The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-02-05
The Invest iguticn,

The Democrat says Mr.. Sibley has been soon
strained to call for an investigation of what
it terms the Sioux frauds" and then publish
es garbled extract of the proceedings in the
House and Senate, in order to prove that our
Delegate did not ask FOR the investigation vol
unfairly. This is i'll keeping with all that has
appeared in that journal. Mr. Gwin, of the
Senate, it would seem 10y reading the Demo-
crat, introduced his resolution calling for an
investigation merely upon reading the charges
in the columns of that print. As will be seen by
the Senator's .tuN remarks, copied below from
the Congressional Globe, he brought the matter
before the Senate at the instigaton of Mr.. Sib-
ley himself. The important sentence itaAcisetl
is omitted in the Democrat:
Mr.. GwIN. Some strong allegations of fraud
have been made against the Superintendent of
Indian Affairs in Minnesota, in regard to pay
ments under some Indian treaties. | want
those charges investigated. l voted for the
treaties, and l believe they passed the Senate
almost unanimously. If the charges are true
l want the parties punished; if they are not
true, want an opportunity to be given to
them to vindcate themselves. The Delegate
from the Territory desires the Investigation in
justice to all concerned. l therefore submit
the following resolution, and ask for its con-
sidcration now:
Resolved, That the Committee on Indian At
fairs be instructed to inquire into the allega-
tons of fraud contained in certain of the public
prints. with regard to the disbursement, by AL
eXander Ramsey, Superintendent of Indian AZ
fairs, of the money appropriated to carry out
the stipulations of the treaties concluded with
the Sioux or Dacota Indians. in the year 1851.
The resolution was considered and adopted
The reason Mr.. Sibley entrusted this matter
to the Senate, is explained by the following
extract from the proceedings Of the House the
day previous:
Mr.. SlBLEY. l ask the unanimous consent of
the House to offer the following resolution of
inquiry, to which hope there Will be no ol,jec-
ton:
Resolred, That the Committee on Iadian AZ
fairs be instructed to inquire into the falsitv or
correctness of allegations contained in certain
of the public prints, with regard to the dis
bursement by Alexander Ramsey, Superntend-
ent OF Indian Affairs, of the money aporopria-
ted to carry out the stipulatiOns of the treaties
concluded with the Sioux or Dakota Indians
in the year 1851, and that said committee be
authorized to send for persons and papers.
Mr.. STANLY. What will be the order of bu-
eiueSs llcr the StateS snail nave been called
for petitions?
The SPEAKER. The call of committees for re-
ports.
Mr.. SrANI.Y. When will resolutions be in
order according to the rules of the House?
The SPEAKER. Resolutions will not be rceu-
larly in order until after the thirty days of the
session shall have expired, and then on alter
nate Mondays.
Mr.. STANLy. If we adhere to the rules it
will give every class Of business a chance, and
therefore object to the resolution.
:, Mr.. SIBLEY. ! beg that the gentleman will
listen to me. There have been allegations
made against high officer in Minnesota Terri
tory, and against certain prominent citizens
therein. wish merely, in justice to the Gov
efnor OF Minnesota Territory and other promi-
ton. -''''"
Mr.. SrANLY. We have justice to do tn all
the citizens of the country. object to the in
PRODUCTION of the resolution