The Shasta courier., 1854-02-04
The Indian Reservation.

In yesterdays issue we furnished our readers
with some interesting particulars relative to the
proceedings OF Lieut.. Bcale. at The Indian res
ervation Owing to the laieness of the hour
when the intelligence was furnished. we were
nnavoidably compelled TO omit one or two
items.
On this reservation are numerous sulches,
well watered by never failing springs. These
Sulches, or ravlnes, are now occupied and cul-
nvated by the Indians, who are divided into
companies, each company having a rancheria
A large number Of these wild men Lieut. Beale
has trained as ploughmen, blacksmiths, carpen-
ters, &c. &C., and these he employs in again
teaching the new arrivals the same industrial
pursuits. Each rancheria is thus made self sup
porting. To those who are mertorious he Civ es
rewards. Consequently, all these poor crea-
lures delighted with their condition Not.
withstanding the strict discipline preserved ON
the reservation, the Indians are by no means the
slaves some seem disposed TO represent them.
The agent impresses upon their minds the fact
that they are free to- stay or to leave, just as it
may please their fancy. Thus, they enjoy really
as much liberty of action as if they still ull-
disputed owners of the territory Now Cant
Howard graphically says. they could not be
driven away from the reservation with :. big
stick" Accustomed to mountain life, they are
pleased with the rugged country on which they
reside, and which, with the aid of science, they
dic icHucIiHS prOuuCtlVe III tney would IN
dulge in the sport of hunting, the hills and the
prairie furnish them with an abundance of game
Of every speciesj while the streams and lake
abound with fish. Their quarres are adjusted
by their Chiefs who appear alone to be respon-
slble to Lieut.. Beale. Surely, such system of
government will be productive of much good A
ray of hope for the Indian population streams
from the reservation.
Most of the Indians, when they arrive. are in
n o,f,,,
ately furnishes them with clothes and blankets,
speaks kindly to them and points out the par
tcular rancheria which they shall consider
their home. taf .a sss,.. .,,- E
Capt. Howard says that these Indians are
very apt scholars. They learn to plough or to
sow with astonishing rapidity A wild boy came
in two months ago, who Immediately manfes-
ted deep interest in the proceedings at black
smiths shop, and expressed desire to learn
the trade. He Immediately set to work,
and SO attentive was he to his instructors. and
persevering in his industry, that when Capt
Howard left no had made wonderful progress,
and had become quite a useful artizan. This is
only one of many facts which go to prove that
these wild men can be civilized and readily
taught the industrial arts 8as tag
There are 1000 head of cattle, 500 goats, and
almost innnmerable horde of hogs on the
reservation. The Indians are well fed, well,
though Of course plainly clothed, contented and
happy. e4f s3.44os
In our view, Lieut.. Beales plan has been COM
pletely successful, and If he be sustained by the
government, and allowed to provide another
reservation for the northern districts of Califor-
MIA, we shall have further trouble with the
Indian population Joaqnin Rep.