The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-09

tribal home that part Of their land adjoining the States
There are grave objections such policy, involving
alike the interests and peace OF The citizens ct the Staes
OF those Who may become residents Of the TerrloTyo
The indians themselves. From the Opposition manifested
by Indians OF influence TO acquiesee the We've
submitted 10 them this point, was OF The opinion that
with these tribes treaties terms favorable to the
government, and with provisions more consistent with
their permanent welfare and happiness could be made
alter they had bad time for discussion and Tenscilon
which OF them requested sho uld be granted and
therefore deemed II best TO leave the subject with Them
and coa6ne myself TO that branch OF the instructions
which made Il my duty to explore The country, and ob
tain such information should be useful, and from
which the data could be obtained TO form. AS near ~
practicable, uniform system OF treaties. VI the pro-
plety OF this course have now no doubt.
AS general thing, the Indians who have been trans
planted from their former abodes 10 the Indian country
seemed to have vivid recollection OF the assurances
made TO them the time OF their removal that their pres
locations should be their permanent homes, and that
the white should interfere with them or their
possessions
This poin, was prominently put forth by their speakers
in almost every council and was earnes silly, aud some
times eoqusntly, dwelt on in their speeches.
replied that was true such assurances had been CIV
hem and that in most instances Their lands mad been
secured them by treaty as long as they should exist AZ
tribe, but that their true interests required that these
treaties should be cancelled and that new ones should
be made adjusting their rights, and so dsposnK o. them
conform 10 the great and unexpected changes that
had taken place. | adm0nished them that they had not
appreciated the advantages that had surrounded them In
their homes that the government had annually ap
ihem for agricultural, educational, and religious pur-
poses that missionary establishments and schools had
been reared 10 their midst, and that devoted men AND
women lad left their homes and the enjoymen's and
comforts OF civilized life 10 dwell with them 81 preach
and teachers, and had abored to win the from their
wild estate and conduct them in the paths Of civilization
and religion; that few OF them had listened adberng
they generally did 10 the customs OF their fathers and the
heather traditions which had descended 10 them; that
they had preferred Incidence to lahor-vce 70 virtues
that very many of them the slaves of lDtemper-
ance, and such their thirst for ardent spirits that
they would make any sacrifice TO obtain il; and that,
therefore, it absolutely necessary IN their present ~
norant and enfeebed condition, that they should aban
don their present possessions and II possible, Obtain
homes under The direction of their Great Father, where
they would be less liable to temptation. and where the
efforts OF the government and the abors oil the mission
airy wonld be exempt from the embarrassnents which
now surround them; aud thai il they listened attentive
ly and favoraby, ii to be hoped that IN time an In
dian community might be found in the enjoyment OF the
blessings of civilization and religion, free from the sav
sh system OF heather idolatry under which all their
fathers lived and to which a large portion OF them
appeared still to be attached.
They were shown that the acquisitions OF California,
Oregon. and New Mexico and their rapid settlement by
the white children OF their Great Father not favor
able to them in their present location that they
the paths which led to these countries and that the
almost innumerable emgraDs who passed through the
Indian county were going there TO make farms and
towns that consequence OF their journeyng through
the ranges Of The buffalo that 10 them in their present
condition indispensable animal furnishing them not only
but with hides their most valuable article OF traffic,
the praires and they would no, be able to find him any
more that therefore they mus, in very short time
abandon the hunt entirely starve and die on the
plains that they must make up their minds 10 20 to
work as white work and that tn erefore il tit
and proper time for them 10 entertain and favoTaby con-
slider the proposition TO dispose OF their present lands TO
their Great Father and receive from him new homes.
At every council efforts made to cnghlen the
Indians and 10 Impress their minds with the true condl
lion of things around them. These efforts were not
without effect as was apparent IRON The change IN their
vim nd IN nd ia
and believed that this change will continue to go
I'll they will all and determine to do that which best
COMFORTS with their future peace and happiness.
The condition OF these tribes is not prosperous as
led 10 expect and am free TO say that they have
advanced rapidly il WAS anticipated they would
when they were removed 10 their present homes:
la oil the tribes there lew medium farmers,
with the necessary comforts, convenences, and improve
of the white In OF the tribes and in
greater numbers, are to be found those who have made
rude Improvements and fields but who have very few OF
the conveniences and comforts OF civilized lie; while
The great body of the Indians yet unwilling sub
init themselves 10 labor. resist unbecoming and Of
ensive, indulge in Incidence and seek every and
opportunity to obtain whskey, which they drink TO ex
There are some noble specimens who have renounced
the and customs OF the Indians, and adopted
those of the white man, and who, amid the heAhensm
that surrounds them have pfoessed the religion OF the
Prince OF Peace, and firmly maintain their position and
all their influence 10 reclaim and reseneratc their
race.
In the various schools was enabled to visit found
groups OF interesting Indian children. and from examna
tons made by me- well from the opinions OF their
teachers satisfied that the Indian youth is capable
OF equal mental culture with the white, and will learn
rapidly, Everything appeared 10 be comfortable and in
order about those missionary schools and the children
ceve fair English education in them; and the females
in addition, taught needework, well the ordi-
nary domestic work OF The mission house, and the
taught the labor OF the mission farm The children
unite morning and evening with their spiritual inst actors
and teachers IN singing praises TO the Most High, and
bow down with them in prayer and suPpicatoa. All
this "a done with cheerfulness; and YET, when you 20
abroad and inquire Tor the fruit OF this devoted
ATTY labor. but lule be found Here and there will
be seen IN Indian man or woman who has become q
convert 10 the Christian faith, and whose works prove
the sincerity of his or her profession But this number
limited. and many OF these youths. when they
TO their tribes become wild and worse than the In
dams who have not enjoyed such advantages.
In my opinion the agents appointed to reside with, and
take care Of these Indians have not always been honest
faithful Instances have occurred where The agent
deemed that he had discharged his duties when he paid
them their annuiiies. giving them little, ii any, attention
beyond this IRON annuity payment TO another Other
instances there where agents aave doubt aided the
avarcous trader and Speculation 10 appropriate the annu
ties TO the benefit vi this class oil PERSONS and where the
ocer OF government has appeared rather in the attitude
OF agent for them than IN tina, OF the guardian and pro-
tecior OF the rights OF the ignorant Indian.
From my observation, and from information deemed
reliable, am satisfied that abuses OF the most glarng
character have existed in the Indian county, and that
radical reform IL necessary there in every department
connected with the Indian affair.
The specific grants different tribes OF Missouri
and Iowa twhat is generally termed Nebraska) are in
tracts that come up TO the western boundaries OF those
States, and run back west greater less distance for
quantity These grants mbody doab, The beat lands
IN the Indian country. The quality OF abe soil for the
moe part - OF very superior characters bat portions
OF the lands entirely destitue OF timber number
OF roads New Merlco 10 California and (rooon