The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-07-05
he Reeder Case.

AO az "
learned tina, Governor Reeder hal been pur-
chasing lands from the half. breed Indians of
Kansas, has required him, and others con-
nected with him in the transaction. TO render
a satisfactory explanation 10 the government.
By the law OF The land the United States
government is regarded as the guardian of
the Indian tribes, and they as its wards. No
person is permitted 10 contract with the In
dians, except by the appreciation of the gov
eminent; aud il is the spirit of all our juris-
prudence that persons acting in a iduciary
capacity cannol contract with those for whom
they hold properly in lrust. The irailly OF
human nature requires Il. al III is safeguard be
thrown around the weak and unwary.-
Ruled BY this principle, it would seem that
Gov. Reeders purchases are improper and
illegal. But in addition, ali contracts with
the Indians under the protection of the gov
eminent mus, have two disin,erested wit
uesses. The deeds in this case are nominal
y TO Judge Johnson, with Gov. Reeder and
another Interested party as witnesses. Bnt
though such technical informally might
make the deeds voidable, il would not as an
informally be a cause for Gov. Reeder's ie-
moval.
But the Governor alleges that the persons
with whom he contracted were not Indians
but half-breeds--,hat they are intelligent
enough 10 contract for themselves-and tina,
he used no deception with them in the pur
chases of their lands. How far this may be
a defence we do not know, and il may ap-
pear that he can make a full Justification
We believe il is conceded that the price for
The lands was a fair one, and that no actual
fraud was perpeira,ed upon The vendors OF
the land.
The prompt. fearless action of President
Pierce is an honorable contrast 10 the artful
and crafty speculation of the last administra-
ton in GaIphin and Gardiner claims, and the
~dishonorable "winking" and collision oil
members then in the Cabinet. Then the
government treasury was deffauded and men
10 high stations boldly walked off with lheiI
ill-goilen share Of the plumber. Now the
humblest ward Of tue government is shield
ed not only against imposition and fraud, but
against every ari and action through which
deceit and wrong might be. practised. Then
the speculator in forged claims swellet
proudly and slrutted over honest men with
impunily. Now the fairest bargain is scru'
tinized, and the action of the public Office
must not only be honest but above SUSPECT
ion. We are proud Of such an administra
tion, and this act augurs that the best day
Of the republic have moi all gone BY, ane
there is yet public virtue left.
We have felt friendly 10 Gov. Reeder, ant
vet hope he may pass unscathed through th'
ordeal, for the generous wish is always bet
ter than sour malice. But in any event ,ht
action Of The President is commendable, ant
oil honest men will applaud it.
In past years too many fortunes wer'
wrung from the land Of the red man by hisl
officers of our government. The evil exam
pie Of the old Roman Governors far iron
the Home Department found imi,alors il
Warren Hastings and Lord Give; and il lie
confession in sorrow that american human
nature has been subject 10 The same ~lraillies
jackson and Houston have honored bumaui
~ by their Justice 10 the weak and waning
race and Pierce will do well 10 emulate thei
example.