Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-17
OUR INDIAN AFFAIRS.

From the report of Commissioner Manypenn,
we make the following abstract
The whole number of Indians within our limit
is estimated at 100000. About $1,000 yet Iinge
in of the States east of the Mississippi river
principally in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin
the remainder, consisting of Cherokees, Chocktaws
and Seminoes, being in North Carolina, Mississippi
and Florida
I The number in Minnesota and along the frontiers
| of the western States to Texas comprising mainly
emigrated tribes, is estimated at 10000, those Of
| the Plains and Rocky Mountains and not within
any OF the organized territories at g. COO those in
| Texas 10000; those in New Mexico at 4S 900.
| those in California at 100000 those in Utah at
1900; and those in the territories of Oregon and
! Washington at 1000
The unfortunate and dstractng controversy
/ sometime existing among the Seneca Indians Of
| New York In regard to their form of government
seems happily to have terminated, the republican
system, adopted by the majority in lS4S being ap-
| parently now acquiesced in by the remainder bv
whom 1t was long and strenuously opposed
The Commissioners reports his visit to the Indians
within the boundaries Of the proposed territory of
Nebrasks and that he held councils with every
tribe whom he visited, and disclosed to them the
object OF his journey to their country He found
the Indians mind III an untavorable condition TO
receive and calmly consider his message For some
time previous to his arrival in the Indian country
individuals from the States had been exploring nor
tons of it with the intention as we understand of
attempting to make locations and settlements The
discussion Of the subject and the exploration of the
country by citizens of the States alarmed and ex-
cited the Indians. Some of them were prenarinc
grand council at which it was designed to light
up the old Indian fires and confederate for defence
against the white people, who they believed were
coming in force to drive them from their country
and to occupy 1T without their consent, and with
out consideration Under these circumstances it
was very difficult to quiet the Indians. or diyest
their minds OF an impression that the Commission
ers visit was not in some way or other intended to
and the whites III orcible occupation of the eoun-
try. As he progressed in his Journey and confer.
red with the tribes, the difficulty was gradually re-
moved
With but few exceptions the Indians were on
posed to selling any part of their lands, as an
nounced in their replies to the speeches of tbe |
Commissioner; finally, however many tribes ex- |
pressed Their willingness to SELL but on the con- I
dluon that they could retain tribal reservations on
their present tracts of lands This policy was
deemed Objectionable, and not to be adopted fit
could be avoided and with such tribes the time of t
treating was deferred till next spring when the
nope that the Indians by that time might see that
their permanent interests required an entire trans
Ter OF all their lands and Their removal TO new
home. Some tribes declined to dispose of any
potuOh, and with the exception of the Wavndotts
ana Ottawas who expressed opinion on the sub
lect OF an organization of civil government in that
territory were opposed to the measure They have.
with but few exceptions, very crude and unintel-
hglble idea OF the white mans laws" deeuinO
them engines of tyranny and oppression and thew
dread them as well as fear them. Before the Com
missioner left the country, quite a change was per-
eephbe among the Indians, and it is believed that
with but few exceptions the tribes will next spring
enter into treaties and dispose of large portions of
heir country, and some ofthem will sell the whole
of their land. The idea of retaining reservations
which seemed to be generally entertained, is not
ieemed TO be consistent with their true interests.
md every good influence ought to be exercised to
,nhghten them on the subject If they dispose of
heir lands no reservation should lift can be avoid
ID, be granted or allowed
The transplanting of the tribes West of the Mis-
lssppl has measurably failed-ther condition has
lot been materially improved, and it is thought that
he interests of the Indians require that civil gov
rnment be Immediately organized in the territory
he Governor discharging by virtue of his Office :
be duties of Superintendent of Indian Affairs. and '
aving direct oversight ofthe Indian service there
'oud exercise happy influence, not only on the :
order tribes, but in brief space of time, on the
indians of the plains +,