Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-09-23
What am Indian War win Cost.

The Indian Commission, when at Omaha,
embraced the opportunity to learn the
views of certain military men as to the
number of troops which would be neces-
sary to wage successful campaign against
the Indians, either to subjugate or exter-
inmate them. General Augur stated that
he should need 10000 in his district, the
same number would be necessary for Gem
eral Haneock's district on the south, and
the same for General Terry on the north,
or go, 900 troops in all. He said that $4,000
of these should be cavalry and the remain
der infantry General Harney, member of
the Indian Commission, was interrogated.
His long experience in Indian warfare in
Florida in the Black Hawk war and on the
plains, invested his opinions On the subject
with much weight. He referred to the last
war against the Seminoles, which lasted six
millions of dollars finally ending, not in the
subjugation of the Seminoles, but in their
being bought off. He referred to the cour-
age, shrewdness and determination of
the Indians when pressed to an ex-
tremity, and to their ability to make long
war. He estimated the number of troops
necessary, in the event that war was inev-
liable, at 100, 900, three-quarters of them to
be cavalry. From these figures of these
two generals, we may form some estimate
of the money the people must be made to
pay. for an Indian war. General Augur
puts the number down at $4,000 cavalry
and Ia, 600 infantry. The cost of maintain
ing cavalry on the plains is $2,O00per man,
or ninety millions of dollars per annum for
5000 cavalry The cost of infantry is es-
timated at 81 ZOO per man, or fifteen mil
lions of dollars for $4,000 infantry, or one
hundred and five millions of dollars per
annum for 10000 troops. If the war lasts
five years we have the handsome sum OF
five hundred and twenty-five millions of
dollars to provide. If we take General
Harney's estimate of 100000 men, three
quarters cavalry, we have the sum of one
hundred and seventy-five millions to pro-
vide,or eight hundred and seventy-five mil
lions of dollars for five years. war. In view
4 of such probable expenditure, adding so
enormously to the burdens of people al
ready groaning under their burdens, it is
well to pause and see If war can be avoid
ed, and peaceful condition of the Indians
secured. 1t has been said by intelligent
persons, whose judgment and knowledge
are entitled to respect, that the real cause
of the present troubles with the Indians is
the bad faith of the government itself, or
its agents, through whom the Indians have
suffered innumerable wrongs. 1t is assert
ed that the Indians can readily be placated
by any reliable assurance that their rights
will be respected and the pledges of the
government be fulfilled. We presume that
the Indian Commission will aim chiefly to
pacify the resentment indulged by the In
dams, and to assure them of the good will
of the Government, and its purpose to
keep good faith. If this succeeds, very
well; and then let good faith be kept, and
dishonest agents be severely punished. If
this will not succeed, then comes war, and
$175, 100000 to be paid out each year.-St.
Lo,tis RepubLicdn.