Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1869-04-20
DEALING WITH THE RED MAN.

osuhtOE huEiau uas PioPVseu q oih t"
relation to Indian affairs, which is in
tended to make a complete change in
the method Of dealing with the red
mau. He would have a declaration
made by Congress to the effect that
hereafter no treaties are to be made
with Indian tribes in this country, and
that no money shall be paid for the pur-
chase of lands upon agreements yet to
be made, unless the same is ratified by
special Acts Of Congress. Mr.. Harlan,
in fact, desires to change the practice,
which has been usual ia this country,
in dealing with the Indians, since the
commencement Of the European settle
meuts. The Indian has, from time i'm
memorial, retained the tribal relation.
Mr.. Harlan proposes that he shall be-
come homogeneous, aud not be recog
nized rs having any rights which are
his indispu;ahly. 1t has been the u
tom Of the United States to extin-
guish Indian title to land by treaty and
purchase, ever since the Federal Gov
eminent has been established. 1t has
been found to be u wise policy, even If
it should have been M expensive one.
Its Justice no one can doubt. Mr.. Har-
Ian seems to suppose that the day for a
different method of dealing has arrived.
He will break up the aboriginal custom,
which has inclined the Indian to tho
tribal form of government. He will no
longer regard Indian habits, education,
or preiudices. The Indian is to cease to
be q special individual, having rights
which white men are bound TO respect.
If he chooses to keep up his connec-
lions with his tribe he may do it, but
from henceforth Mr.. Harlan desires that
the United States shall discountcnance
such absurd political distinctions MS
would give to Indians a nationality.
The Indian may paint his face and dec
crate his hair with feathers, but hence
forth he is to be as common rs n white
man, indeed of less Importance, because
he will still be an Indian, uutaxed. In
regard to The proposition Of the Senator
from Iowa, ths, the Indian shall not be
paid for the lands which he believes to
be his, the Hartmann method OF action,
if adopted, will have the merit OF
being summary. Henceforth we are to
say to Mr.. Indian, ave W these
lands. Ifyou suppose thatthey are yours
you are greatly mistaken. 1t is true
that we have bought many acres from
you aud your fellows, but that was n
condescension which We no longer
allow. Heuceforth You get nothing
The idea is a plain and simple one.
Our policy hereafter with Indians, Mr..
Harlan suggests, is to be like that OF {"
to n subdued people. No
account is to be taken Of aboriginal
prejudices, and no consideration is to
be given TO wha. we have heretofore
admitted to be their rights. We can
settle the Indian problem in that way
very soon, and if we resolve that we
shall do so, perhaps temporarily to our
own satisfaction. But ear we settle
the Indians? Will they submit to
what, according to their reason and
prejudices, would seem to be grossly
wrong? We fear that they would not,
To them the new law would seem to be
grossly unjust. They w~ouldE.resist at
all hazards, and one of the most OK.
peusive aud bloody Indian wars which
we have yet had to encounter, would
be the terrible sequel of n law like
this.