, 1856-02-22
AN -EMMISSARY ABROAD!
III. indian War in OREGON and WashlngtOn-


Authorities,
In the San Francisco Alta California, of
February 9Th, we observe letter from its
CORRESPONDENT dated-"Portland, Oregon, }
Jan. 29th, 1s56"-giving the most false
and scandelous view of the existing Indian
war by which both this and Oregon territory
is at present surrounded. This correspon-
dent, who sgns himself "W. V. wis
undoubtedly one WILLIAM V. WELLS, (said
to be connected, edtorially, with the ALA
California who came up on the steamer
Republic, and after being in Oregon some
FIVE or six days, arrogates to himself more
knowledge of the Indian affairs of the two
territories than the Oldest and most intel
legnt citizens of either. He is probably
a pcnsioner of Wooi's, who, having shown
utter imbecility or insanity in his manage
ment of affairs connected with the Indian
war, seems now determined to screen him
self from censure by slandering and calum-
mating the people of both territories. We
quote from his letter and authority, as fol
fows:
at appears that Gov. Stevens In his capacity of
superntendent Of Indian affairs Of Washington terrific
ry succeeded during the spring and summer OF 1893,
most powerful tribes Of the interior. These were
series Of indefinite Arrangements hastily male during
the drunken reyels of the Chiefs to which they affixed
49, % ,Nn- aud hat In
the event Of their failure 10 comply with these agree
ments the government would invade their territory
with troops and destroy them. These treaties are now
denounced by the settlers the actual of the
war; I'f -f o.
Here are no less than three distinct and
unqualified lies.
lst. That the 'ttreaties were series Of in
definite arrangements, hastily made" &c.
I'd. That they were "made during the
drunken revels of the Chiefs" &c.
3D. that the chiefs were "given to un.
derstand that in the event of their failure to
comply with these agreements, the govern
ment would invade their territory with troops
and destroy them" &c.
We will examine these charges somewhat
in detail. io .n
. LIST. We have abundent evidence to prove
that the treaties were made with great
care and deliberation. Gen. Palmer, whom
this 'sweet-scented" correspondent so high
ly euIogises, and who, for his humane prin-
ciples and strict devotion to duty is deserV-
ing the concentrations of honest men, was
associated with Gov. STEVENS in making the
treaties, and gave assent to everything that
was done. The Indians were first invited to
meet in council, to sell their lands to do
which, they most unreservcdly gave their
consent. The council ground Walla-walla
was of their own selection. The Yaki-
mas, Walla-wallas, the Cayuses, the Umatil-
las tie Nez Perce, and kindred tribes met
at WalIa-walla The council lasted four
teen days. Faithful interpreters were Sc
lected, and great care was taken to explain
all the provisions Of the treaty. The com
missioners, Gov. Stevens and Gen. Palmer,
had record kent of all the proceedings and
to that record thew fearlessIy appeal as eyi-
deuce that everything was transacted with
care and deliberation ,
a, mo. .h..uo .h.. ,lo .,oo,;o. roro
= '' -. -. ..r.,. or ~. ,1;.f.
-. go ~. -, D. ..a .honId oon,o ,ha
;.t..,On" sr.hor ~ ~ ,,o dr;1an @ as aU 0U,cost
80. ~ .o...t.. :. ..u,,or~an Tho 49,.
-. -, - -, - ,,..ront ,;,,uo,
Ia;noe h,oUaht unoO tbs counc;I Ground
.o--..9 ~. I.o,,,E, Some sortv 10 6ftv III.
;-on. r,onv rortlomsn ~ character intenil
,,.nc. and dsenlv interested in the welfare
81 NJ Tnd;on. wore ,,resent who can testify
81 ~ host &c .hsi. trovlodro and heliof