The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-22

OTeROn The Cn1tcd STATES nave had TWO DEVIOUS
fights with the Msdocs, and, believe, the govern.
ment was victorious; but, think, we might call
1t q draw on such occasion in 1855 and 1868.
REPoRTER-Do you believe that the M0docs have
escaped from the lava beds, and that II they have
Secretary CREE-Ido. They can get into some
range OF mountains where there IL nothing but q
trail or path which could only be followed by prac-
not even Infantry, without speaking o. cavalry
or artillery, could follow them thther. The noun
tains are fun q streams in w, which cn are
k s to S'0' be had A'I FOR the w catching
or shooting, II they wish to stay in the lava beds
more to the SOUTH and number about $500. They
are on bad terms with the Modocs. They have
Geen on reservation, ana ala gooa a auny
attempt to move the Modocs or their reser-
rotary Of the Interior 1t resulted from a change
IN local superintendent and the promise made by
the returning superintendent was not thought OF
preserving reservation, which was about six
miles square In extent and was q good fish and
grazing country. The people in Yreka advised
them not TO leave the reservation, and letters from
citizens OF that place were found upon the Modocs,
one OF which was from Captain Jacks lawyer at
freka, advising MIN to stay where he was and not
allow himself to he displaced
REPoRTER-We. now would like to know what
will be the policy OF the Peace and Indian Commits
sion who meet tomorrow.
Secretary CREE-0ur policy has never been
changed, ana mas always been right; We have
them over to the War. Department. The policy OF
the Commission has been working admirably.
although It is possible that the Snakes may give
some trouble
The HERARD reporter next conversed with Mr.
Robert Campbell, of ST. Louis. another OF the In
dian Commissioners. Mr.. Campbell is tall old
gentleman, with smooth face, rosy cheeks and
a pleasant, hearty manner. He received the re-
preventative OF the HERALD with much pOliteness.
The following is the substance OF the interview
REroRTER-l presume the Commissioners nave
not decided as yet upon any liked policy
Mr.. CAMPBEIL-Well, we have really nothing to
do with the Indian policy Of the government. The
President alone has the power to determine the
policy OF the government. We are simply ap-
pointed to aid HIM and to see that his policy Is
faithfully carried out.
REpoRTER-Do you think the treachery OF the
Modocs will bring about change in the Indian
policy
40 with that-we were SIMPLY appointed to ala
the President in carrying cut his policy AT the
very first meeting OF the Commissioners we adopted
resolution that no member should
RECOMMEND ANY ONE FOR OFFICE,
so as to leave free to investigate the conduct OF
any person. The object OF our appointment was to
overlook the whole indian Department, ana TO as
sist the Commissioners OF Indian Affairs in making
the purchases for the Indians.
this cityY
Mr.. CAMPBELL-Our object is to open the bids for
tised in this mornings HERALD. The committee,
consisting Of George II. Stuart, william +. Dodge,
John Y. Farwell and myself, Will do that tomorrow
REPoRTER-Win there not be general meeting
Of all the commissioners tomorrow?
Mr.. CAMPBELL-We were to have held tonight q
meeting OF the General Commission, but Mr..
Brunot, our chairman, has to bury his mother to-
day, and so we were compelled to postpone the
meeting.
REroRrER-Can you give me an idea Of the object
OF this general meetngY
to have been for the purpose OF sending out
different committees in different directions to
examine
INTO THE CONDITION OF THE INDIANS
&c. We should then report to the President
REPoRTER-What viii be the result OF the war
against the ModocsY
Mr.. CAMpBELL-I trust that 1t will lead to the ex-
termination OF the whole tribe. General Candy,
whom they SO basely murdered, was as noble q
their treachery will eventually give US peace.
have always thought that where war was absO-
ey aey could ne not o0 We
to strike as heavy blows as possible for the
purpose OF producing peace. trust that the pun
isnment OF the Modocs will be a terrible one. The
punishment OF this tribe would be a great punish
ment to others. and be = saving OF lives. think
the more severe the punishment the better the
REPORTER-What do the Commissioners say Of
the HERALD commissioners part In the campaign
has certainly shown good deal Of courage and
bravery. He did just right. The only way to fight
them is to do what they do-take all the advantage
we can.
REpoeTEE-How do you generally make the pur.
chases for the indiansS
Mr.. CAMPBELL-Well, we open the bids and keep
the samples till experts from different parts OF the
country are selected. When the articles are de-
llvered
THEY COMPARE THEM WITH THE SAMPLES
and II they are not OF the same quality they are
rejected.
REPoRTER-Do You think the present difficulty
will lead to general war against the lndiansS
Mr.. CAMPBELI-0h, l think not. i can only
give you my opinion as private individual on this
point, but think not.
REPoRTER-How long will the Commissioners
remain in the cty2
Mr.. CAMPpELL-Well, we shall be in session three
days to do the work connected with the making
OF the purchases, and then we shall probably mold
our general meeting to divide ourselves into CON-
mittees and to decide where the different commit
tees are to 60. In October there will be a meet
ing OF the Commissioners In the West to pre-
pare our report
Here Mr. Campbell was called away by a gentle
man VINO had to see him on important business,
and the reporter took his leave.
THE NEW CHARTER.