The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-07-02
LATEST FROM WASHINGTON.
Special kilograms to the Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, July l, 1870.
Indians on the War-Paah.

Special kilograms to the Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, July l, 1870.
Indians OH the war-PaaHl.
There is now no doubt that the Indians
both in the northwestern and southern
reservations and country are on the war path
in earnest. General Sherman to-day received
several telegraphlc communications and
letters from General Sheridan giving de-
tailed accounts Of the state of affairs in the
Indian country. In every section the In
dams are on the war-path. Seven different
bands, fully armed and equipped, passed
over the Pacific railrond below Fort saun-
ders on Monday last for the ostensible pur-
pose Of going down to hunt for the elk,
but neither General Sherman or General
Sheridan believe this is the commission.
The Indians are already off their reserva-
lions and evidently mean mischietr. -
General Sherman says the whole Indian
people seem to be in restless condition,
and that from the general information he
receives from all sources he has no doubt
they mean war.
General Sheridan states that he found a
number Of the bands in some cases over
900 miles from their reservations. In 3
number of their villages he found large guam
titles of stolen property, which they accu-
mulate upon each raid they make at q dis
lance. ..... i.
The accounts of the atrocities of the far
south Indians are confirmed, and General
Sheridan looks every day for an outbreak
from the Sioux. He has distributed his
forces and made preparations for defence,
but he has not force enough to take active
offensive measures if a general war should
commence. He has no hope of anything
good from Red Cloud and his chiefs, and
says Red Cloud cannot by any means con-
troll the Sioux nation and that. indeed, no
Indian chief can speak for his young men,
as the latter are always for war.
General Sherman endorses these opinions,
but states that he to-day feels more concern
about the state of Indian affairs than he
ever did before. He is satisfied the Indians
have been only dallying about matters for
several months past, and that their striking
blow is not matter of doubt with him
now; but when the blow may be struck is
the perplexing question. He says Red
Cloud and his band left the line of the
railroad last Monday, and should be at Fort
Laramie to-day, where some 200 lodges of
Red Clouds people are waiting to receive
him. Their actions and course will be closely
watched. The General has no confidence
in Red Cloud, and thinks the Indian chiefs
are too smart for the Indian agents, and lac
says the plain truth of the matter Is that
the Indian cares only for the agent who
carries the gun-the armed soldier.
The Darien Ship Canal Expedition.
Captain Selfridge, who had command OF
the Darien Ship Canal Expedition, arrived.
in New York on board his flagship "Nigi-
sic" yesterday, and reported in person at
the Navy Department to-day. He made Il
lengthy verbal report of the results of the
expedition to Secretary Robson and Vice
Admiral Porter, and subsequently accom-
panied the Secretary to the White House,
where he explained to the President and
the members of the Cabinet the result Of
the different surveys and the chances for
the success of the enterprise.
The Caledonia and the Morti routes, both
thoroughly surveyed, are pronounced by
Captain Selfridge to be impra cticable. He
says the San Bias route can be made sue
cessful but he had not finished surveying
| the latter route when the rainy season COM
menced, which, together with the exhaus-
ton Of supplies, clothing, ETC., compelled
him to abandon farther progress for the pre-
sent. This route includes twelve miles of the
Bayamo river, which is eighteen feet at low
| tide and twenty-eight feet at high tide,
with an excellent surrounding country
and twenty-siX miles Of mountains or high
bills. He says there is no doubt the canal
can be cut through these mountains from
ocean to ocean, and the only thing now to
be considered is the cost. He suggests that
if this Government feels unable to under
take the work it ought to make PROPOSE
ton to the great Powers of Europe, and
make the canal an international enterprise,
with guarantees from all the Powers for its
preservation and safety, and each to bear
the same proportion of the expenses.
Captain Selfridge's report and explana-
tions were highly complimented by the
President, the Cabinet officers, and Ad-
miral Porter.
General Grant was much pleased with the
results of the expedition so far, and stated
that he would recommend to Congress
further appropriations for the enterprise,
and appeared to think that this country
should do all the work itself and take all the
benefits. -..'"
Captain selfridge was to-day relieved
from the command of the Nipsic and Or
dered to the Portland to prepare for the
renewal of the survey next fall. He says
he lost one man by drowning, three by de-
sertion, and that the general health of the
fleet officers and men was excellent con-
sidering the disagreeable rainy season.
Secretary Fish
left tonight for New York, where he will
spend the Fourth as the guest of the Society
of Cincinnatus, of which he is president.
Mrs. Fish left here yesterday for her
country residence in New York, where she
win spend the summer. ...~as. 81,
The Investigating Committee
Amounted to exa mine affairs of the Bureau
of Engraving and Printing of the Treasury
Department report the money, stamps, and
bank-note paper all accounted. for to a