The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-12-15
INDIAN AFrAIRs-AHNUAL REPORT.

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sion to the Indian country, west OF Missouri
and Iowa, (including, of course, Nebraska ant
of the results of his explorations and his coun
ellis
He entered the country on the ID OF sep
tember, and left it on the It'll OF October anC
during that time held councils with the great
majority Of the tribes.
He saws, that the agitation of the question
of Territorial Government had been m'san-
derstood by the Indians and had aroused then
jealousy: but that by his representations he
at last succeeded in allaying their fears, and
disposing them to listen favOrably to overture'
for purchasing their lands.
The aggregate population of the tribes with
whom he held councils, is l43, 800, and the
total amount of land owned by them is estlma'
ted at 1925 ,43O acres, or 92O acres to each
soul. The aggregate number of the tribes
he had no opportunity of visiting, is l |, 597--
amount of land owned by them, 1899, 2OC
acres 1 ,585 acres to each soul. q.
The Indians were not generally 80 far ad-
vanced as he had been led to expect A few
of them had addicted themselves to the arts OF
industry, and were anxious for the organza-
ton of a Territorial Government, proposing to
conform themselves TO the customs of the white
man.
Many were willing to sell portion Of their
| lands, but wished 10 reserve for their own use
the tracts lying on the borders of the States.
To this course they were advised by both the
traders and missionaries.
The Commissioner thinks this a most mis-
chievous policy All the great routes to the
Pacific run through these tracts, 10 that the
Indians and emigrants are mutually liable to
annoyance and injury. To the majority of
the Indians, too, the proximity of the States
is pregnant with evil as they are constantly
exposed to the corruptlng influences of reck-
less white men. He is in favor of assigning
to them new homes on lands remote from the
white settlements, and from the great thor
Oughfares.
The Commissioner says that the agents ap-
pointed to reside in the Indian country, and
protect the rights Of the inhabitants, are not
always honest and faithful. From his own oh
servation, and from information deemed reli-
able, he is satisfied that abuses of the most
glaring character have existed in the Indian
country, and that radical reform is necessary
there in every department connected with In
dian affairs.
The Commissioner came to the conclusion
that, by postponing for little while negotia-
tons for the extinguishment Of the Indian
title, and leaving the tribes to deliberate on
the subject, under the friendly counsels he
had given them, much more favorable treaties
both for them and for the United States, could
be formed; and this was his reason for not
at once with the negotiations.
The Commissioner closes his report as fol-
lows:
at is to be hoped that most of the tribes
will be willing by next spring to abandon the
idea of reservng portions OF their present
tracts adjoining the States. This appeared to
be cherished idea with the Indians, and they
were, in my opinion, encouraged in it by some
of the missionaries and traders. In my judg-
ment every good influence within reach of
these people ought to be brought to bear, to
induce them to change their minds, and to
consent to sell al their lands, and obtain a
new and more desirable home. Individual In
dans there are, no doubt, VINO, Il they desired
reservations of the respective tracts on which
they live are sufficiently advanced in cvilza-
ton to take their part with the white man, and
to whom such reservations might be granted
But beyond this, it il very desirable for the in
terest of both the red and white man, that no
reservations be made; but that the different
tribes be removed frsm the borders of the
States, and located in some less exposed place
These border tribes have lost much of the
strength and selfsustaning power of the truly
wild Indians. They feel their weakness, de-
sire the protection of Government, and are
content if they can be INDUCED in idleness
and to some extent gratifed in their passions
and appetites.
They might, in my Judgment, with safety be
located on small tracts OF land contiguous to
each other, where the missionary operations
among them could be conducted more efficiently
and with less means; whe.e the Government
agents could have daily supervision over them,
and where that portion of each tribe who have
made some advances, and who desire to enjoy
the blessings of civilization, could have the
aid and encouragement of each others society
and each others experience; and where, in
fine, all good Influences could be concentrated
to counterfeit those of an opposite character,
which now and always will beset the paths OF
these unfortunate people.
"A civil government should be organized
over the Territory The Intercourse ACT Is
almost dead letter The United States court
for the district of Missouri and Arkansas IL too
far removed from the Indian country, and tor
Indian purposes alone, saying nothing OF the
protection of our emigration to the Pacific, a
civil government ought to be organized there
Ia addition to this, the position of Nebraska
with reference to our Pacific possessions rem
ders it matter of vast Importance that It DC
speedily opened, and actual settlers invited into
it, on the most liberal terms.
otis confidently expected tharthe necessary
treaties can be made with these border Indians
during the months Of April and May, so thai
ample time may be had for their consideration
and ratification by the Senate, and for the es
tablishment of Territorial Government be
fore the adjournment of the approaching Sea
sion Of Congress.
"A Superintendent of Indian Affairs in tina
Territory, as the Governor doubtless would be
by virtue of his Office, having a direct over
sight over all the Indian service there, wou
exercise II most beneficial influence, not onl
on the border Indians, but in short time o
the wild Indians of the plains.
1T is submitted that the sum OF money az
, propriated at tho last session of Congress
not sufficient to negotiate oil the necessary trea
ties, and that it is desirable, if not indispens1
BILE tina, an additional appropriation be mad
by Congress early in the session.
at is but just to that portion OF the peopl
of the frontier of Missouri and Iowa, who Ell
tertain the opinion that there is no legal OF
lection to the occupation and settlement ,
such parts of the Indian country as are not i
the actual occupancy Of any Indian tribe, b
: treaty stipulation, to say that they have al
stained from attempting to make any location
or settlements on it. Some have explored th