Grass Valley telegraph., 1855-10-30
Imdian RenlNYaIa.

Indian Removals.
The result of the last experiment to col
lect and domcsticate, and thus plant the
seeds of civilization among the Indians of
Califoraia, has so far proved eminently sue
cessful, and is the best and only argument
needed in favor of the present policy of the
Federal Government towards this people
Recent reports from the TETON and .N0uace
Lackee Reservations, particularly the latter
represent the condition of the Indians who
have been removed thither, as highly -four
ishing. They are, almost without excep-
tiOn. quiet happy and contented. They are
rapidly acquiring the incipient arts and hab-
its Of civilization and with little care and
attention will soon be able to provide them
selves, by their own industry, with all the
neccessaries and conveniences of life required
in their simple mode of living. They al
ready cut and make their own clothing, con-
struct their own houses, somewhat after the
manner Of civilized life, and are rapidly be-
coming quite proficient in the various de-
tails of agricultural pursuits.
Time was, before the white man came a.
mong these children Of the forest, that they
were comparatively free and happy people.
Undebased by The vices of civilized life.
though ignorant of its virtues and blessings.
they maintained q species of independence
and freedom of Will and action, as they
roamed unmolested and unrestrained over
their native hills and valleys, which afforded
them comparative degree of happiness. ard
a positive condition of contentment. But
those days have passed away. The advanc-
ing wave of a superior order of intelligence
has swept over their beautiful vallies and
and green hill sides, and the country which
they once loved is now in the possession of
strangers. Their game and every means of
sustenance which they once enjoyed is now
destroyed, and they themselvs are so sunken
and degraded, from even their former eondi-
tion, that life has become almost burthen
to them.
Under these circumstances, the policy of
"Removal," which has been recently adopt
ed, is not only an act of humanity toward
them, but also matter of justice and right
which their present pitiable condition claims
at our hands. The few from this vicinity
who have hitherto been persuaded to visit
the Reservation, have uniformly expressed
their utmost satisfaction with their condition
there, and have used their best endeavours,
when revisiting their brethren in this neigh
borhood, to persuade them to abandon their
present homes for the better Accommodations
which have been provided fer them at the
Reservation. Owing to the interested, or
foolish oppositiun of few white men in our
midst the work of peaceable removal has
hitherto progressed very slowly. This opposi-
ton however has been pretty much abandon
ed and general exodus is now taking place.
1t is mainly to the untiring zeal, and per-
severing efforts, of Col Henley's assistant,
Mr. P. Storms, that we are indebted for
the successful accomplishment of this i'm
portant work. We, last week, mentioned
that Mr.. Storms was here for this purpose. |
and are now happy to announce that his
present effort has been crowned with the most |
w.
from the Empire Ranch, with about $50 In
dians, men, women and children, all of whom
go, willing eXiles from their native hills. to
the place which their white friends have pre-
pared for them. and where they may live in
the undisturbed enjoyment of all the COM
forts which their untutored minds and their
uncivilized habits are capable of appreciating
Too much credit cannot be awarded to the
superintendent, Col. Henley, and his assistant
Mr. Storms, for the humane and faithful man
ner in which they have performed their duty.
They have been mindful alike of the rights
and interests of all parties. Every proper
effort which ingenuity could devise, and |
every truthful representation which could be |
brought to bear upon the minds of the In |
dlans, has been made use of in effecting this |
result The success of their mission is the |
best commendation that can be adduced in
support of the manner in which it has been
accomplished.
Few men, indeed. we believe no man in the
state is better qualified to secure the conf
dence of, and to control the California In
dian, than Mr. Storms. A long residence a.
mong them, an intimate knowledge of their
habits and language, and peculiar fitness
for the task, renders him eminenHy useful in
this position. Col. Henley could not have
made better selection, and we look for the
happiest result from the Reservation with
which he is connected
There are now but few scattering Indians
remaining in the County, save those which
have for long time been under the particular
control, of Mr.. Bovyer. at his Ranch, some
five or six miles north of this place. Mr.. B.
has for several years, carried on quite an
extensive ranch almost exclusively by In