, 1865-09-04
TIE GREAT INDIAN P0W.woW,
Secretary narlansx lnatrnctIop4 to the
commissioners for ahe Fort smith
Meeting, September 1xi.

lffoM t1e LeaEenUosth Dul!ctln- eSth lilt]
II wll be interesting to our readers to know
something ot the Instructions which arc ia
control the Commissioners Ia their uegotIa.
tions with the Indians; and a. We have been
permitted to see cnpy Of the Instructions as
furnished By Secretary Harlan, we take pleas.
ufe In presenting q brief synopsis To our
They arc empowered to negotiate treaties
Or compacts With any or oil Of the Indian
tribes, and require them to lire in peace and
azni.y with the United States; and when diC.
tcEcnccs between themselves arise, the qucs-
tons at variance are to be referred 10 The Pro
s'dcnt. II Is intended that the indiana shall
organize, among themselves, civil govern
ment, containing guarantees Of the rights
and 11 R,'pf5' ss sas sss6a 4
some central point, whose Jurisdiction shall
be eo-extcnslvc with their territory, and
whose powers shall b. limited to general pur.
poses Of control and consolidation. The mem
hers Of such Commission are to be elected by
the resident tribes, pro rata, and with powers
the Congress Of the United States, and Il anf-
nosities exist between any Of the tribes which
prevent q reconciliation, they ART TO have n
separate organization, and be regarded as in
dependent Tribes. S1ayery among them Is to
be forever abolished. 1 large amount Of
bonds Issued By the Southern States before
the hands OF the Indians, represent enlY
nominal value. II the Indians desire It, these
bonds are to be sold for WiAt they will bring
IN open market, and the proceeds Invested fof
them in United States bonds, Treaties
which have heretofore been made
With tribes that have since been In hostility
70 the Government, are to be abrogated.
Treaties made With tribes who are incapable
Of making 0 Judicious use Of money, Shall
provide. That all aunnities shall be paid In
stock, goods, implements Of husbhndry, DC.
The Commissioners are to make 1,e Indians
understand that the tide of emigration Is pro-
PEELED by laws that arc beyond the Presidents
check the emigration that is 80 rapidly peo:
ping the praif3es and the forests with bet
ter civilization md that In view Of this suc-
cessful march Of habitation, their removal to.
reservations provided by the Government has
become essential. To secure to them tho un-.
shah be inserted prohibiting any white per
son, except duly appointed officers Of tho
Government, nom settling Or visiting their
The Commissioners are to ascertain the
actual Population Of each tribe and nation, and
locate them as far rs possible from the direct
routes Of travel over the plalns, and specially
ntipulate that any amendment to these trea-
Ties, which may be hereafter made by the
Senate Of the United States shall be binding
upon them. Tho attention Of the Commits.
sioners Is specially called to tbd establishment
of schools and benevolent societies, to the en- |
couIngc1ncnt Of agriculture ind other indus. |
trial pursuits, and by every means in their
power to reduce their nnorgnnized aud savage
mode Of life to something Of system and civil |
ixation.
Of course the whole subject Is left largely /
70 the discretion of the Commissioners but |
with such general rules for their action, aud |
Ehe high character Of the men to whom this !
York has been entrusted, we may hope for tho
most salutary md beneficial resulta