The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-09-12
Who Is Responsible !

any Oldle Vi Tie OnlOn.
The most powerful and ferocious tribes
of Indians on the continent have commenced
a war of determination all along our West
ern border, the barbarities of which already
committed, surpass the most savage atroci'
ties hitherto known in the whole history Of
Indian warfare.
Were there premonitions and warnings
Of this dreadful disaster to our people and
State? Were there any means of precau-
ton? or indications which counselled its
avoidance? Was there any one whose
duty it was to have foreseen the danger and
provided against it
These, to some persons among US in high
official station, may be startling questions,
which our duty as public journalists con-
strain our asking.
We know that popular opinion, at least,
among the people fleeing from the scenes of
horrible massacre, which are depopulatiDg
our State, has already answered these inter-
rogatories, pointing with terrible unanimity
to high official, saying "Thou art the
mani"
Is this opinion just Is this verdict ire
reversible? We would rejoice to be able
to answer in the negative; we will be
glad to see the negative established.
In the conduct of human affairs, CASUAL
ties and disasters often occur, surprising,
astounding, appalling whole communities,
which by the most president could not have
beer. foreseen, nor by the most circumspect
and cautious, reasonably feared.
But dangers that have numerous prece-
dents are constantly threatening the welfare
of society, the neglect Or disregard of which
by those in authority is criminal.
The common opinion of mankind settles
all these questions Of responsibility and
culpability by very short method of logic.
The commander of ship, the chief of
an army, the Governor of State, is held
responsible for reasonable foresight 10 the
care of the lives and interests of those en-
trusted to bis charge and for enlightened
judgment and solicitude, in their protection.
The ship captain who, disregardipg the
visible signs of danger, and the entreaties
of his crew and passengers, persists in wreck
ing his ship, will not be pardoned because
of diligence, when too late, in saving him.
self and few survivors. Nor is the mill,
tary commander who sacrifices the main
body of his army, in consequence of his con-
tempt of counsel and warning, or neglect,
ignorance and self.occupancy, excused, be-
cause in the rout be is vigilant to save him.
self and body.guard.
What, then, shall we say of Governors
responsibility and deserved retribution,
when we see and know that be is advised,
warned and entreated to provide against
threatening dangers of the most horrible as.
pect, and yet coolly, unfeelingy, stolidly
motions them away with his self sufficient
and impatient pooh, pools Yes, abso.
lutely refusing to entertain the subject,
until aArighted By the menacing tones of
desperation-until startled from his pre-
occupation with senatorial ambition, by the
crack of the rifle, the CLEAN of the scalping-
knife, the uplifting of the tomahawk, -four
ishing over the mangled bodies of an
uncared-for people, of women outraged and
butchered, children hewn to pieces, houses,
towns, whole counties pillaged and made
desoate many massacred by slow torture ;
in some instances nailed up alive on trees
and buildings, and left to die with incon.
ceivabIe. agony not only the defenceless,
but even forts, occupied by inadequate gar~
risons, besieged by the yelling savages-
presenting long catalogue of atrocities,
which neither pen can describe nor imagi-
nation portray.
What, then, we ask-painfully regretting
the duty-will be the estimate of Governor
RAMsEY's responsibility end just blame for
the massacre of hundreds, perhaps thou.
sands, of our fellow-citizens, the destruction
of settlements and towns, the consequent
immense expense to the Government, and
the ruin of the State?
The question is full of terrible sgnif-
canoe.
Than Governor Ramsey, no one better
knows the causes of complaint and irrita.
tion for years past existing among Mime.
sofa bands of the Dakota Nation.
He was one of the Commissioners who
bargained for and purchased their lands, for
which, according to treaty stipulations,
they were to receive in cash more than half
million dollars. He was the Superintend-
ent of Indian Affairs, who paid most Of
this money to traders -in disregard of the
protest of many of the Indians--for the
discharge of alleged claims against the