The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-09-08

Liquor wksr OF THE MIssIssIPPI.-We have
reason believe tina, His Excellency, Gov. Cor
man, is determined carry the treaty stipula-
tons entered into between the Government and the
Sioux Indians by the treaties Of 1851, in relation
to the introduction Of liquor into the country west OF
the Mississippi, and feel confident that he will
receive the hearty and united cooperation Of all the
officers Of Government and aw-abiding citizens To-
Gated within the country coded by those treaties.
| The Sioux, when ceding their lands west Of tho
Mississippi were we'll aware that those lands would
soon be occurie led By the whites; and knowing, from
experience that heretofore, the white settlements
approached the villages Of the Indians the facilities
for obtaining liquor had been increased, anxious
that the REIMBURSEMENT OF their title to large and
valuable tract of country should be the of
planting around their villages chain Of liquor shops,
At which they would be tempted barter money,
provisions, and other articles necessary to their
fort and subsistence, for article injurious to their
health destructive Of all moral Improvement, and
promoting habits which would ultimately lead TO their
annhation. They knew their propensity for ntoXi-
eating drinks the, knew their disposition to commit
OF violence when under the influence Of liquor
and they hoped by keeping liquors from their reser-
vation they would be able TO preserve friendly inter-
walton, they would be abe TO preserve friendly inter-
course between themselves and the whites; to devote
the proceeds Of the sale Of their land securing their
comfort and Improvement, and instead Of falling low
er and becoming degraded by their intercourse
with the whites, they hoped to rise in the scale of
civilization, and, in time, to emerge from their pres
ent political sassalage to enjoy the rights and prvi-
leges Of American citizens.
/ The commissioners, the part Of the Govern
ment, at the solicitation of the Indians, embodied in
the treaty, for the protection Of the Indians the fol-
low ing clause:
ART. ). The laws Of the United States prohibit
ing the introduction and sale Of situous liquors in
the Indian country shall be in full force and effect
throughout the Territory hereby coded and lying in
Minnesota until otherwise directed BY Congress or
the President of the United States.
ART s. Rules and regulations to protect the rights
OF persons and property anon, the Indians, parties
this Treaty, and adapted 10 their condition and wants
may be prescribed and enforced in such manner
the Presden, the Congress of the United States
from time TO time shall direct.-SIitutes at Large
sgd Congress.
The Senate ratified the treaty, without alteration
or amendment, as far as the clause quoted is con-
cerned, and, therefore, the provisions of the law OF
Congress. regulating the trade and intercourse with
the Indians, relating the sale and introduction Of
liquor into the Indian country, has ceased be
in force the coded lands.
knowledge of these facts cond,,ced materially to
the settlement of the land, and locations generally
have been made west Of the Mississippi by persons
opposed to liquor traffic, particularly in the vicinity
Of Indian tribes under the impression that there they
would be free from its pernicous effects.
II is, however, well-known fact that certain imdi
viduals in defiance Of the treaty stipulation above
quoted, have been, and are in the habit of IN
PRODUCING liquor into the Minnesota valley and other
portions Of the country ceded by the treaties of 1851
portion Of which has reached the Indians, causing
ntoxcaon, brawls and bloodshed among themselves,
the lives and property Of the settlers being in eopar
dy while the Indians thus excited.
This evil which has ever been noticed by the Of
6cers Of Government. has been growing until it has
econe alarming to the settlers on the ceded lands
and they have laid the subject before Gov German,
who has promptly promised the necessary steps
should be Immediately taken to punish the offenders
and thereby relieve the apprehensions of those occu-
pying the lands
| We feel much gra,fed at the prospect that liquor
will not be allowed reach the Indians, for at no
period could the introduction of liquor among them
be likely to prove great calamity the Indians
and to the Territory, during the approaching fall
and winter.
! Among the lower Sioux, who are now being re-
moved to their homes the Minnesota, are
some who have been constant opposers of the
treaty, and are leaving their old hunting grounds
with much reluctance. They blame the CHIEFS aud
others Of the band who have sold the land and they
feel displeased those whites who they sec occupy
Ing their avoritc locations. A feeling Of hatred to,
and desire of revenge all whom they believe to
have contributed TO their spoilsion and punishment
deeply seated within their breasts. The patient
oteaFanUe, Characteristic of the Indian, assisted by
prospect Of punishment by governmental authori-
tee viii te guarantee for pcaceable conduct wlale
'ob2 but when uader the Influence OF liquor, neither
Fear nor forbearance will exert any control
age natures and yensetul dispositions.
Other exist why the Indians should not OBJ
tain liquor-for some iime at ea.t, after their re-
moval. The various bands Of Sio win he located
in close proximity; and bctweea some families Of
these bands, heretofore located Il, a distance from
each other feeling Of deep-rooted enmity exists,
owing to murders committed. wrongs endured. and
vengeance will follow closely upon ntoxication among
them. One kes Of liquor would probably cause more
Sioux blood 10 flow the coming winter, than would
hogsheads While the bands remain dis,an, from each
other.
Justice to the Indians, the philanthropic profes.
sions Of our government towards them and duty we
to ourselves and the Territory, all require tina, an
immediate stop be pu, to the introduction Of liquors
into any portion Of the country lately ceded, where it
may lie furnished the Indians; and we confidently ex-
pect that every individual resident on the recently
purchased Sioux lands except those interested in the
traffic, viii lend willing and efficient aid the GOV
ernment officers in carrying ont strictly the law of
Congress- to which the treaty gives force, in the coun