Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-15


and sound policy require that the treaty stpu-
lations be strictly adhered TO.
Many Of the Texas Indians are being
gathered on the reservations set apart in that
State for them, and conducting themselves
with marked propreiy. These reservations
are too small; still, for time, they may
answer a good purpose. 1t may be proper for
Congress to extend over them the laws regu-
lating trade and intercourse with the Indians,
as their application may be found necessary
The Indian agents are instructed to reside
amongst the tribes, so to be constantly pre-
sent to advise and aid them. 1t is often i'm.
possible to ascertain whether the instructions
are faithfully complied with, owing to the re-
moteness of the agencies. The rule, however,
has thus far operated well, and will it is be-
lieved, be Of much service to the Indians. My
own opinion is, that it would be far better to
have fewer agents, and to give q compensation
to each suitable to the condition and circum-
stances of his position, SO as to bring into re-.
QUESTION the character, ability, and peculiar
fitness so much required.
The distance of the Indian Bureau from the
different tribes of Indians is so great, that fire.
quently it is very difficult to obtain correct in
formation about them, more especially where
the agents are careless or remiss in the dis
charge of their duties. The present commits
sioner has visited many Of them, at much
Inconvenience; but by so doing has acquired
a great deal of useful information. believe
it would be advantageous to the Indians and
| the Government, to provide for an officer, to
be attached TO the bureau, whose duty it should
| be to visit the superintendent, agents, and
| tribes, examine into all their affairs, and make
such general and detailed reports as would
enable the Office to correct abuses, and submit
such suggestions as, if adopted would have a
tendency to ameliorate the condition Of the
| Indians
| The facility with which many of the chiefs,
| headmen and warriors are overcome by the
temptations to which they are subjected, and
| thus induce to sign important papers without
understanding their object or purport, has
been productive of much evil. They are not
generally corrupt, but become the supple tools
of cunning, designing men. Indians are ad-
dicted to drinking and gambling, and these
passions are ministered to by many traders and
evil-disposed persons. The cash system of
payments is the root of most the evils that be-
fall them. To abolish it has been the constant
effort of the department but its success has
been only partial, owing to the powerful resis-
lance of the traders. If well-regulated sys
tenn could be introduced among them, by
which they could obtain, at cost price, what
| would be, under fixed rules and regulations,
deemed essential to their comfort, and all the
licences were withdrawn from the traders, a
stronger hope of their civilization and domes.
tication might be entertained. The license
system is an incubus upon all healthful action
in their behalf and, until abandoned, will con-
tinue to demoralze aud degrade them.
more simple and efficient civil and crimi-
nal code should be provided for them, and a
cordial cooperation Of the States and Terri
/ 49,, Il. IL A. L.
slightest conflict of jurisdiction or policy leads
to disastrous consequences, and should be
sedulously avoided.
For some of the tribes permanent homes
have been established, and many of the Indians
have contracted habits Of industry, sobriety and
economy. The effect Of this upon the whole is
very perceptible and encouraging. Their
numbers are increasing, their conduct improv-
ing, and they are being rapidly prepared for
1 the healthiu exercise of the privileges, and the
proper discharge of the duties, of good citizens.
During the past year, many of the tribes
west of the Mississippi have had to contend
with the most untoward circumstances, and it
is really extraordinary that they have not been
utterly dspirited. Yet they have, under the
severest adversely, exhibited a degree of forti-
tude and forbearance well worthy the imitation
OF many OF the whites, who boast of their
Il
would, SO INCREASINGLY, have permitted our
selves to be unceremoniously thrust from our
homes and deprived of our fre-sides. They
are necessarily pressed by the whites, who,
under the plea OF necessity, exercise their
superior sagacity in devices to invade their
rights and despoil them of their property.
We must, however, provide for the existing
state of things; and recurrence of the events
that have transpred in connection with them
for the last few years, will show that condi-
ton OF affairs has arisen that never was con-
templated, and could not easily have been
anticipated. This cannot be changed without
an attempt to stay the onward progress Of our
people, which would be fruitless. The mode
OF treatment must be adapted TO their present
| peculiar condition, and the policy fixed one,
as it is not likely the character Of the circum.
stances by which they are now surrounded will
ever change.
Many years have not elapsed since it was
considered that mixed occupancy Of the same
territory by the white and red man was ncom.
patible with the safety and happiness of either.
A remedial policy was adopted, and the removal
OF the Indians west Of the Mississippi river
determined upon. A guaranty was given them
that they should have exclusive possession of
| That country forever, exempt from all intrusion
| OF white men, with ample provision for their
security against external violence and internal
connections, and the extension to them of
suitable facilities for their advancement in the
arts of civilization. The country was conpra-
tuated by one of your predecessors upon the
irremoval TO their new homes and the dawning
to them of new and happy era was publicly
proclaimed. But this guaranty has not been
fulfilled, and that propitious time has not vet
arrived. a quarter Of a century has not elapsed
before the same state Of things, so much de-
plored, is found to exist, and the evil that was
intended to be remedied appears in far more
appalling form. The strong arm Of the Gov
eminent is constantly invoked to stay its pro-
gress, and the guaranty is continually held up
to us Tor faithful performance. Our only reply
to all the appeals made is, that the force of
circumstances has rendered il impracticable.
Congress has been generous in its more re.
cent appropriations for the benefit of the In
dams, and displayed commendable spirit in
aid OF their reclamation. The only increase
desirable is in what is usually denominated the
civilization fund, being an annual appropria-