New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-03-27
THE NEW INDIAN COMMISSIONER.

ALLEGED BAD MANAGEMENT OF AN INDIAN AGENCY
To the Bdifor OF The Tribune.
SIR: Your columns have always been open
to those denied hearing elsewhere and In the faitf
that Horace Greeeys desire to do justice TO all still
animates your paper. / present fects reouttnG
reports set aloat from this city concerning certain
charges against Mr.. +. z. Smith, recently con
frmed Commissioner of Indian Affairs. These reports
charge with carrying "silly story 10 the Indian
Commissioner respecting Mr. Smith, whereupon Senator
Buckin CHAM made such inquiry developed the ali
surdity OF weeks's statements"
Senator Buckingham stated to in person that the
Acting Commissioner referred to the report which cor
roboraed the statements which made TO him in refer
ence TO matters therein contained These facts, given
10 the Secretary OF the Interior and not TO the Indian
COMMISSIONER as stated III that dispatch, are fol
lows First: The treaty provides for physician to the
Red Lake Indians Of whom Mr. Smith had charge. Each
preceding agent has that this stipulation carried
out Mr. Smith has not; and is the first instance OF such
neglect Second school building for the education OF
the Leach Lake Indians, and thoroughly fitted up for
such purposes and supplied with teachers by the three
preceding agents has allowed remain unused by
this notwithstanding that the treaty promises one
at this point Third: Two Indians suspected Of com
pcity in the Cook murder, but with nothing proved
against them gave themselves up freely the promise
from Agent Smith Of protection and fair trial. yet were
taken out and murdered by moo 81 a%eSs border set
ments refer you to Gen Walkers Report Tor !SI?' PIP
"A, 20s, and 200. t.
have lived among these Indians and know not only
them but the class Of people settled about Them well
have given time and money freely to aid their advance
ment, and when my name was suggested for the Com
msslOnershp proposed a. Correspondence can prove
TO give the first years salary to theft EDUCATION, my
being sufficient to enable 10 do this, by some
economy In management.
mention this in evidence that 0ficeseeking mania
hungry craving to be fed from the Government bin,
has actuated ME in this matter. felt that the IDder-
with which Smith treated promise the neglect to
keep which resulted in the lawless sacrifice OF two
man lives, most reprebensble aud that he there
fore is strange 10 put at the head Of Indian Az
fairs as f exponent Of the best that this Government
with the bf0pOsed cooperation Of Christianity, could do
for the aborgnes. felt that acquescence without
monstrance In the appointment OF such man, the facts
being known by the Christian bodies that have been
asked 10 strengthen the councils OF the nation in this
TONS and weaken their influence in the very spread OF
Christianity ITSELF II the community. by the acqui-
OF these Christians is allowed TO feel that The
appointment OF such man was the CHRISTIANS idea OF
Justice and fair treatment OF the Indian Especially will
the Board Of Peace Commissioners lose influence and
power for good IT, with the sefnposed duty OF remon-
srang against the appointment OF an unit man. they
make remOnstrance against Mr. Smiths appointment
70 the head OF Indian Affairs.
No reflection meant TO be cast upon the honest and
Christian intention Of Mr. Smith, nor do suppose he
could be tempted 10 defraud the Government OF single
cent In fact believe that in money matters he has
been prudent and saving man TO the Department But
keeping faith with the red men and showing higher
order OF simple manness than has Mr. Smith,
heart filed with good Intentions where there Is neither
the moral nor physical bravery to carry them out.
GRENvILLB M. WEEKS 2ll Asst, 3. l..
KaShinDOn d. C., March IL, 1878.