The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-07-07

weeks ago an earnest protest, stating the dangers
this expedition violates all the principles OF his Oft
declared peace policy with the Indians and appeal
appeal has thus far been in vain.
THE TREATY OF 1868.
have before me now the treaty OF April 29, 1868,
made and concluded on that day by and between
Nathan ell G. Taylor, William I. Sherman. William
$. Harvey, John B. .Sanborn, S. F. Tappan, G. G.
Augur and Alfred III. Terry, Commissioners on the
part OF the United States, and the CHIEFS and head
OF the different tribes OF Sioux Indians the
part OF the Indians, ana duIy authorized by them.
ward all war between the parties to the agree
ment shall cease. "Ihe government OF the United
States desires peace, and us honor is hereby
pledged TO MAINTAIN It," Offenders against the
Indians are to be arrested and punished, and In.
jured persons are TO be reimbursed for all losses
Sustained. Article 2, by which the Black Hins
country Is secured TO the Indians and its boundary
fixed, Is as folows:-
trict OF country, to wit-commencing the
east bank OF the Missouri River where the forty
sixth parallel OF north latitude, the same,
thence along low water mark down said east bank
to point opposite where the northern line of the
State OF Nebraska strikes the river. then west
across said river, and along the northern line OF
Nebraska TO the Hath degree OF longitude west
from Greenwich thence north on said meridian to
point where the forty sixth parallel OF north lati
tude intefcep.s the same, thence due east along
said parallel to the place OF beginning including
the existing reservations on the east bank OF said
river, shall DE and the same IS set apart for the
absolute and undsturbed use and occupation OF
the Indians named IN the treaty."
This Includes what is known as the Black Hills
country, tle destination OF Custer's expedition
and some features OF which / have already de-
scribed. The same article OF the treaty provides
further in these words: And the United States
now sOlemnly agrees that no persons except those
except such Oflcers agents and employees OF the
government as may be authorized to enter upon
Indian reservations III discharge of duties enjoined
upon, or reside in the territory described in this
article. In consideration of this grant the Indians
agree TO relinquish other territory, to withdraw
now being built on the plains to permit the peace
iul construction OF any railroad not passing over
their reservation" The sixth clause of the ninth
article allows damages to the Indians Tor crossing
their reservation with any road.
TIE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT OF THE INDIANS.
The persons excepted in the above provisions
and allowed to enter the territory are described
employees Of the government in the discharge of
duties enjOined by law. General Clusters eXpe-
diron by no construction of the treaty can pos
siby be included within these exceptions. But,
as II to add stronger lOrce and obligation to this
provision and to remove all possible doubt Of us
meaning quote now the sixteenth article OF the
ARTICLE 16.-The UDlted States hereby agrees
and stipuares that the country north OF the North
Platte River and east OF the SUBMITS OF the Big
Horn Mountains shall be held and considered t0.be
unceded Indian territory and also stipulates ana
agrees that no white person or persons snail be
permitted to settle upon or occupy any portion OF
the same, without the consent OF the Indians,
first had and obtained to pass through the same
and it is further agreed by the United States that
within ninety days after the conclusion OF peace
with all the bands OF the Sioux nation the military
posts now established in the territory in this
article named shall be abandoned, and that the
road leading to them and by them through the
settlements IN the Territory OF Montana shall be
closed"
These forts-three in number-were subse
quenty abandoned and the entire territory placed
at the exclusive and absolute disposal Of the In
dams. This treaty was ratified by the Senate on
the 10th day OF February, 1860, and proclaimed on
the Oath OF February, 1869. 1t Is now the law Of
the land its obligations binding civil and military
authorities alike.
ARMS AND AMMUNITION.
The last requistion OF arms and equipments
destined for Custer arrived here day or two ago,
and was immediately forwarded TO Custer by way
OF the Northern Pacific Railroad. 1t Is reported
that Clusters advance guard moved on the 30th.
The route of the expedition Is along the valley or
the Hart River, from Bismarck TO the Cheyenne,
and thence to the Black Hills. There is abundant
pasture; the water is somewhat bad, out the route
is without other difficulties. The distance from
Bismarck, or the camp, Is about 200 miles, or ten
days. march. 1t could be accomplished in five or
SIX days with light outfit. Clusters party are
provided with sixty days rations and expect to be
absent about that length OF time