over. The population Of Minnesota
now amounts to fourteen or fifteen thousand. and
10 rapidly increasing, II IL concentrated in
paratyely small space, and principally on the Mis-.
sissipp. II will seek and have an outlet on the
west side of the Mississippi, and look forward
with dread TO the consequence If one is not pro-
vided for them in time by the Government"
The same views have been still mere strong
ly expressed in memorial agreed to by the
people Of the Territory, assembled in conven-
ton in St. Paul in March last.
. Other reasons urged in favor of the immedi-
ate ratification of the treaty relate more espe-
cially to the interests Of the Indians The
concentration of The Sioux in smaller district
Of country is desirable for the safe manage
ment Of our Indian frontier, as well as for the
completion of arrangements essential to their
improvement. The reservations set apart for
this tribe is in the western part of the country
ceded, far apart from the Chippewas, with
whom they have long been at deadly war.
The removal Of the Sioux from their present
location will do much to secure the peace Of
the northwest frontier, and will also render
practicable permanent provision for the Win
nebagoes and other tribes yet to be cared for
by our Government. The gentleman whose
letter We have already quoted makes some per-
tinent observations on this head. He writes:
:" It seems TO me that the only resting place for
the several northern and northwestern tribes is in
the southern portion Of Minnesota. There they
all be colonized, as southern Indians have been
in the Southwest, and efforts made for their ciyza-
ton and improvement, with some hope of success.
The large tribe OF Chippewas will naturally occupy
the most northern position. They will probably ere
long concentrate principally about the head waters
Of the Mississippi and the west side ofthat river.
Those in Wisconsin and Michigan will eventually
have to go there. There is now not quite sufficient
country, of a suitable character, for them all By
surrcndering back to them, however, the tracts
obtained from them in 1S47, for the Menomi-
nees and Winnebagoes, they will be amply
provided for. That intended for the Menomi-
nees has been found unsuitable for them. They
are not satisfied with, and have not been re-
moved to it. They must eventually, however,
be provided for in that region, and il will be
a wise policy to set apart for them suitable por-
ton of the country recently purchased from the
Sioux. The Winncbagoes have been removed 10
the country purchased of the Chippewas for them,
but il is unsuitable for them,. and they will not
stay in it. They can, however, be well and satis.
factorily provided for by another location in the
Sioux purchase, little further south, but still suf
cienily far north not to interfere with our white
population for many years to come, if ever. The
Stockbridges, who were required by treaty stipula
tons 10 leave Wisconsin, and to remove wcst Of the
Mississippi river, will have TO be provided for
in the same section, and they have, understand,
selected or agreed to location in the immediate
vicinity of tie country which should, in my judg-
ment, be assigned to the Winnebagoes The
oneidas, in Wisconsin, will also before long have
TO be removed I have been informed that they
will probably desire Of themselves TO 20 and settle
alongside Of their ncighbors, the Stoc kbridgcs,
soon they gone. Thus the permanent loca.
ton OF all these tribes will require considerable
body of the northern portion Of the lands acquired
from the Sioux by the two treaties under consider.
alton. and as considerable quantity Of thole on
the south lie within the State OF Iowa. il seems TO
me that the remainder docs not constitute
QUESTION Of an unreasonable extent for the white
population Of Minnesota."
The early ratification Of the treaty is, then,
sought not less as an act Of justice to the ciii-
zens Of Minnesota than as measure Of hu-
manty to the various tribes Of Indians most
Immediately concerned.