The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-05-02


ehandise for payment of annues and transportation OF
the to eertan tribes Of Indians per seventh article OF
81 5s'' q fo'' Laramie i' q september i''i
Mr. BELL | think we ought TO have some explanation
from the chairman OF the Committee Finance in regard
10 the amendment PROPOSING TO appropriate 100000 for
treaties WITH and presents the wild tribes of Indians
on the eastern boundary of Washington Territory do
not remember that amy OF these tribes Of Indians that
are enumerated In the amendment this side of the
OF the Rocky mountains and the 100000 is proposed to
be appropriated us understand by reading the amend
ment merely for treating with them. Now sir II il was
proposed TO appropriate for treating with the Indians
where connected with the present settlement OF the United
States and Il was necessary 70 send an expedition and
squadron OF horse infantry TO accompany commission
to treat with them and for the transportation OF sup
plies readily that it would be very costly; but
upon no ground that know Of or can conceive Of except
one is there any utility In making these treaties at all
and that is it should be ascertaned that the north
route surveyed by Governor Stevens should be the
proper for the construction OF the Pacific railroad IT
that is ascertaned fact, propriety in
this but have yet understood that has been
tanned that that route is practicable at all am not
opposed TO appropriation even bill IL one were IN
rodueed to make appropriation OF lands and to give
the aid Of this government far II proper to do it
for the construction of the road but it to me that
this an appropriation in advance of the facts which inn
orant to be asceraned For what other purpose do
want to treat with these tribes of Indians except that
They thousand miles removed from any white settle
either side of the Rocky mountains think that
item ought to be excepted from the general vote that
the honorable chairman of the Committee Finance may
give full explanation of it.
Mr. HUNTER This proposition has nothing to do with
route for railroad 1t is designed to prevent wars
among the Indians and to peace to the emigants
passing the country The estimate of Governor Ste
not quite large the one which is now asked
for by the department but il was found furnishing
of provisions the tribes would amount to some $4,000
600 That expense OF less than five dollars per
head This includes not only the expense of feeding them
when they got togetheror Gov Stevens proposes to
hold conference with them at Fort Bentonbut the dis
ributon of presents among them to keep the peace not
only with regard to one another but in regard to the
whites 1t is stated that the assurances which Gov Ste
gave them have already been of in keeping
the Bakeetn peace tits proposed now to collect great
of the Indians only but east of the Rocky
mountains and have conference the peace
the country. have here the communication of the Indian
Department upon which the estimate is founded which
| viii ask the Secretary to read
Mr. BELL. do not ask it to be read only want the
chairman of the committee to state the facts deny Mat
there is any line of communication that part Of the
country There route which the emigrans pass
in that direction that know of that heard Of
imagine that the whole appropriation predcated on the
idea that ought to have railroad constructed there
Take that away and can see no possible ground for the
appropriation,
Now with regard to the Indians themselves we know
that they will fight We have been making treaty after
treaty with the Sioux That does not prevent them
sacring each other and the neghboring tribes and from
engaging in regular with them. | can use
whatever in the appropriation unless il has reference TO
the project which have stated If that be ascertaned
and established to be practicable route have no obec-
tion to it #@
| Mr. HUNTER The estimate has reference to that
route believe Gov Stevens states that he did find a
wagon that would for emgrants but that is
minor consideration The object for which the appropra-
ton is asked is to keep the between the Indians
nroads into the Territory and their attacking the
emgrants and each other 1t has been thought that the
policy extent of feeding and making presents to
the Indians instead of making with them, is not only
more humane but in the end, more economical
Mr. BELL We have had with them, they
with us, far as know
Mr. HUNTER. Ibeg the gentlemans pardon We shall
be called upon for pretty heavy appropriation for
with one OF the tbes-ihe Rogue river Indians / am
told that very small amount expended in presents would
have prevented them.
Al, T. In. 80 s,.oat ,I.ug
Mr. HUNTER Not one of these tribes, but in the Terri
tory of Oregon
Mr. BELL. That is different region altogether.
| Mr. HUNTER The senator is mistaken in that The
council will comprehend tribes not only east but west of
the Rocky mountains 1t comprehends the Blackct who
as understand range both sides and are troublesome
both II is the design have the Indians both sides
included II the Secretary will read what Governor Ste
the senator viii be in the possession ofthe grounds
Mr. BELL. do not intend to make any further oppo-
siion to IT,
| Mr. PEARCE. would like TO hear the letter read
The Secretary accordingly the following commune
| cation of the Commissioner Of Indian Affairs;
" His excelency Isaac Stevens his recent exploration
OF northern roae report. that he met with most friendly
after consultation with agent Vaughan and Mr. Culbertson
Of the Well known wabe Character and hostile feeling
of of the tribes located the and sides Of the
range Of the Rocky mountains he estccms
nv that council be held with all the tribes in thai vicinity
parties to the treaty Of Fort laramie for the purpose
ions and the council be held during the coming
| at Fort Benton, on the Upper Missouri.
For accomplishing this purpose Gov. Stevens estimates
that S30 900 would be required for presents and ranpora
ton goo for provisions SIS 600 for incidental expenses
and $4,000 TO enable number of chiefs of the principal tribes
| to visit the President Of the United States,
The tribes which he proposes 10 invite 10 the council
the Grosveutro Pegans Blood and Blacfect Of the
mountain range and all the tribes Of the range
with whom they are at variance Agent Vaughan, in his
annual report also urgently recommends that treaty SINH
lar TO the treaty Fort Laramie be made with the Grosvcn
tres and the Bnckeet tribes. He estimates the Backfee
ton TO number about TO- 800 and the Grosyenres $50
Il Governor Stevens estimates the Blackect nation
bracng the Pegan, Blood and Backfeet tribes IA 400
4 and Mr.. Culbertson at IA coo.
Their number heretofore, has generally been estimated
much greater, which h doubte TO be Rscribed their
i rowing, bold, and warlike character.
Assuming them that the number is about IL and the
rosventres $3.50 the number Of Indians in the tribes
the mountain range which Governor Stevens proposes
vte to the council probably be stated at to 600
which will make the of the tribes TO be invited 70 the
council and furnished with presents 25, 900 TO ~ 600
Governor Stevens estimates that there would be needed
about hundred Of transportation and assuming
10 be about the amount in view Of the emoteBess
the points Of delivery and the dangers Of the navigation
the Missouri river and also because proposed
be made to the Indians Of and popuous nations
led believe that the estimate made by Governor
for goods provisions and transportation too low and
that II the council be held proposed supply Of goods
and provisions should be distributed 10 the Indians
plcntfuy than funds 20 the amount OF his estimate would
i procure
ston Of Governor Stevens in respect to the council and q
recommend that appropriation be asked for OF so0 600
TO be placed at the disposal Of the department for the
of holding council with, and making presents
goods and provisions To- the Baceet Groventre and other
wild tribes Of Indians Immediately within adjacent TO-
boundary of Washington Territory and to deay the
Of conveying delegation Of tho che Of those tribes
1 to Washington city,