The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-09-07
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LOCAL nj A TIE r S.

LOCAL MATTE RS.
The PUEBLO INDIANS, under the charge of Cap
tain w. E. Love and David Whiting, esq, made
a visit to the Indian Bureau yesterday afternoon; ;
the last named gentleman acting as interpreter.
The CoMMIssIosER Colonel hea) said that he
had for some time desired the pleasure of meeting
them, but that circumstances until then had pre-
vented. He supposed that they were becoming
anxious to return to their own country, to their
families and friends. He was anxious to make all
necessary arran gements, that they might leave as
soon as possible and supposed that it would be in
bis DOW er to despatch them TO- morrow the next
day. They had made known to him, through their
friends, their request as to who should accompany
them, and he would endeavor to crafty their
wishes in this particular. He said he had long
felt deep interest in the Pueblos of New Mexico,
ever since they had become attached to this coun-
try. He had listened to all who seemed to have
correct information with regard to them, and read
all that could be obtained concerning them. He
was pleased to learn, from various sources,
that thew are an honest and we'll behaved peo-
pie. Their visit had afforded them an oppor-
tunity to learn something of the power and re.
sources of this Government. He expressed the hope
that they would 60 home with the confident belief
that the Government is disposed to befriend them,
and do all it can to protect them in their rights
and advance their prosperity. They should not
fail to reflect however, that. in vast country like
this, there are 80 many and such great interests,
that il requires much time for the Government to
give that attention to any particular interest which
Il requires. He trusted therefore, that they would
not become impatient, but rely upon the Govern
ment ultimately to do something for their benefit.
The information which they had obtained by their
Journey to Washington would enable them to i'm
part great deal Of knowledge to their people,
when they return as to the character of our citi-
zens and Government and the strength of the coun-
try. He hoped that, for the future, the Pueblos
will continue to be an honest and industrious peo-
Die. There was portion of the population OF
New Mexico in which he took deeper interest
than in the Pueblo Indians. lfany of those present
had any thing to say, he would hear them with
pleasure.
said, had already been communicated to the Com
missioner They considered him very much oc.
cupied, and therefore would not press their bust.
ness farther upon his attention They had re-
NAMED here some time; and having families, and
wishing to attend to their crops. which were suf-
fering in their absence, they wished speedily to
return home. They had had time to see every
thing of interest, and were anxious to get away
on account of sickness. They would, therefore,
be obliged to the Commissioner If he would expe-
dite their departure.
The COMMISSIONERS responded that he was very
sorry to learn that they had been unwell. and
improved.
The PuEBLos hoped so. "..
The CoMMIssIoNER said he fully appreciated the
reasons for their anxiety to return home, and be
as he could. He thought that they would be ready
to start on Wednesday.
The PuEsLos remarked that they were under the
care of the Commissioner, but, at the same time,
they should like him to consider.
The COMMISSIONER was glad to know that anon g
the reasons given for their anxiety to return home
was that of seeing to the crops. 1t showed that
they were engaged in proper pursuits, and he
! warmly sympathized with them in their desire to
reioin their families He would endeavor to
take that they should lose nothing by leavin
their homes, and that their trip should be profitable
and advantageous in every respect. He regretted
very much the death of their late father Governor
Calhoun. He knew that he had deep interest in
| the PuehIos; and he bad hoped to have an oppor-
tunity of talking with him about them, and learn
ing from him their condition, more than from any
other person. He intended to give them some pre-,
sents, and would with this view cons'.t with the
friends who accompanied them.
JUAN ANroNlo VIaIL wore British silver medal
on his breast, bearing the likeness of George the
Third. Some alusion was made to it; when he
said, in reply, that he found people did not like
this. He was willing to have the face taken of,
and another put in it's place; but declined either n
sell or exchange it for another, asst was the gift
of friend.
The COMMISSIONER said that under the crcum-
stances, he would not ak him to part with 1t, al.
though he should like to possess it He should not
insist. He would give him medal as an evidence
of his regard and wanted him to prize 1t rs much
| as the one he had. Presenting the medal, and
| pointing to the head of President Fillmore, which
wrought in relief, he asked whether he did not
recognise the likeness.
JuAs ANTONIO, after gIancing at the likeness OF
the President, and then taking a look at the Com
missioner, pronounced il most excellent likeness
a similarity, by the way, which few, If any one,
ever before discovered.
The CoMMissroNrR then presented to each Of the
other four Pueblos silver medal, explaining to
them that one side bore the likeness Of their
Great Father, the President, while on the other the
flag of our common country, farmer and an In
dian, with field and implements OF husbandry,
are represented. He repeated, be wished the
Pueblos to preserve the medals. He thep asked
them how they would like to have suit OF Nothes
such as were worn by the persons prcsent-among
whom WINS Major Wcightman, the delegate In
Congress from New Mexico.
JosE MARIA vioIL Che "spokesman") said he
did not know.
MIR. WHrrIso remarked that this always means
assent.
Joss MARIA Won. Don't you think they would
look very bad in such clothes?
The COMMISSIONER. think they would look
very well
JOSH MARIA vIoIL. doubt it.
The COMMISSIONER. You have now become CIT.
liens of the American Government, and ! should
be glad if you would adapt yourselves hereafter
to the habits and customs Of the whites, with whom
you associated.
much to dress like other people; but they live in
| a poor country, and to dress like white people
would cost too much. There is much truth in
| this remark ]
The COMMISSIONERS said he should not only bt
| glad If they would dress like white men, but--par
| tcu!arly the chidren-learn our language. HI
| hoped that long time would not elapse before
| they would have opportunity Of having thei
little ones taught the American language.
| JOSH MARIA VIGIL said he had not 80 much in
tercst in the dress, but should prefer learning on
language.
| The COMMISSIONER. think il is Of more i'm
| portance myself. was gratifed to receive a let
| ter from YOU in Spanish, and should be still NOR
| gratiied to receive a letter from you in my owl
tongue after you get home.
| Joss MANIA vIoiL. should be very glad II
could learn the language on the road IL ooul|
do that, you might be assured should write 10 yo'
L 4 uci hon