The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-08
NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY,
WASHINGTON.

WASHlNGTONs April y, 1910.
God-Msde Garfield and the Flathoad
Indians-A Futile Commission.
Last year Congress passed an appropriation for
the removal OF the Flathead Indians from the Bitter
Root Valley, In Montana. to Q reservation some
nfty or sixty miles distant. which has been set
apart for them and other neighboring tribes. This
done at the urgent solicitation OF the settlers
IN the valley, who already number over fifteen
hundred and are rapidly increasing. They desired
to be freed from the Indians, and also to obtain
titles to their lands which could not be done until
the Indian title was extinguished. Delegate
Claggett urgently requested the appointment az
commissioner OF gentleman belonging to the
Pacific coast, who had extensive experience ana
much influence among these Indians. He was WIN
Governor Stevens, OF washington Territory, In all
his Indian expeditions. and had drawn up she
original treaty with the Flatheads In 1885, instead
of this General Garfield, OF Ohio, was selected as
the commissioner. 1t was said at the time that
he solicited the position for the purpose OF avoid
ing an active part in the Presidential campaign,
as he was somewhat doubtful which side TO take.
Whether this Just or not II Is very certain that
he was but lukewarm supporter OF PRESIDENT
Grant, and IL is equally certain that ne made
miserable failure In the attempted discharge OF the
duty assigned HIM. delegation from Montana
to-day had an interview with Secretary Deano.
the Commissioner OF Indian Affairs and the
Commissioner OF the General Land ONCE,
in which they stated that General Garfield
had not carried out his Instructions; that he had
simply taken the Chief OF the Fatheads to the
reservation on the locke River, told him to select
the place where he wished his tribe located, and
then the General returned East without waiting to
see the Indians removed; that the result is the
tribe still remains in the Bitter Root Valley, much
to the annoyance OF the settlers. The M0ntanians
think that Garfield had better have stayed at home
and allowed some more competent person the ar-
pointment. They insist now that the government
shall enforce the order OF removal.
Labor Claims by the Men ON the New
York Post once Building.
Apprehension has existed for some time among
the friends OF those interested in the issue the
Eight Hour law 1t anected the workingmen on the
United States Post ONCE and Court House at New
York that the First Comptroller had not all the
facts and light to enable him to reach just de-
cison on the claim made for the two hours retained
pay due them. General James R. O'Beirne to-day
called on the First Comptroller to submit new
argument in the premises, and to ask for copy OF
the papers already filed. The First Comptroller
exhibited interested attention, and signifed his
Willingness to furnish the desired copies. General
OBerne subsequently called on the Secretary OF the
Treasury, and will subsequently see the President
in order to endeav0r to secure an early and fav0ra
BILE adjustment OF the case. In his last decision
the first Comptroller takes the ground that the law
or Congress, passed in 1872 does not cover the
thority to pay these men, and holds. at present
advised, that an appropriation by Congress will be
requisite to meet the demands Of the claim. 1t Is
believed, however, by those having In charge the
interests OF these workingmen, that as no new
kind OF service Of special character is considered,
1t proper that they should be paid out OF the
rent appropriations to pay labor on the above
mentioned building. 1t is just to say that no pecu
MARY interest nor the advantage Of claim
agents impels the advocates OF the payment OF the
money believed to be due, and 1t Is desired, II pos
sible, to obtain redress from the general govern
ment without recourse to the Court OF Claims.
The senate Committee ON Transportat fon
left this evening for New York, where they will be
in session for few days at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
They will appoint subcommittee, TO visit different
places, East and West.
Another Waikiki Bank Dividend.
The Comptroller OF the Currency has declared o
second dividend OF twenty-five per cent In favor OF
the creditors OF the Waikiki National Bank OF New
York, making in all dividends OF fifty per cent.
The Mexican Frontier Commissions.
despatch from Laredo, Texas, dated April l,
says the United States Frontier Commission were
at New Laredo The Mexican Commission had held
q joint session with the American Commission on
the subject OF the disturbances