The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-18

friend In this city The writer dwells upon the necessity
OF combining humane with energetic policy in treat
ing with the Indians Texas The Indians should have
territory set apart for their exclusive use. They must
be fed, OF else they will steal la process OF
time they will learn husbandry and the arts Of peace and
be able 10 feed themselves Forts should be planted in
the Indian country Men OF force and resources should
be at the head OF the several commands. Mounted in
fanry has proved failure. More mounted troops are
required and the writer suggests additional force OF
six companies Of ancers With this brief summary we
commend the extracts to the attention OF our readers
Erhaets.
There not than $3.50 Indians on this frontier
OF all ages sexes, and conditions with force OF s2l
warriors. OF all the tribes enumerated the Cumanches
the widest, braves and most hostile to the whites
The other tribes comparatively civilized Some OF
them plant small patches OF corn, and others could be in
duced TO do with little encouragement They are
all, including the Cumanches disposed to be peaceabe
they have expressed themselves various occasions,
and DO not doubt their sincerity They know the power
OF the United States, and have wish to their
strength with her. They unable they say TO con-
tend successfully against Texas single handed, and
would be folly in them TO contend against the United
States combined. These sentiments are honestly enter
tanned by their chief men and councillors.
The situation Of the Indians this frontier is pecu
liar and appeals strongly to the sympathy and humanity
of The government OF the United States. The State OF
Texas claims exclusive jurisdiction every foot OF
soil within her limits. The Indians have not OF
ground they can call their own, and where they
side free from the intrusion OF the whites They have
been driven further and further north with the advance
of civilization and without any remuneration for their
lands They confined by treaty 10 the country
north of the Llano and to the line OF posts east OF the
Colorado This country is almost entirely destitute OF
game and the Indians starving. They must eat, and
u Al Had e. atanl H. L..
ted States have made provision for feeding them, and
until this done they will continue to depredae upon the
| settlements and upon Mexico. Horses and mules are
eaten in the place OF game and beef For years and years
the Indians have lived by theft this mode Of life is more
agreeable to them than labor; for, besides supplying
them with food it is pleasant excitement furnishing
an image of war without its risks. Measures must be
taken to teach them the arts OF peace and in the mean
time their should be supplied by the government,
or they will continue to follow their old pursuits OF theft
and murder.
There are, then, two things ndspensably necessary
secure peace on this frontier. In the first place, the
United States procure from Texas by grant pur
chase Indian territory country where the Indians
may reside free from molestaon by the whites, and
which they should be taught to regard their nalien-
able property In the second place. the United States
should make liberal provision for their subsistence
until such time the Indians have acquired sufficient
knowledge Of husbandy to be able to provide for their
own wants. lneSe TWO CONDITIONS WILL dtn bduSHeu
secure permanent peace this frontier. II is doubtful
il any other arrangement short Of OF extemina
ton would accomplish the purpose. The plan pro-
posed besides being the most economical, is required Of
us by every consideration Of justice and humanity. The
Indians here have much right to their land as any
other tribes the continent and would be criminal in
us TO attempt TO deprive them OF il without just remune
ration By feeding the Indians might peace
for tme-certainy until the intrusive whites should
commence to settle their present homes but, this
would not be long, the better plan would be take steps
at once for their removal.
] The Indians, in my opinion, could not be induced at
present leave their homes pcaceably, and any attempt
to coerce them might lead TO hosities. The Indians,
particularly the Cumanches. suspicious of the whites
they distrust all say, and it will require time to gain
their confidence and to convince them that promises
and engagements will be faithfully performed Posts and
trading houses should be established among them pro-
visions issued them, the friendship OF the chiefs
cured by presents and the minds Of the Indians gradually
prepared 10 adopt views and they persuaded to emf
CRATE.
Fork OF the Brazos and the heads OF the Concho San
Saba, and Llano which, besides answering the purposes
above named, would, it is clear my mind, eectu.
ally provide for the protection of the frontier and Of Mex
leo than any system which has been heretofore adopted
II is necessary, however, that the commanding officers
OF these posts should be competent to the performance of
their dutes and should fully comprehend the ultimate In
tenons OF the government The advancing tide of emf
grafton will force the United States, willingly or unwil-
ngy, the Indians in few years, and il s the
part OF wisdom TO provide at for such contingency
The number and kind OF troops required for the protec
ton OF this department depends entirely the policy
which is pursued II line OF posts is established
the frontier, and act strictly the defensive, would
undertake TO say what number OF troops will be
quired-certany greater number than will be
ed by The United States This policy is ruinousy ex,rav-
agani, and does not the end designed Bolder
and more active should be adopted. Troops,
previously stated should be stationed in the Indian
try they will to the Indians, and, if depre-
daons committed in the settlements will be in read
mess demand redress. Stolen property and the offend
ers should be promptly demanded, and. il refused,
strong retaatory measures should be adopted One
two severe chastisemens would intmida,e the Indians,
and produce most sauary effect their future conduct
The experiment of mounting infantry has proved,
consider perfect failure for all practical purposes They
perform toerably well the ordinary duties of mounted
men at posts occupied strictly defensive line but for
prompt and efficient action in the field. against enemy
are comparatively valueless.
II practicable the regular mounted force in this depart
ought be increased. General Harvey has stated
officially that his entire regiment would be adequate for
the protection of the country between the Red river and
the Rio Grande One thousand cavalry and a regiment
of infantry should consider amply sufficient for the pro-
lection OF the frontier if vigorous, udicous, and conss
tent line Of policy is pursued
II we respect the claim OF Mexico for protection, is
so easy to decide the number OF troops required or