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

dians residing in the region north Of the
head waters of the Mississippi, who from
the imperfection of former treaties, do
not participate in their benefits. and are,
therefore, in a very destitute condition,
1t having been found that the country
proposed TO be given to the Winnebagoes,
by the agreement made with them last
year, for an exchange Of lands, would, in
many respects. be an improper location
for them, it was recommended by the
Department that the agreement should be
so amended as 10 assign them a location
on the southern branch of the Crow Riv-
er, to include Red Cedar Island Lake.
The difficulties connected with our re.
lations with the Sioux Indians Of Mime
sofa were a year ago, as explained in the
last annual report, of serious character
but they have happily been surmountcd
During the past season articles oi
agreementand conventions were concluded
with the Omaha Otto, Missouri. Sac:
and Fox Of Missouri; Iowa, Kickapoo,
Delaware, Shawnee, Kaskaskia, Peoria
Wea, Plankeshaw and Miami Indians, all
residing within the central superintendent.
cy, and in the newly organized territories
of Nebraska and Kansas. j. gun rt +
Congress appropriated the funds neces-
sary to fulfill the stipulations of these con-
ventions s-the Senate having ratified with.
out amendment, except those with the
Miamees and the Shawnees. ....
There are several other tribes in Kan
sas Territory with which twill be neces-
sary to have new conventions at an early
day !; and it is also very important tina. ar
rangcments should be made as soon as
practicable with the Pawnee and Poncah
Indians of Nebraska, by which their lim-
its may be restricted and refined, and Their
hostile excursions agains. other tribes,
terminated. IN, r4o p .I
Within the central superintendency nc
perceptble Improvement has taken place
during the year in the moral condition of
the Indian tribes; while the unusual and
protracted drouth that has prevailed in
that region of country has caused in many
instances, an almost total failure Of the
crops of some of those who have hereto.
fore attempted to cultivate the soil.
Some of the tribes will have corn suffi
cient to supply their necessities. and to
guard against inevitable suffering and
want it has been determined to retain a
portion of the annuites of the present
year due 10 such as are destitute of pro-
visions, and thus afford them the means
necessary to procure food during the ap-
preaching Winter and Spring
The residences of the tribes who have
recently ceded their lands should be con-
sidered (subject in few cases to con-
struc.ion Of limits, as permanently fixed.
The Osages. Pawnees and others, have
also annoyed the emgrants. and commit
ed depredations upon them. The roads
on the principal routes to the Pacific coast
have become very important thoroughfares.
Thousands of emigrants and many mer-
chants who, with their property TO the
amount Of several millions in value, pass
annually over the Plains, are entitled to
the protection of the Government. The
weakness of the present military force OPP
crates injuriously in various ways, and it
would be much better to withdraw entire
ly, and let emigrants have notice that they
must protect themselves and their proper
ty, and leave the Indians 10 be dealt with
by our agents alone, than to permit the
posts to remain in their present weak and
enfeebled condition.
The four principal tribes within the
Southern Superiniendency-the Chero-
KEGS, Greeks, Chrctaws and Chickasaws
= continue gradually to improve their
condition. Having generally adopted the
habis and pursuits of civilized life. they
are probably more happy than any of the
other tribes within our borders. ro
The Seminoles within this Superinten-
dency are in much less satisfac ory con-
dition, being ignorant and more or less
debased, idle and addicted to dissipation.
The Creeks, withir whose boundaries
they reside, complain that they are the
and agents through whom
most of the ardent spirits brought into the
country are introduced, and they have ap-
pealed to the government to interpose TO
abate this nuisance, which is attended with
much injury 10 their people. 3
The United Senecas and Shawnees, and
other small bands Of Ruapaws and Sene
cas-, also within the Southern Superinten-
dency, are in comparatively comfortably
but the Osages, in the
same district, who have not yet abandon
ed the chase, are in much less favorable
1as n iid9lb 500
The Choctaw authorities are anxious TO
put in operation general system of neigh
borhood or common schools among the
people, but have not the means necessary
Tor its accomplishment. They huve re-
luestcd that the balance of the orphan
funds remaining in the hands of their
,gents, unclaimed, may be appropriated
or that purpose but under existing laws
he Department is unable to comply. Il
The Indians in Texas are represented 10
,e now more peaceful and orderly than
hey have been during great portion Of
he year. They have committed many
,utiages upon frontier citizens. and con.
inue their forays beyond our boundaries
n spite Of the military force in that quarter
md the efforts Of the agents Of this De-
,artment to restrain them. 1t is in con-
emplation to collect and colonize them on
hree reservations, which the Stateof Tex
$ has granted for tho purpose, and whero