The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-01-30
LOCAL MATTE X S.

OMAHA INpIANs.-A party of Indiana of the
Omaha tribe, residing in the northern part of the
State Of Missouri, consisting OF ten men and six
squaws. arrived in this city few days since.
At their request an interview had with the
Indian Department of Government Wednes-
day last The Hon. Luxe LEA, Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, upon their arrival at the Depart
ment, through their Interpreter, expressed a will
lingncss to hear what they might have to say.
WHITE buffalo. Of the tribe, came forward and
said be had many things in his heart to let out.
Much had been done for the red children by the
Great Father, but they had not listened and what
they heard only remained on the outside, not
in their hearts. But the Omahas not such
listeners. They had met red friends returning
West, and asked them TO come and hear what they
had TO say 10 the Great Father. They had de-
clined and OF these the Omahas complained as
stealing their horses and, therefore, they (the
Omabas) came to tell Of their grievances. The
Ottoes and Iowas rob them the Pawnces also
and the Sioux worse than all. The white faces
destroy the hay and timber, and render their
horses unfit for use because Of lack Of food. The
Omabss, therefore. could not trust TO others 10
have their complaints made known, and had
come themselves. Their red friends have fathers
sent TO talk. nourish advise and protect them; the
Omshas none. The Omahas' father gives them
ncws-don't help them he cheats them in trade
Of animals and prevents their dealing with others.
He whites sticks when omshas complain.
Ina treaty with the Great Father, when selling Of
land the other side OF the river, lac thought there
must have been some Misunderstanding; and he
complained Of the destruction Of timber by the Nor
mons
YELLow SMOKE next advanced. He also Joined
in complaint against Hggrcssions from other tribes
Of Indians. His people had concluded that II wa.
Jolly to follow the OF the sun they supposed
il was designed to force them from lite place OF ris
ing to its setting, and bad become tired OF their
journey. His people possessed good hearts; but
other tribes have hearts that don't last long. He
thought biz people bad gone far enough of from
the rising Of the sun, though, from the disposition
to deprive them Of their hunting grounds, 1t seemed
TO be intended that they should 60 farther He
askcd protection
wAa CHIrF next spoke. lie sorry the In
dams lately in Washington we're not present. He
had heard much Of the Great Father, and what he
had done for bis red children; and he was here TO
make known the complaints Of bis tribe, as stated
by those who had already spoken.
Mr.. LEA, the Commissoncr, sad he regretted
10 learn of nny dissatisfaction among the Omahhs;
and Of complaints sso from the white brethren
against them. lie supposed there might be
OF complaint on both sides. Both probably were nj
faults bot II go, il offensive. ia every case, TO
the Great Father and the Great Spirit. The Great
Father was anxious TO cultivate peace and friend
ship among them all, and would do every thing
proper TO secure such state OF things; but he could
not be everywhere, and must depend upon agents
10 carry obt his desires. Some of you chiefs,
and you find il impossible to govern the conduct Of
those under your immediate inspections; and VI you
cannot control those YOU IL is unreasonable 10
expect that the Great Father can prevent NIL evil
doing the part of the whites scattered avos
country and SO distant from him Tho Great Pa
Their desires to do all for the beet. TO yourselves
and others. lie ondeavors to select good agents TO
send among you 10 look after your interests. He
may sometimes be deceived; but " he knows Of any
who fail to do their duty he will willingly dismiss
them. !, is the duty Of agents TO prevent he whites
from doing you wrong; and the Great Father OK
pects him also to sec that the red children and
white brothers protected alike in their rights
So TAR az the agents concerned, inquiry will be
made, and If error Of conduct should be shown,
proper steps will be taken TO remedy future evs.
II isa difficult matter (said MIR Leaf for me, or
tho Great Father, TO find tho truth Of complaints
from the casual statements that are made; and
time is necessary to arrive nj Just conclusions in the
premises sufficient TO base official action upon.
Tnis should be done; and not only investigation
into the conduct Of agents but the real condition OF
the omebss, with view TO doing for them what
ever might be deemed necessary and proper on
the part Of Government, for their benefit.
AZ you are not regularly delegated by your
tribe the Great Father cannot enter into any for
NAL treaty, or make you my positive promises;
but, in due time, after proper invostigation he
(Mr. Dee) would recommend TO the Great Father
whatever measures might be found necessary.
Mr. T. said the Government docs not cncour-
age voluntary pigriInagcs OF Indians to Wash
ington, but rather discoursaes them. " is only
when coming In an official capacity that the Great
Father feels obligated TO receive and treat with his
red children. He (Mr. Les) was pleased in Civ
ing them a hearing, and promised TO do all that
might be proper for their welfare.
for them, but its course would depend upon their