Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-10-25
Indian Hostilities East Of the Mountains.

Indian Hostilities East Of the Mountains
Notwithstanding the efforts that were mad.
by Government officers in this Military De-
partment, and our able and energetic Gov
ernor. to prevent d.prelations by the Indi
ans, many lives have been lost upon the plains
this season. We are not disposed to attach
blame to to any one noe connected with the
Military Department. We believe that Gen
Wright and Col. Stcinberger have co operat.
ed with our Governor to tho full extent of the
means placed at their disposal to secure the
safety Of both miners and emigrants the past
season. The fsmer commander, Gen. John.
son, was undoubtedly censurable for not chas-
Using the Indians about Grand Ronde and
Fort Hall the summer after the murder OF the
Van Norman train, and not establishing a
military post somewhere between Fort Boise
and Salmon Falls. Had this been done in
1860. the many lives which have since been
sacrificed might have been saved.
1t is believed that 10 misfortune Of this
character has occurred to emigrants who sub
mitted themselves to the control Of Capt.
Crawford, who was specially charged with
the protection Of the emigrants to Dragon and
Washington. Many declined the protection
provided by Government, and in their eager
ness to reach the gold fields rushed ahead in a
a c,reless disorganized manner. and the COLI
sequences have proven disastrous. They pre-
ferred to take the chances Of their own pro-
lection, and, therefore, have no one to blame
but themselves.
Governor Pickering, in response to the ear.
nest requests Of citizens and miners at Lew
iston and vicinity, and in Powder river valley.
is endcavoring to induce our military COM
mauders to allow the force now stationed in
that section to remain, and in the Spring to
to send out five or six companies more, with
orders to punish the Indians for the outrages
they have committed.
1t is urged by few that troops cannot be
retained in that osali,y with atty
during the winter. We do not believe
this Supplies can be sent to Lewiston and
the Powder river country for month to come
without difficulty, and animals can be win
tered without incuniug much loss. But sup
pose tho stock should be lost, what would it
BE- in comparison with the sacrifice Of a single
family which has settled there after the weary
journey across the plains. If the policy rec
commended by the Governor is adopted, and
the Indians are punished as they well merit,
We shall have permanent peace, and emf
grants will hereafter pass through that hostile
region Of country unmolestcd. II it is not.
there will BE- no security for emisrants, with
out the protection of strong military escort.
for years to come.
1t is our opinion that the formation Of a
military department Of Oregon and Washing
ton would greatly promote the efficiency of
the service, and We hope the delegation from
the section interested will urge this upon the
Secretary of War. While We have all conf
dcnce ia Gen. Wright. we have equal faith in
the ability and discretion Of Gen. Alvortl, NOW
in command Of this district. 1t can bc de-
monstrnted beyond all doubt that the forma-
ton Of this district into separate department
would save an immense sum ench year to the
Government. and give additional security to
our extended and exposed frontier. The
scene Of disturbance is about fifteen hundred
mile distant from the headquarters Of tho
Department, making travel Of some three
thousand miles before an important army
movement can be made. This delay is often
productive Of most disasterous consequences
to immigrants and he settlers on our frontier.
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