The Van Buren press., 1874-12-22
INDIAN COMMISSIONERS.
Return Of Messrs. Lang, Hammond and
Bush from the Indian Territory.
lSt. Louis Republican. December l6.l

| tSt. Louis Republican. December l6.l
The Indian commissioners returned
yesterday from Muskog,e, in the Indian
territory, and the following are registered
at the Lindell: John ID. Lang of Maine,
{. G. Hammond of Chicago and b. Rush
Roberts of Maryland.
The board Of which Gen. Clinton Fisk
is chairman held a consultation at the
Lindell and made an examination of the
treaties between the government, and the
civilized tribes, with view OF making
up report to go to Washington Of their
recent conference with the leading na
tons The purpose Of their visit To- the
Indian territory was 10 ascertain the views
of the leading tribes, and what they
would like to have done in view Of the
bills before congress to change their po-
litical relation from the present form OF
independent governments SO as to con
form to the relations of the other states
and territories to the Union. II there
was aprevailing sentiment adverse to this
the commissioners were desirous of
knowing it, and learning the grounds
upon which opposition was based.
The commissioners arrived at Musko'
gee on Friday morning and remained un-
til Saturday night, holding two councils
day with the leading men of the five
tribes. Speeches were made by Chief
William p Ross Of the Cherokees Pleas
ant Porter Of the Creeks, Brown of the
Chickasaws, Jumper OF the Seminolcs.
and by other leading representatives OF
the Choctaws and other civilized nations.
Col. f. {. Boudinot of the Cherokee ma
ton addressed the commissioners in be-
half of those entertaining more advanced
views of what should constitute the true
Indian policy.
The Choctaws and Chickasaws seem
more favorable to a territorial plan, &C
corling to their treaty, which it is be-
lievcd would settle the question on sat
sfactory basis, but the Cherokces say
they arc not bound by that treaty. BY
the treaty with the Choctaws and Chicka-
saws, concluded April 2S, 1866. and pro-
claimed July 10, 1866. tight of way is
granted for railroads through the reser
vations and territorial government is
provided for with the superintendent
as governor. Provision is made for a
secretary of the council and for pay Of
members and for marshal of the terri
tory, and clause is added looking to
the establishment of an upper house, to
consist Of one member from each tribe.
Provision is made for surveying and al
loting the reservations when desired, and
for the return to the Indian country OF
scattered members of the tribes. Crimi-
nails taking refuge in their country are to
be returned upon requisition. Post-of
fees are to be established in the country
The treaty with the Creeks also pro
vides for the right of way for ralroa Is
and tor general council, the same rs the
Seminole treaty. The treaty Of 1866
with the Cherokees also provides for the
right Of way for railroads, and consem
is given for a general council as in the
Seminoles' treaty Of the same year, who
agreed TO the establishment if congress
shall so provide Of general council in
the Indian country, to be annually con-
vened Of all the delegates from all the
tribes, to be presided over by the super
intcndent Of Indian affairs As the In
dians are great sticklers for such por
tions Of the treaties that are favorable to
them, it seems to be the views Of the
commissioners, If we understand them
right that all that is desirable may be &C.
complshed without departing from the
strict construction of the treaties above
referred to.
The board, it is understood, will draw
up report Of their conference with the
civilized tribes, embracing a recommends
ton of the course they think proper to
adopt in relation to the territorial ques-
ton, which will be forwarded to Wash
ington. 1t is probable that territorial
government is recommended with leg
islature and executive, the necessary
United States courts and delegate to
congress.
The board adjourned to meet in Wash
ington, on the 31st of January. Most
of the commissioners left for their re.
spectve homes last night, Mr.. Lang go
ing via Washington.