Arizona miner., 1867-06-29
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE.

VA SHNhlaHOh nere k3nce our last issue, are
without foundation, and that the Alta Cali
yorntd report, upon which they were based,
was written through supposition that Ma
Jor Price, who has taken command at Mo-
have, was 10 supercede Gen. Gregg. We
are also pleased TO see by the orders compli-
menting Capt. Williams, that Gen Mellow
ell understands the Importance Of the fights
made by that energetic officer Again we
are grstifisd 30 be able 20 believe that in the
modification Of the orders Of Gen. Gregg,
concerning certain Indian tribes, Gen Nc
Dowell has not stopped the war upon
those Indians west Of here known 70 BE hos
tile. We approved Gen Gregg's orders be
heving the system Of passes to be an errone-
Gus one, and thinking il safe to consider all
Indians found wandering from the Colorado
rs upon no friendly mission. We still think
Gen. Gregg was right, and that General
Mcdowell in objecting in any way TO his or
ders has acted upon representations which
were incorrect and unwarrantable, but so
plausibly made 10 him as TO prevent supi-
eion.
As we have repeatedly said in these col
umns, we know Gen Mcdowell 20 be deeply
interested in the opening Of Arizona lie
believes in the country, which is great
point in our favor. He has studied its past
history. and has unlimited confidence in its
future. No part Of the large department
under his command receives more Of his at
tention, yet he labors and has labored under
great disadvantage. He is too far away to
clearly comprehend the state Of affairs here,
from time 20 time, and what military move
ments should or should not be made His
stand point Is not good one, and under the
circumstances, after long and careful obser-
vstion, IL is our Judgment that If be would
have military success in Arizona, be must
agree TO one Of three things, riz: First 10
establish his head quarters here at the seat
of war and leave the routine duties at San
Francisco to a subordinate second TO permit
this to be made distinct department, or third
to give far greater discretionary powers TO
the commanding officers now here, or who
may be sent here.
We can understand why Colonies Lowell
shd Wsiien were somewhat restricted in
their powers, but why Gregg and Crittenden,
who were chosen in view Of their capacity
and experience, and in whom Gen Mcdowell
has declared his confidence, should be 50 re-
stricted, we do not comprehend, and while
.hey are they can render no extensive sery-
ice.
IL the Territory is to remain a district as
Il is, with Gen Mcdowell in command, and
lis head quarters a thousand miles away, be
owes IL TO himself as well as to our people,
20 at once clothe his chief officers here with
far greater discretionary powers than they
now have. Or IL be Is unwilling so to clothc
the officers now here he should lose no time /
in sending their successors so empowered. /
Experience has abundantly shown not alone I
tie Inconvenience but the al.solnte ininry ]
the service here has suffered from the DELAY 1
in communicating with Department head
quarters upon every matter, and misunder-
standings have been frequent and annoying. 4
For instance, bad Gen. Mcdowell been here 4
he would not in our opinion, have objected
TO Gen. Gregg's orders, or asked their modi-
fcation, or had Gen Gregg been given dis
cretionary power, and held responsible for
its exercise, there would have been no inter-
ference at San Francisco.
Gregg and Crittenden, and the other com
msnding officers, should, in our Judgment,
have all 70 say about the establishment or
abandonment Of post, the movement Of
troops and stores, the assignment Of subordi-
nate officers, and the whole question Of how
and when and where to fight, or 10 favor, the |
Indians should be left 10 them. In a word
the Territory should be given 10 their charge
IS field for them TO command and regulate 4
in what, from constant observation upon the .
the ground, they believe the best way TO pro- 1
tect life and property and hasten the subju- |
CATION 81 the aborigines. At the same time 1
they should be held to strict accountability /
by the department commander, making fire. |
quent reports TO head quarters, and under |
standing that inactivity, indiscretion, or UNI
satisfactory results, will lead 20 prompt su-
procedure.
Let this be done, and adequate troops |
be sent here, and the change for the better
will be early and marked. The officers feel. |
ing an independence and responsibility, which |
they have not had, will naturally increase
their vigilance, and having the power 10 take .
at che instant steps upon which they now
often have 20 consult with head quarters for
many weeks, they ran have full advantage
n the situation, and work wonders compared
nth wbat they have hitherto achieved
As the people like Gregg, Crittenden and
consider them competent men, we presume
she popular will would be satisfied with this
reasonable and we may say necessary in
crease Of power, but il il is not given them
il will surely be urged that Gen. Mcdowell