The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-01-31
WASHINGTON
Commissioner PleasantOn OH the
Income Tax.

Income Tax.
WASHINGTON, January 30.-In a re-
cent conversation with prominent New
Workers G General Pleasanton said he was
receiving: at least twenty letters from
the West to every one from New York
and other seaboard cities, in support OF
the position he had assumed on the in
come tax. He was animated by no
other desire than to get rid Of the vexa-
tious and inquisitorial tax, whose re-
turns did not justify, in his opinion, the
cost of collecting. His attention was
called to a statement made by Senator
Sherman, that there were not more
than 10000 persons in the country liable
to pay this tax under the present ex-
emption. General Pleasanton says he
had not examined the statistics on this
point, though he doubted the correct
ness of the statement. As under the
one thousand dollar exemption there
were seven hundred thousand liable to
tax, it hardly seemed probable that
there were not more than the number
mentioned. by the Senator having
annual incomes OF over fOrty-two thou
sand dollars.
The IndianS-MessaRe from the Pres.
ident.
WASHINGTON, January 30.-The Pres
ident sent to Congress to-day the follow
ing message:
To tie Senate ard Hocs> Of Representa-
hpeS
transmit herewith an official copy
OF the proceedings Of the Council of
Indian tribes held at Okmulgee in De-
cember last, which resulted in the
adoption of declaration Of rights and
constitution for their government to-
gether with copy Of the report Of the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs and the
views of the Secretary OF the Interior
thereon. 1t would seem highly desir-
able that the civilized Indians Of the
country should be encouraged in estab'
lishing for themselves form of terri
torial government compatible with the
constitution of the United States and
with the previous customs towards com
IN unities lying outside of State limits.
concur in the views expressed by the
Secretary of the Interior, that it would
not be advisable to receive the territory
with the constitution as now framed.
So long as the territorial form of gov
ernment is preserved Congress should
hold the power of approving or
disapproving of oil Legislative ac-
ton Of the territory, and the Execu-
tive should, with the advice and
consent of the Senate, have power TO
appoint all military and judicial Off
GERS, and possibly some others, Of said
territory. This is the first Indication
Of the aborigines desiring to adopt our
form Of government, and it is highly
desirable that they become selfsustaiD'
ing, self-relying, Christianized and civil
lied. II successful in this their first
attempt at territorial government, we
may hope for the gradual concentration
of other Indians in new territory. |
therefore recommend as close adhe
renee to their wishes as is consistent
with safety. 1t might be we'll to limit
the appointment Of all territorial Of
icers appointed by the Executive, to
native citizens of the territory. If any
exception is made to this rule, would
recommend that it should be limited to
the judiciary. 1t is confidently .h;,ped
that the policy now being pursued to-
ward the Indian will fit him for self
government and make him desire to
settle among the people Of his own
race, where he can enjoy the full privi-
lege of civil and enlightened govern
ment.
[Signed] L. S. GRANT.