New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-04-04
JUSTIFICATION OF THE PECAN MAS
CjCPE


We are favored 10y Hon. ]. NJ. Cavanaugh, del.
egate from Montana, with sundry documents
put forth by his constituents in justification
aud approval of the late butcheIy of Indian
women and children by L. S. troops led by
Col. f. NJ. Baker. After o catalogue of muir.
ders of Whites by Indians ut various times
since 1868 Out no hint at murders of Indians
by Whites recent meeting at Helena summed
up the case rs follows:
Whereas Much severe aud unjust censurc ia INDUCED
and circulated in the East against Col Baker and tho
troops uuder his command engaged In the ohas
tisemen Of the Pegau Indians the Marias River IN this
Territory; And ,cersas, convinced that those
based upOn misrepresentation Of facts and
still upon Misunderstanding of the true Indian
character; therefore bsit
Resorod 6y the Citizens of Montana ia ~eefing
assembled. After digent investigation OF tbe facts
corning the socaed massacre and candid review OF the
same
First That in orr Judgment tho longcontinled and
oft.repeated acts Of murder and pilage committed by
this tribe OF Indians. counting among the victims some OF
nobest and most worthy citIens, like the iamented
Aucvini and BurTus. and eliminating In the murder OF
Oldest and most respected citizen, the late Malcolm
Clarke. under circumstances Of peculiar strOcity and
treachery demanded signal and exemplary punshent.
Second That the ooWarlly nature of the Indian Yen.
dors it necessary to setk him ia his camp, among his
sQuaws and children when confined by the rigor Of tie
season. and fight him IN his own chosen style.
Third That in opinion 1t IL the first and highest
duty Of the Government enectualy protect its ci
Iens In all places. At all times. and at any To
courage the hardy advontursr who seeks to develop the
OF the country aud assure him safety IN per
son. property. and family and shaever severity " re.
taatiou necessary this end should not be
barbarity.
Fourth: That 10 our opinion. Col Baker aud his com
mand dischsf~d disagreeabe duty faithfully aud de.
serve the standardization aud gratitude OF tbs whole
country.
FIN; That we believe the only class Of citizens
who camor OF cruelty ore found pDg those who cluster
around the agencies and whose gains the sale
Of whisky and ammunition TO the Indiana and who ira
equally guilty Of che crimes they sommit
Sinh: That IL is the duty Of our Government to pre-
vent the tO~led trading posts In British America from
supplying the indians in their mui ierng expe
against our oitzsns; and the better to sec ire the object
herein named, we ask tho cooperation OF our Delegate I'm
CODgrcss
Seetnm: That we fsc'a.m all cruel and yndlct,ye feel
lug ngse INC INDIAN but es the post history OF our
country ma shown hiL 70 be robhcr ana murderer by
lhchhaloh ana education We believe our Government
SHOULD rai0ycohihe him to reservations at q distance
from White settlements. and compel hn TO cultivate tho
soil aud earn s bread BY the sweat Oh his brow as the
Lord has commanded.
Eghh: That the thanks OF the people OF the Territory
arc emnenty due and are hereby rendered 10 lteyet
Leut-Co L. NJ Baker and the officers and soldiers 81
bis command. To Brovot ErgGeh. l.. Do Trolrland Ia
MajorGen. ". 8. Hancock Lieut. Cen T.. H. Sheridan
aud Gen W I sherman. fcI tho humane desire they
have nanhested for Tue otecHvn o tho Yos Of tue poo