New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-04-23
LIE MODOC CAMPAIGN.


The latest intelligence from the modoc
country gives new view of the eituation'
1t is uncertain whether, rs formerly reporteo'
the Indians have escaped from their fastness.
Part of the lava beds is occupied by the
military forces but in somo of tho caves
which abound in that region is supposed W
bc the greater portion of the band. DIS
patches from the seat of war speak OF fortln-
cations being thrown UP by our troops, 10 de-
fend the water line. This refers to an attempt
to keep the Indians in the lava beds away
from their only source Of water-supply-luie
Lake Tins sheet of water lies north OF the
rocky tract held by the Modocs, and Is just
south of the Oregon and California boundary
line. On another page Of THE TRIBUNE we
print an accurate and clear map OF the region
a copy of the official map prepared by the u
s. Typographical Engineers engaged In inc
latest boundary survey. 1t VIII materiaiy
assist the reader in arriving at far under-
standing of tho situation by which hanoiui
of savages can keep at bay considerable
force of regular troops. The country, IL VIII
he observed, is broken into mountainous ridges.
These are cut by innumerable sharp defles
or caiions, which afford facile means OF escape
Other portions of the region are belted with low,
swampy tracts called tule-lands. The tule Is
tall, coarse plant which grows in thick masses
to q great hight in wet or half-overfowed
lands 1t is difficult TO penetrate Its tangled
growth, and 1t is favorite retreat OF the
pursued and wary Indians. With occasional
belts of tulc, caves Of refuge, underground
passages, and rocky ridges and defles to con-
Lo,v Pa n
besieglng or pursuing the Modocs.
The official mismanagemeDt which led 10
this unhappy state of affairs is under review.
The whole question of our treatment OF the
Indians is discussed from all possible points
of view. In this issue we present two or three
contributions to the general fund OF informa-
ton on this subject which our readers will
find of value. Pertinent to the relation OF the
white settlers to the Indians, is the story OF
the Ben Wright massacre of the ModOcs, as it
is called, which took place IN 1852. This tale
has been variously told and usually with dis
tortions. The entirely trustworthy account
which We give herewith is dark chapter
in the history of our Indian relations.
On the other hand, q lady who has had much
painful experience among the Indian fright
eneu settlers on INC NOTlH- w cslcIH llohliCi
gives us such picture of savage atrOcity and
governmental inaptitude as can only be seen
by those who have had some share in the
terrors Of an Indian war in Minnesota. 1t
must needs be that some coherent, uniform,
and settled policy towards the Indians shall
come ont of all the chaos and confusion into
which the horrible outburst in Oregon
has precipitated us. There has been
n great deal of talk about this,
that and tho other policy. There has been no
policy. We do not mean specially to point
any such criticism to the present Administra
ton The remark is unfortunately true of the
Government in its relations to the half-savage
tribes for years past. We have d1ifted along
in shiftless, slovenly way. There has been
some progress in the work of civilization
but the oppression, deception, and
whimsical variance Of treatment of
"the nations wards" have been some
thing sOrrOwful and exasperating to contem-
plate The good-natured nation has been
heavily fined for all this incompetency; the
chief element of the whole system may be
summed up in one Notwithstanding. While we
follow the avengers of Canby's death through
the rocky and watery maze of country in which
the Modocs are hiding, let us hope that the
issue will be such as shall surely prevent any
repetition of these bloody scenes.