Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-19

THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.
scnate--Thurssday, January 10, 1858.

Scnate--Thurssday, January ID, 1855.
The following message was received from the
President the United STATES transmitting let
ter from the Secretary OF War on the subject OF
Indian hosthties
To the Senate and Houss Of REPRESENTATIVES:
transmit herewith letter Of the Secretary OF
War upon the subject of Indian hostilities. The
employment OF volunteer troops, as suggested by
the Secretary, seems 10 afford the only practicable
means of providing for the present emergency.
There is much reason 10 believe that other cases,
similar In character 10 those particularly referred
70 10 the accompanying papers. will al an early
day require vigorous measures, and the exhibition
OF strong military force.
The proposed temporary provision TO meet
special demand, SO far from obviaiing. in my judg-
ment, only serves to illustrate the urgent neces-
sity OF an increase OF the regular army, at least
10 The extent recommended in my late annual
message. Unless, by the plan proposed or some
other equally effective, force can be early brought
into the field, adequate 10 the suppression of ex-
isting hostilities, the combination OF predatory
bands will be extended and the difficulty Of re-
storing order and security greatly magnifed. On
The other hand, without a permanent military
force Of sufficient strength to control the I'M
friendly Indians, it may be expected that HOSTILE
lies will soon be renewed, and that years of border
warfare will affct the country, retarding the pro-
gress OF settlement, exposing emigrant trains TO
public money.
The state of things made known in various let
ters recently received at the War Department,
extracts from portion of which are herewith
enclosed, is calculated - augment the deep soil
cilude which this matter has for some time past
awakened. aad which has been earnestly ex-
pressed in previous messages, and in the annual
reports of the Secretary Of War.
/ respectfully submit that the facts now COM
municated urgently call for immediate action on
he part Of Congress.
WASHINGTON, January 10, 1855.
Mr.. GWIN expressed his qualification at the
reception ofthe message, as il appeared that the
President proposed to resort TO prompt measures
TO protect the emigrant route 10 California, on
which, at various points, the Indians had long
committed rapne and murder. He understood
The President proposec 10 call out three thousand
volunteers OF mounted men, who are ready 10
ome ont 10 chasiise the Indians for their out
rages. They au.aciously levy contributions on
emigrants; and, if their demands are not com
piled with, they resort TO murder. But such
force as the Executive contemplated; commanded
by snch men as Colonel Hays and Colonel Nc
Cullough, who had been long familiar with the
Indian character and mode of warfare would di.
minish or put an end TO The Indian hos,ties.
The necess of an overland route was also
enforced by Mr.. GwiN and he expressed the hope
tina, the Military Committee while considering this
messages for nc should move TO refer il 10 them,
would extend their views TO the construction OF q
military road TO the Pacific ocean over which the
travel might be done with safety. He said he had
prepared measure for the establishment Of an
express mail, that the Pacific commune cation
may not be entirely dependent on the ocean route,
He hoped this subject would meet with prompt
action; and that authority might be given to the
President 10 call out the volunteers for whom he
asked, for there were now ten thousand Indian
warrors-the Secretary Of War said six thou.
sand-whose hostile attitude was alarming.
Mr.. WELLER las member of the Committee
on Military AiairsD said he should endeavor 10
procure speedy action in that Commute on the !.
Presidents Message, for military posts, and an
augmentation of troops was absolutely necessary
to end the ioo frequent disasters Of which inteli-
gence reached them. The first duty OF a Govern
ment. was the protection Of its people; but that
has not been heretofore given 10 those who ira
verse the continent to and from the Pacific ocean
1.-THE pan proposed be carried out by Congress
he believed the necessary protection would be at
forded
: Mr.. RUSK thought that they should not stop
there, for the citizens of those sections which
were exposed 10 Indian encroachmen,s were also
entitled TO protection, and he asked that their
safety might, at the same time, be considered.
The message was referred TO the Committee
on Military Affairs.
The President LAID before the Senate letter
from the Hon. Rufus Choate, rendering his resg-
nation as regent of the Smithsonian Institutian.
After debate in which Messrs PEARcE, Mason,
DOUGLAS, BADGER, and SEWARD, participated, the
Senate instructed the Judiciary Committee to in
quire whether any, and what action by the Senate
was necessary, in regard 10 the Smithsonian In
sttution.
On the motion Of Mr.. Fish, his passenger vessel
bill was taken up for consideration, and passed
Ii RENTS penalties which we have heretofore
specified, together with the circumsiances-con
fictng decisions of the Secretary of the Treasury
under which they we're incurred.
The Senate next resumed the consideration OF
the bill TO reorganize the judicial system Of the
United States, and. proceeded 10 vote on the pend
ing motion TO postpone its further consideration
until the first Monday in December next; which
was agreed 10 by vote Of 80 to l3.
The bill to extend the bounty land laws 10 the
old soldiers was discussed until the adjournment
OF the Senate.