The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-21
Report OF the Commissioner Of In
dian Affairs.

The following extracts are the most i'm
portanl portions of the Report of the Com
missioner Of Indian Affairs, made to the
Secretary OF the Interior:
| have the honor 20 submit a general
view of the present condition, of Que In
dian relations, and a statement Of the
operations OF this branch of the public
service during the past year.
Referring to the accompanying Reports
of the different superintendenis, agents
and other persons employed for the benefit
of the Indians, for more detailed and spe-
cidc information in regard to their present
condition and prospects, | would remark,
that peace and tranquility have prevailed
generally among the emigrated and other
tribes along the extensive inner frontiers,
from Lake Superior and our Northern
boundary to Texas, with whom we have
conventional relations and intercourse OF
long standing. In regard to those more
remote and more recently brought under
the supervision Of the Department, fewer
occurrences Of painful nature have been
reported than might have been anticipated.
The whole number OF Indians within
our limits is estimated at 400, ,0O0.. About
Is, 900 yet linger in some Of the States
east Of the Mississippiriver. principally in
New York, Michigan and Wisconsin,; the
remainder, consisting Of Cherokees, Chock.
taws and Seminoles, being in North Caro-
lima, Mississippi and Florida.
The number in Minnesota, and along the
frontiers OF the Western States to Texas,
comprising mainly emigrated tribes. is
estim ated at 10000. Those Of the plains
and Rocky Mountains. and not within any
Of our organized Territories, at $4,000;
those in Texas q: $4,000; those in New
Mexico at $4,000; those in California at
10 900; those in Utah at l2 900; and those
in the territories Of Oregon and Washing
ton at % 900.
The unfortunate and distracting con-
troyersy for some time existing among the
Seneca Indians Of New York. in regard to
their form OF government, seems happily
10 have terminated; the republican sys-
TEN. adopted by the majority in l848, be-
ing apparently now acquiesced in by the
remainder, by whom it was long strenu-
ously opposed.
The dictates of humanity and good
policy alike requires the early and effec-
tive interposi,ion OF the Government in re-
spect to the Indians Of Michigan. These
Indians, some 1000 in number, are repre-
sented to be divided into more thah sixty
separate communities, and are TO be found
in nearly every county Of the State. Many
Of them being without any settled places
Of habitation, and gradually imbibing the
worst vices OF civilization, are becoming
vitiated and degraded; pest and a nui-
sance to the neighborhood where they re-
| sort.
In this unsettled, dispersed and other
wise unfavcrable condition, nothing can
be done to, reclaim and improve them.
Those Of their more fortunate brethren
who have enjoyed the advantages Of fixed
locations. present much more favorable
aspect. Most Of them have comfortable
homes, and under the influence Of the de-
voted efforts Of several Christian denomi.
nations, are gradually improving in ac-
curing the habits and tastes. Of civilized
| life. BY provision Of the State Consti.
tuition, they are entitled to citizenship on
becoming qualified therefor by intelligence
and good character, and abandoning their
tribal condition--numbers have manifest
ed proper appreciation OF this high priv.
lileee-a laudable ambition to fit them.
selves for it.
By the treaty, these Indians have the
ripht 10 home west Of the Mississippi
should they emigrate; butthereis no pros
Ipect Of their ever being willing todo 20.