The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-11-12
REPORT OF BRIGHAM YOUNG ON INDIAN
MATTERS IN UTAH,

| Brigham Young has at last condescepded to
communicate with the Indian Bureau in REGARD
to affairs in Utah. The Commissioner of In.
dian Affairs has received his report, in which.
after detailed statement of difficulties on the
plains between travellers and the Indians. he
goes on to say:
"lf | am to have the direction of the Indian
affairs of this Territory, and am expected TO
maintain friendly relations with the indiana.
there are few things | would most respectful
ly suggest to be done. First, that travellers
omit their infamous practice of shooting them
down when they happen to see one.
Whenever the citizens of this Territorv
travel the roads, they are in the habit of giving
the Indians food, tobacco, and few other
presents, and thus the Indians always EXPECT
some such trifing favor, and are emboldened
to come up to the roads to receive such presents.
When, therefore, travellers from the States
make their appearance, they throw themselves
IN sight with the same views; and when thew
are shot at, and some Of their numbers killed.
as has frequently been the case, we cannot bpt
expect them to wreak their vengeance upon the
next train.
Secondly, the Cover ment should make
| more liberal appropriations to be expended in
presents. l have proven that it is far cheaper
to feed and clothe the Indians than to Fl ght
them. l find, moreover, that, after all, when
the fighting is over, it is always followed by ex-
tensive presents, which, II properly distributed
In the first instance. might have averted the
fight. In this case, then, the expense of pres
ents is the same, and it is true in nine tenths of
the cases that have happened.
Third, the troops must be kept away, for
it is prevalent fact, that wherever there are
the most OF these we may expect to find the
greatest amount of hostile Indians, and the
least security to persons or property.
eff these three items could be complied with.
have no hesitation in saying that so far as
Utah is concerned, travellers could 90 to and
from, pass and repass, and no Indian would
disturb or modest them or their property.
"In regard to my drafts, it appears that the
Department is indisposed to paw them for
what reason, am at a loss to conjecture. am
aware that Congress separated the Office of
Superintendent of Indian Affairs from that of
Governor; that the salary remained the same
for his gubernatoria duties; and that the So
perintendents was 81 1900. do think (inas.
much as performed the duties of both ofices)
that am entitled to the pay appropriated for
it, and trust that you will so consider it.
81 have drawn again for the expenditure of
this present quarter, as above set forth. Of
course you will do as you please about paying,
as you have with the drafts for the last two
quarters.
"The Department has often manifested ap-
prevail of the management of the Indian affairs
in this superintendeney, and never its disap-
proval. Why, then, should l be subjected to
such annoyances, in regard to the funds for de-
frayiug its expenses? Why should 1 be denied
my salary2 Why should appropriations, made
for the benefit of Indians of this Territory be
retained in the Treasury, and individuals left
unpaid These are questions leave for you
to answer at your leisure, and in the mean