The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-10
The sioux Treaties.
To The Editor Of the Repubiics

desire, through the medium OF your journal, to
call attention to the treaties made during the past
summer with the Sioux Indians for the purchase
by the United States Government Of a portion Of
their lands lying within the borders of the State OF
Iowa and the Territory of Minnesota, which trea
ties have recently been submitted To the Senate for
ratification. Although perhaps Of little general
Importance 10 the country at large. in comparison
with many other public measures, they deeply in
erest and affect the prosperity ofthousands who are
with painful anxiety waiting the action ofthe Sen
ate. The land within the Territory of Minnesota, to
which the Indian title is already extingushed, EN-
braces an uncomfortable amount Of the soil within
its limits Beyond that already settled, and the
portion which naturally has fallen into the hands
of capitalists and spectators, (many Of them non
residcnts) but little which is desirable for settle
ment remains for occupancy by the large popula-
ton, induced by rich soil and healthy climate,
now pouring into the Territory.
1t has been considered that Government would
continue to pursue the policy heretofore enter
tanned of distinguishing soon practicable, and
the wants Of settlers required the titles to the rich
and fertile lands now held by the aboriginal occu-
pants. Presuming upon that suppositon, as they
deemed they had right to do, the people Of Mime
sofa have made their calculations accordingly.
the accommodation and wants Of tho emigranisex
pected to come into the Territory. induced by the
same faith in the action of the General Govern
ment. Steamboats, have been built, houses and
mills erected, and goods purchased. Should their
expectations prove false. ruin and distress to thou
sands of hardy and adventurous pioneers would
ensue, and their faith in the justice of Government
would be shaken, attributing, as they naturally
would, the defeat OF their hopes and expectations
TO sectional feeling and jealousy on the part Of a
portion Of their countrymen, whose interests they
consider intimately blended with their own
understand that no objections exist to the Sioux
treaties themselves, Except to certain portions,
which the Senate, in IT'S wisdom, may reject with.
out material injury to the remaindcr,) but are
generally admitted to be more favorable for the
Government, and more just in their provisions for
the Indians, than any which have for long time
been entered into. The objections urged against
their ratification as understand, are, first: That
large amount Of public lands now remain unsold.
and subject TO occupancy. This is true in point OF
fact; but those lands generally not desirable,
because large portion is refuse and poor in qua
lily, while larger portion is inconveniently
situated and distant from market. Much more
over, lies in unhealthy districts, and therefore
avoided. The lands embraced in the late treaties
are generally fertile, more varied in their qualities,
and possessing greater advantages OF water and
timber than the public lands generally, are
convenient to the great Mississippi river and
Its navigable @1ributaries, and moreover pos
sess the great advantage of a climate remarka.
bic for it's health, and therefore favorable to the de-
velopment of the energy Of it's settlers. The OBJ.
lection on the ground Of expense incurred by Gov
eminent in the purchase. can scarcely be brought
forward. there is doubt, in view Of the large
emigration which will go in, that the proceeds Of
sales will more than meet the small annuites to be
paid; unless another objection urged shou pre-
vent-l refer TO the passage of the "Free Farm
BILL" now before the House Of Representatives.
The passage OF that bill is now uncertain, and
though our people desire that it may become law,
still they are willing to pay for the Ian they may
occupy. The question still remains tho same,
whether il is polite and proper that these lands
should be occupied by the whites, and the area of
freedom and civilization extended, even although
the country Mt large may incur come pecunary
expense for their possession. They will be thrown
open TO settlers from all portions Of the country; and
thus all sections will be indirectly reimbursed. II
the proposed bill should pass it will be because the
sense Of the nation, before which all should bow,
lie in its favor, and demands the step. | would
here state that much Of this land Is now occupied
by settlers who have made upon them extensive
Improvements; the loss Of which would bring ruin
and beggary upon them. IL il true il may be urged
that they had no right 10 occupy them until the
bill was extngushed and that they acted in "their
own wrong;' but they have followed universal
precedent. When treaties, unobjeotionable in their
trims, have been heretofore made, il was consid-
cred matter Of course that the action Of the
Government commissioners should be ratified.
Indi ham lvaa hay ,ler nd
have always permitted white settlers 20 occupy
their lands under such circumstanccs in anticipa-
ton of the action Of Government The settlers
may have done wrong. but they have dono others
before them have been permitted to do without
censure.
Deep anxiety poryadcs the breasts Of every cit-
zen Of Minnesota ia regard TO the present action
Of the Senate, because they know that If once
jected many years i'll cspss before others equally
favorable, IL any, can be made.
They appeal TO the justice OF the Senate and the
generosity Of Government. They appeal also 10
their humanity, that by favorable action they may
prevent a sangunary war. which will in all proba-
bility ensue between them and tho Indians should
the treaties be rejected and the sctlcrs forced from
their homes, and deprived Of their all. They sp
peal also in behalf Of their red BRETHREN who, feel
ing the degradation consequent upon close intima.
cy with the whites desire TO DO removed from con-
tact and proximity.
4 CITIZEN OF MINNESOTA.