Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1868-11-27

WASHINGTON. November 20
Gen. Sherman's report Of affairs in the
Military Division Of the Missouri, has just
been received 1t the War Department, to-
gether with the reports of Gems. Sheridan,
Augur and Terry. Gen. Sherman says
that these reports show that while the
country generally has been at peace, the
people on the Plains and the troops Of bis
command have been constantly at war. He
says he has studied to find some lasting
remedy for this war, but without success.
Our people will settle on the frontiers and
travel without precautions and run after
Wild reports Of gold discoveries, and thus
come in contact with wild savsges; SUR
veys Of public lands continue to be ex-
tended and patents granted to occupants
to build railroads and establish mail routes
as though all was peaceful. Over all
these matters the military authorities have
no control, yet they are called upon for
protection and subjected to all the kicks
and cuffs without the privilege of advis-
ing or being consulted. So long IS these
things continue, the military forces onthe
frontier can not be reduced. He had
been directed by the President to subordi.
nate the acts Of all the troops to whatever
plan of action the late Preace Commits
sioners might adopt. This Commission
unanimously agreed that all the Indians
east of the Rocky Mountains should, as
soon as possible, be collected on reserva-
tions as far as possible from white settle.
ments and lines Of travel, and be main.
tanned By the United States till they can
provide for themselves. Other provisions
were made, all of which we're wise and
judicious. Councils had been held by the
Peace Commissioners with all, or nearly
all, of the tribes. Formal written trea-
ties we're made, and nearly all confirmed
by the Senate, but for some reason Con-
gress did not take action on the chief
proposition Of the Com mission, which re-
lated TO setting apart the reservations and
providing government for the Indians.
The people bad said this was the cause Of
the failure in securing lasting peace. IL
Is always difficult to learn the cause Of
war on the part Of the Indians, as they
never give notice beforehand Of hostile
intention. The General gives rs near as
he can learn, the reason OF the war. In
General Sheridan's Department 1.-THE Indians
charged the government with not keep
ing faith; that their game had been driven
away by building the Powder River Road
and the Union Pacihc Railroad. The
Commissioners consented, and recon mend
that the construction Of the former be dis.
continued. IL was, however, August be.
fore the posts could be withdraw, and the
Indians followed up the parties having
the stores In charge and wade raids upon
them. They ,hosgh, shs netion Of govern.
ment was inspired By fear, sad they so
informed the other tribes, urging them 10
become hostile and they wssid drive the
troops out OF other pests and force the
Abandonment OF the Smoky Hill line,
which runs through the best hnRalo hunt
ing grounds In Amsrisa. The General
then proceeds to rscite IN detail the
hosiiliiies Of the Indians, which have III.
ready been published, 10 show lhns lie
government agents gave them only the
kindest treatment, with one exceptions,
that Of tho agent at Lcayenwsrth. Tbs
soldiers, knowing an Indian war was alp
work. and no glory, submitted 10 many
indignities, hoping that tho Peace Com
mission would secure the Withdrawal Of
the lndians. Gen. sheridap found on
investigation that attacks en- the settlers
Of the salise, solomon sad Republican
were without prevesatien, yet Ne delayed
striking their eamps until no had deman-
ded the actual pespstrators OF tho acts
This demand failed ~ success, ~ tho old
chiefs could not give up 80 many OF their
young warriors. War was then CONNER need
along tho smoky Hin and Arkansas rosds,
BY tho Indians attacking all white people,
who knew nothing of The renewed ho~ssIs.
Ties. General Sheridan, seeing war with
The Cheyennes inevitable, endenyored 10
keep the Arapahoes out Of IL. 10
souneil With them, they agreed TO keep
put OF the war ssd 70 10 tho reservations.
instead, however, 10 tho time they agreed
10 move they we're In war. Tho kIowas
aud Camanches acted In the anne way.
Generals sherman give dispatches from
Territorial GoverneYs, settling forth The
hostile acts OF those 1ndians, The Gov.
'rnor Of Kansas was especially res,ise
under the buteheries perpeiratsa In that
state, and rendered volunteer cavalry 10
General Sherman. General Sheridan was
doing oil he posslbly could TO afford pro.
lection, but With limited number Of
troops, he could not follow the Indiana
% their remote retreats. General shsri.
ian asked General Grant for more cavalry,
md II was promptly furnished, aud on the
jth OF October, the Secretary Of War an.
horized the acceptance Of one mounted
regiment Of Kansas volunteers for six
moths. General Sheridan expects 10 get
hese In the Geld In November, and also
expects during tho coming winter 10 20
,unish these hostile Indians that they will
rot again resort 10 war. General sher.
nan believes no will meet with all the suo.
loss he expects II Ia idle for us longer
o attempt 10 occupy the plains In com
non with these Indians, for the country IL
Tot susceptible of close settlement With
hrmers like Missouri aud Iowa, and ID
daptod solely 10 grazing. All our PEG.
'le there arc necessarily scattered aud
ave more or less cattle aud horses which
empt tho Indian, hungry, and Il may DO
tarvine. for the want Of hIs accustomed
'ame, and he would steal rather than
tarys. and 10 steal he will not hesitate TO
III. Therefore Joint occupation Of that
district OF the country by these two classes
4 people with such opposing interests, 10
simple impossibilliy. The Peace Com
Mission has assigned them q reservation,
ghIeh. II held for fifty years, will make
heir desee ndanis rich, and In the mean