Washington sentinel., 1853-12-11

tlon Oh lnis system, ana all Wouiu pfupapAy soon
submit 10 il. Although the agents have selected
locations, they cannot be fixed without the con-
sent of and cession by that State, with which
arrangements should be made soon as practi-
cable
The plan for removing The Indians in California
TO five military reservations OF not more than
twenty-five thousand acres each, and subssting
them there, having been approved, instructions for
carrying il into effect We're promptly given TO the
superintendent of Indian affairs for that State. His
success has not been such as was expected; diff
culties presented themselves which were not anti
cipated II appears that suitable locations cannot
be made in the northern part of California for the
Indians in that region. Sufficient territory for the
purpose, belonging 10 the general government, can
not be found; and in order 10 accomplish the object
designed, il will be necessary to make extensive
purchases of lands from private individuals at
great expense. II is also questionable whether,
before the reservations are permanently made the
State should not grant to the general government
the right 10 exercise jurisdiction over them. Ii
the plan adopted is TO be pursued il should be en-
larged greater powers given for its execution and
more ample means provided for its successful OPP
Grafton.
Il is subject which deserves the prompt atten-
tion and speedy action of Congress.
Immediately after taking charge Of this depart
ment, caused instructions TO be issued 10 the
superintendent and agents Of the Indians TO pay
the annuities 10 them per capita unless contrary
TO treaty stipulations, and in no case to pay any
portion TO other claimants or attorneys. Expert
ence has taught the wisdom of this measure ;and
am persuaded II has prevented much fraud and
unfair dealing. lfcontnued, il will tend to ban
ish that feeling OF asperty SO often exhibited by
the Indian towards the white man, arising from
the deceptions practised upon him.
If the Indians have just claims against the gov
ernment, ii is the duty Of the Indian Bureau, and
those under It's control. 10 examine into them, and,
when ascertained, 10 press their speedy adjust
ment. Congress will do them justice when the
facts are properly brought TO their notice and con-
sideration
The system Of cash annuity payments except
to few of the semi-ciyilzed or colonized tribes,
should as far practicable, be abolished. Goods,
provisions, implements Of husbandry, should be
substituted, and education and the arts of cyza-
tion more generally encouraged They know not,
especially the hunter tribes, the proper use or
value OF money. The mere drawing together of
large bodies of men, women, and children, to re-
ceive their annuties. is detrimental 10 their habits
health and morals, and the money may be viewed
as an actual bonus for their destruction.
One of the most prominent characteristics ofthe
Indian, especially in the hunter state is IMPROVE
dence a surfet to-day is followed by famine to-
morrow hence, Notwithstanding the vast amount
OF goods and money annually distributed among
them, they are often reduced TO the greatest ex-
tremity, and il is feared sometimes actually perish
for want Of food and clothing; The quantity fur
nished is believed to be ample, but the mode of
distribution fails to accomplish the object intended.
To obviate the difficulty and remedy this great
evil II has been suggested that, with the assent Of
the Indians, store-houses might be established at
suitable points in their midst, from which the
agents OF the government could distribute goods
and provisions equivalent TO the amount stipulated
IN the treaties, in quantities and to individuals as
needed, with such arms and ammunition as might
be judicious There is much force in the sugges-
tion, and the cost of the experiment would be
trlfling. The comfort and preservation of the In
dian require that different method from that here
tofore pursued should be adopted. The only OBJ
stacle in the way of Immediately testing the plan
proposed is the existing treaties and the difficulty
OF obtaining the consent Of the Indians, long as
they are influenced by those having an adverse in
terest
II is folly 10 attempt to conceal the fact that
under the present system the Indian has not, for
many years past. advanced in morality integrity,
or intelligence. The pictures drawn, in many of
the reports, of his exaltel condition. superior in
too highly coored. Much of the philanthropy and
charity manifested for them has been wrongly d-
rected. Their condition is truly deplorable.
In the act for the organization Of the Territory
OF Washington no provision was made for the an
pointment Of Indian agents TO reside therein. /
advert TO the fact, TO the end that the omission
may be supplied.
The operations Of the Census Office have been
conformed to the provisions of the joint resolution
of the last session of Congress. The present Su-
perintendent has exhibited most commendable
spirit entering upon the discharge Of his duties
with landable ZEAL in which he has been emu
lated by most ofthe clerks, and by their combined
industry skill, and intelligence the work has been
nearly concluded; and there yet remains unex-
pended of the last appropriation for census pur-
poses upwards OF sixteen thousand dollars.
The census volume il is now hoped, will be
completed so that copies may be laid on the Ia
bles OF the members on the assembling of Con-
gress. Ihe superintendent proposes to. make
further report, which, have no doubt, will con-
tain suggestions ofinterest and Importance.
Nothing further has been done with that part Of
the Mexican boundary survey which is west of the
(so-termed) initial point on the Rio Grande. The
appropriation did not apply to ii, nor was any por-
ton OF il intended to be SO expended.
The question of the southern boundary Of New
Mexico having become subject of negotiation
between the two governments, has been transfer
red 10 the State Department.
The work, in the field, on the undisputed por-
tlon OF the boundary, has been completed and no.
thing remains 10 be done but the Office work
Much progress has been made in this and with an
adequate appropriation il can be finished in the
course OF the next eighteen months ifthe data ne
cessary TO compare and reduce the observations
for longitude made by the surveyor and his a s.
sistants, can be obtained.
The maps, after they are completed, are TO be
compared with the Mexican maps, and signed by
the commissioner and SURVEYOR AS the Mexican
commission has progressed less rapidly. and il il
uncertain when its work will be finished, our
commission should not expire before the maps are
fully completed and signed, agreeably to the stpu
lations OF the treaty. The act of 1853 should be
modified accordingly
II is understood that an agreement was entered
into between the former commissioner mr. Bart
letD and the Mexican commissioners, by which the
joint commission was 10 meet on the first day of
April next in the city Of Mexico. The depart
ment does not know the object of this arrange
ment, but presumes it was 10 perfect the survey
As the city OF Mexico is far remote from the boun-
dary itself, and possesses few or none Of the faci-
lies for prosecuting or expeditng the work even
If the Mexican commission could be prepared il
would cause great delay, and cost our govern
ment large and useless expenditure of money.
The surveyor, however, was not present, nor did
he approve the agreement Had he done so, il
would still have been without authority, as our
commission was by law to expire on the first day
of January, 1898 Even under the present law,
the proposed meeting cannot take place on the Isl
day of April, 1854, inasmuch as our commission
expires by law on that very day.
There yen remains unpaid number of debts of
the last commission on this srrvev w hcb r.. If n