The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1855-01-09

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er vessels, and 12l steamboats,, registering
All aggregate Of over $40, 900 tons. There
were built in the New York District, 40
ships and barks, Z briggs. 1876 smaller ves-
sells, and 81 eamboats--63,4 496 tons
The total registered tonnage of the United
States on the 30th June, was 5,661,4 ,416 /;
of which, 2, 222. 8l9 was employed in for
eign trade ;2,623. IA in coasting l46.-
965 in cod fishing 18l,0O1 in whaling.
and 677,6l3 in steam navigation. -as
Report of the Commissioner Of Indian
! itgie.r 9a. Affairs.
THE remnants of the Six Nations re,
naming in the State Of New York present
the interesting spectacle of one, of the
most renowned portions of the aboriginal
race of this continent. still adhering with
traditional tenacity and yeneration, to the
homes of their forefathers. Subjected to
many trying and adverse vicissitudes, by
which their numbers and territorial pos
sessions have been greatly diminished,
this once, barbarous and heathcn people,
devoted only to war and the chase, have
undergone one gratifying change, and now
generally acknowledge and partially prac.
'tce, the more ennobling and beneficial
principles and pursuits Of Christianity and
civilization. Internal dissensions have
materially interfered with their advance
ment and welfare, but these, it is hoped,
will all soon cease, and never thereafter
be renewed. .et ..ra...ft I,;rl er.
The peculiar and unfortunate situation
of the Indians in the State of Michigan,
consisting mainly of the confederated
bands of the Ottawas and Chppewas, has
been fully stated heretofore. and the
measure deemed best for their preserva
,tion and welfare suggested. 1t is re-
quisite that there be new conventional ar
rangements with them, providing for ma
terial change in their affairs, and in their
relation with the United States and the
State of Michigan. Such arrangements
could not be effected without more or less
expense and on the application of the
Department, the sum of $4,000 was ap-
propriated therefor by Congress. But
in consequence Of the late period at
which the appropriation was made, and
other circumstances, it has been deemed
advisable to postpone further proceedings
until the next year.
In the convention with the Menomonees
of the l2th May last they relinquished their
right to a large tract of country in Mime
sofa, west of the Mississippi River, set
apart for their permanent home by tie
treaty of l848, but which, proving to be
unsuitable for that purpose, was there
fore unacceptable for them. In exchange
therefor, they were confirmed in the pos
session of portion of the tract on the
Wolf and Oconto Rivers, in Wisconsin,
which, with the consent of the authorities
of that State, had been assigned for their
use, and to which they had removed
The tract granted them by that treaty of
l848 was guaranteed to contain not less
than six hundred thousand acres F; that
secured TO them by the convention of May
last embraces only two hundred and sew
enty-six thou ,and four hundred and eigh-
ty acres, and is deemel to be more than
ample for their comfortable accommoda-
ton. The lands retroceedcd by them,
though not suitable for tleir purposes,
will be equally valuable to the Govern
ment. if not more so, than those granted
in exchange. in The consideration cf the
great difference in the quantities of the
lands thus exchanged, and because it was
believed that the consideration stipulated
for the lands they have been induced TO
do h,, fIa <,f 10
quate in addition to the pecuniary and
other beneficial provisions Of that treaty
which were continued TO them, the sum of
$3.50, 900 was stipulated to be paid in fif
lecn annual installments, commencing
with the year 1867, when the payments
n ful6llment of the treaty of l848 will
expire. This consideration was increased
by the Senate, in the additional sum of
300, ,686. making the aggregate amount of
1896. Having thus been permanently
md most liberally provided for, it is hop
ID and believed that in few years the
Menomonees will exhibit some evidences
If moral and social advancement.
The Department has been perplexcd |
md embarrassed by the refusal of that
portion of the Stockbridge Indians of
Wisconsin, parties to the treaty Of 1848,
o accept the tract of land selected for
hem, in accordance with that treaty, and
0 which selection they at one time gave
heir assent. They are, or pretend to be,
anxious TO remain where they now are. at
lake Winne5ago, and individual members
# the band have repeatedly visited this
ity, to urge an arrangement to that effect.
Cor reasons stated ia my special report to
'ou Of the 25th ult., ,ther application could
lot be granted. The only alternative
Gems to be, TO find them suitable home
within the limits of Wisconsin, and as they
equire but a very tract, this can be ac-
omplished without prejudice to the inter-
sts Of the white population Of the States
The only other Indians having terrific
ial rights in Wisconsin, are the band or
)neidas, who occupy small reservation
ear Green Bay, and are so far advanced
a civilizationnas to justify the presump-
on, that, like the Brothertons, will, at no
istant day, dissolve their tribal organiza-
ion, and become citizens. ~ m i
There are, however, within the limits of
Wisconsin, and also within the northern
eninsula Of Michigan. a few small bands
{ the Cbippewas Of Lake Superior, who
t.lI =. r 4