Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-13

surveying, managing, and selling the land is
to be deducted from the proceeds of the sales,
and the balance paid 10 the Indians.
The government is bound to preserve these
lands from all such trespasses and intrusion as
will interfere with bona tide compliance with
this treaty stipulation. If as is now the case,
cially with view Of making permanent settle
ments, and effectually preventing the govern
mental authorities from executing this stipula-
ton, they should be promptly elected. The
duty of the government is clear, and justice to
the Indians requires that it should be faithfully
discharged. Experience shows that much is
gained by sacredly observing our plighted faith
with these poor creatures, and every principle
of justice and humanity prompts TO strict
| performance of our obligations.
The better to protect the interests and pro-
mote the welfare of the Indian tribes, between
whom and the United States treaties exist, in
structions have been given requiring the agents
and sub-agents to reside within the limits of
their respective districts, and to make, through
their superintendent, periodical reports, in de-
tail, of their operations.
! Many of the Indian tribes are doing well, and
their condition is daily improving; whilst others
are rapidly deteriorating, and constantly as
Stunning more dissolute and degraded charac-
ter. The aggregate number is fast diminish
| ing, and some of the tribes whose numbers in
former days were large, and whose prowess
was great, are now nearly extinct. Notwithstand-
ing the unremitting efforts Of the department,
it seems impossible effectually to prevent the
4 introduction of ardent spirits amongst them.
The facility with which the use is acquired, and
| the misery and restitution which are its newt
able consequences, are matters of deep concern
and regret. The abolition Of the system of
cash payments, which is being accomplished as
rapidly as practicable, will lessen the quantity
consumed, as it directly interferes with the in
terests of the vendors The traders, who have
on this account a most potent and controlling
/ influence over the Indians, are generally OPP
posed to the change in the mode Of payment,
and have seriously embarrassed the efforts
made to effect it. &c., fy. Fsst
The crops of many Of the tribes who have
been induced to till and cultivate the soil have,
from the continued drought partially failed.
As the quantity of breadstufs and provisions
usually produced affords, at best but scanty
subsistence, their wants and necessities will be
materially increased. As they may be exposed
to much suffering during the coming winter,
instructions have been given to reserve por-
ton of their annuities, to avert, as far as prac-
tcable, that calamity. Every effort win be
made to relieve them; and it is expected the
agents will not be remiss in faithfully dis
charging the duties incumbent upon them un-
der such peculiar circumstances
The hunter tribes have lately exhibited more
than their usual boldness and desperation.
The limits of their hunting grounds are being
rapidly reduced, and the buffalo and other
game are fast diminishing so that they are
driven by stern necessity to theft or starvation.
In consequence of this, the frontier settlements
and the emigration to California and Oregon
have been much exposed and harassed. The
military force at the command of the War De-
partment is small, and, although active and
vigilant has not been able to give that protec-
ton to our citizens which is so much required
| Perhaps the only course that can be pursued
to reclaim these tribes, and prevent their depre-
dations upon their innocent and in many cases
deienceless victims, is, to make liberal appro-
priations for their colonization and civilization
Colonization was, many years ago, partially
tested in California, and the recent trial, it is
hoped, will prove successful. There is every
reason to believe the plan good one, if those
intrusted with its execution have the proper
aptitude and qualifications. Few possess the
| qualities necessary to the useful discharge Of
the duties Of an Indian agent, and fewer still the
properties required to carry out skilfully and
successfully such system. If this last hope
fails, their. extinction appears to be inevitable
Such should not be the destiny Of this unfortu.
nate race, if it can be averted by the power of
this government. Some are impressed with
the idea that the only successful way Of treating
them, and preserving the relations that should
exist between them and the government, is to
1 chastise and punish them whenever they err;
but, in my judgment, kind treatment in most
cases will subserve far better and more useful
purpose, and eventually lead to more desirable
results. The whites who mingle with, or live
contiguous TO them, are not always blameless.
Often, 10 their mischievous conduct may be
traced the most brutal and distressing depreda-
tons ofthese children Of the forest. Kindness
has operated wonderfully on some tribes, ,, "A
why should il not succeed with others? coin-
nization might be attempted In the r,sr-;,os;es.
Of New Mexico, Utah, Oregon wash;noso,,
and the country Immediately east of The RocLy
mountains. The object st.euld be twofold ~
domesticate and isolate them as ,nnch ss ,yoc.
ticable from the white settlements. The arts
of civilized life should be introduced. and Il
possible, settled form Of government estab.
lished among them. To effect this. large an
preparations would be requisite; but how could
money be expended more charitable or appro-
priatey than in this great cause of humanity?
4 nave the honcr to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant. -
p. NcCLELLAND, Secretary.