The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-11-30
THE INDIANS.

THE INDIANS.
Annual Report of Commissioner Parker.
The following passages from Commissioner Par
kers Indian report, just published, will be found to
cover the points OF most general INTEREST,"
Since date OF the last annual report OF this office,
our relations with the various Indian tribes have
outbreaks or demonstrations OF hostility, threaten
ing to involve any tribe in war with the Govern
ment, have occurred, and it may be truly asserted
exceptions are very few, and with these the pros
missing state OF affairs will exist in future.
THE PIEGAE MASSACRE.
Those with whom we have had, perhaps, the
greatest trouble are the Piegan Indian band Of the
Blackfeet Nation, who range in Montana and across
and into the British possessions. 1t is true that
of the past year have been guilty of frequent depre
datons upon the property OF the citizens OF Montana
the Territory demanded the privilege OF organizing
an ned party to punish the offenders. This
in order to afford them protection against the ma
rauders the small military force then in Montana
campaign was undertaken against them, but princi-
pay against the Piegan band, who were the greatest
Lieutenant-C Coionel T. M Baker of the United
States cavalry, attacked the camp of this band,
orn 6eg ch r1r on the the 1es 4a Of
which was the killing OF 49, among whom
were, 1t is reported, many women and children.
sion has been severely anifnadverted upon
by part OF the public press, and by persons in an
official capacity as well as by private individuals, it
is but just to the officer In command that his ver-
sion Of the matter should be received and impair
tally considered. He remarks, in his report to
General Sherman, that OF the number killed 120
were able bodied men, and 80 women and children.
That of captves afterward released there were 14O
women and children; and he declares the belief
that every effort was made by the officers and
to save the combatants and that the killing OF
women and children was accidental and unavod-
able. Although the conse quences were deplorable
yet they were efiectua in completely subduing the
Indians, and their entire relations have since
not only been quiet, but even solictous to
peace, end to guarantee their good behavior in
future Added to this trouble, brought upon them
selves by their evil doings, smallpox was at the
same time raging among the tribe, by which great
numbers We're swept away and much suffering
affected the Blackfeet, but prevailed largely among
the Assinaboine Gros Ventre, and River Crow tribes
on the IN Missouri % ;i rves, below Benton The depart
OF all the Indian tribes to the extent OF the means
provided by Congress and Is hoped that calamity
80 disastrous Will not soon occur again.
THE GRAND COUNCIL OF THE TRIBES
The various Indian tribes in Indian Territory were
during the past summer informed, through the
made an appropriation to pay the expenses OF a
general council provided for in the treaties with the
presentatiyes of several tribes accordnelv met at
OcEmulgee in the Creek country in the latter part
OF September last, but as all the tribes were not re-
presented, an adjournment until the 9Th of Decem-
ber next was agreed upon. The action of the coun-
Gill; so far as any policy is indicated by its proceed
1ngs, augurs very favorable results. Resolutions
We're passed advising the Cheyennes, Arapahoes,
Kiowas, Comsnehes and other nomadc tribes
friendly relations to the people OF the United tates
and inviting them to send delegates to he present
Council in December. Too much Importance can
not be given to the consideration of this measure,
them and Their posterity. Should the council be
conducted on the principles contemplated in the
treaties OF 1866 1t cannot but contribute to the ad-
yancement In all that constitutes prosperous and
happy people OF all the tribes Row inhaoitng In
dian territory, and be potent in its influences upon
One important result will be the establishment Of
more intimate relations with each other, in the re-
cognltion OF the bonds OF a common brotherhood,
and perhaps a confederation which will be tanta-
mount 10 aud accepted by Congress as territorial
government for the Indian Territory.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CLERGY AND THE INDIANS
IL is claimed by persons who, doubtless, are cog.
nlZant OF the fact that the Roman Catholic clergy
to whose counseis alone thew viii listen IF fhIs he
true IL Is certainly worthy OF consideration whether
tne announcement OF the Government should not
10 befriend this people TO enter upon the work and
use their best endeavors to subdue the untamed aud
warike nature OF these Apaches, and to induce tnem
TO abandon their rowing and predatory habits, &c
settle down In some industrial pursuit. and to enter
INTO ana maintain friendly relations with the whites
we nave reports from the military in Arizona and
from A. p; X Stafford, Governor that the Cayoteroi
I or White Mountain Apaches, l400 or 1900 in number
have expressed their desire to be at peace and
placed upon the reservation under the protection
the Governmental the opinion s entertained that
the Indian Bureau would take charge OF them bI
competent agents. and furnish them with seeds and
l. agricultural Implements their civilization would be
\ ultimately secured. For several years unpleasant
feeling has Deen growing between the citizens o.
Arizona and the Pima and :Marieopa Indians, whC
have extensive reservations upon the Gia river
An outbreak on the part OF the Indians would tenC
y to almost wholly depOpuate Central Arizona
Reports show that during the present year tn
conduct OF the Indians has been more insolent thar
ever They depredate upon property OF citizen
around them whenever IL pleases their fancy AM
the citizens have no remedy except retaliation, o
recourse to law-which is seldom undertaken 10
fear OF greater outrages and enmity OF the Indians
which might folio W in one case, or tardy and un
certain issue In another. Should the Souther
Pacc Railroad ever be constructed, it must almos
of necessity pass through the Pima lands, MarcOp
Reservation, in which event the condition OF thes
" Indians will be made much worse than at present
They now complain OF being too closely crowded b
white settlements around them, and assert with
great show OF truth, that lands secured to them b
The regular Spanish grant have been taken froH
them without their consent ana without any CON
pensation. They are, 10 some extent agricultural
lists and stock-ralsers, and ere they become NOR
dissatisfied and uncomfortable, the question shoul
be determined as to the extension OF their reserya
ton. which they insist upon, and which the Depart
ment has heretofore thought to be just, and recon
mended. Should this not be done, ample home