The Shasta courier., 1855-01-06
Lo! the Poor INDIAN.

By the perusal Of the annexed proceedings OF
citizens OF Pttsbarg, it will be perceived that
a meeting is to be held in that place on the 18th
inst, 10 devise means whereby the present la
mentable condition of the Indians in that dis
trict may be somewhat aIleviaed. At present
they are starving-poor souls starving, with
three hundred Thousand dollars in the hands OF
Col. Henley. and wagon loads Of provisions suit
able for them, yng without purchasers all over
the State. Col. Henley has been advised OF their
unhappy condition, but in response to letter
appealing to him for assistance, addressing
John Dreibelbis he says:
My authority, however goes no further than
to remove and snbsisi Indians or Reservations
selected for that purpose. l have no authority
to feed them in their present location.''
We have never been able to procure copy of
the law under which Col II is acting, but we
are fully satisfied, from his own language, that
he has the necessary authority to feed them in
their present location" 1t is perfectly compe-
tent for the Superintendent of Indian Affairs to
expend the public funds in the removal of tue
Indians from the mountains to the Reserva-
tons.
So much he acknowledges. Now we presume
that the mode of their removal is a matter left
by the law to the discretion of himself and sub
agents. 1t would be folly to establish Reserva-
tions without Indians TO put upon them, and it
is perfectly certain that the Indians will not 60
upon them unless seduced by presents, promises,
and kind treatment. 1t then Of course becomes
the duty of the Agents to hold out inducements
that will prove effective, and efforts to that
end can be made without an expenditure of the
public funds, it must strike every mind, that
such expenditure is perfectly legal. This being
taken for granted then, that Col. Henley, and
his sub-agents. have the authority to expend the
public funds in removing the Ind ans. it should,
and doubtless has, become subject of inquiry
with them, as to the most efecttre mode of accom-
plishing this object. Now those persons best
acquainted with the Pitt River Indians will say.
and do say, that their present unhappy condition
presents the best possible opportunity for the
Indian Agency to gain their confidence. Supply
them with few thousand dollars worth of bar
ley at the present time. and they will believe
that you mean them well, and are their friends,
and then you may lead them as you will. Thus
several years time may be saved in their re-
moval. and the Reservation in Colusa made a
blessing alike to them and the whites =
Att meeting of the citizens of Pittsburg, held
pursuant TO notice, on the evening of January
Cd, for the purpose of taking into consideration
the starving condition of the Indians in this Vi
cinity, and devising some means for their relief,
MIR. Henry Jones chosen Chairman, and
MIR. U. c. Street, Secretary. After discussing
the subject at some length, during which facts
ELECTED showing that very aggravated
degree of suffering exists among these Indians
for the want of food, and of the natural conse-
quences which, to the whites must result there
FROM it was,
I Resolued, That the Chairman appoint three
individuals Committee to draw up resolu-
tions. expressive of the voice of the people, as
to what should be done in order to furnish relief
to these Indians OF permanent nature.
The Chairman appointed TO serve on said
Committee, G. r. Street. Calvin S. Newton, and
j. A. Dreibebis.
Resoloed, That the object of this meeting is
postponed until the evening of the 18th of Janu-
ary, in order that time may be had to notify the
settlers on Still Water, North Cow Greek, Oak
Kun, Clover Greek, and Churn Town. who have
the same interest with ourselves. and give them
time to send delegates; also, that some news
may, during the interval be received from the
Superintendent, or the Sub-Agents, enabling
the meeting to act in the matter more under
standingiy.
ReSotred, That the proceedings of this meet
ing be published In the Shasta Courier
Adjourned. HENRY JoNEs, President.
U. c. STREET. Secretary.