Arizona citizen., 1874-03-28


 refers to those on the Verde reservation, we agree with him and believe Gen. Crook does likewise; but if to those off in the then the Agent is wrong and puts himself in opposition to the famous General Order No. 10, which has had the approval of all in authority and the coun- try at large, and was the first correct or ef- fective step ever taken to quiet the Apa- ches, and is the only basis for action to keep them quiet. For anyone to say that Indians in open rebellion to this order are sufficiently whipped, and especially for one to say so who has never assisted in the amount of whipping the humane Doctor implies was necessary, is mere assertion and only worthy of contempt. The facts of sickness and deaths thereof were we'll known and published all over the coun- try before the Special Agents report, and it was at least a work of supererogation especially being done as it was after the general health of the Indians was restored and deaths among them were reduced to about an average Of what there would be anywhere they might be located. The reason we believe in this improved sani- tary condition is this: When it was other wise, those in charge of the reservation, gave the fact the widest publicity, and now and for months, they testify to their healthfulnesS as stated. As to the reduc- tion of the number by all causes from 1900 to SS0, we regard as immaterial, but it is point just adapted to the mind and wants of Special Agent. Late advices say there are over 1200 Apaches at Verde, and as well in mind and body as the average of people on or off reservations. As to the reduction of particular bands, this is about a common-sense way to treat of it: No objection that we know of was made to taking the Indians to Verde, and we be- lieve higher than Special Agents in the Indian service, approved the act. If they afterwards suffered from disease and death, it was an incident of the settlement Of @ problem which has, for want of 8 set clement by previous military administra- tions, caused a constant loss of life and property at least as valuable as those of Apaches. While disease was doing it's worst at the Verde, we did not read of any demand by this excellent Doctor that the Indians should be removed as he now rec ommends. We don't know of any of his public documents at that period in which he set forth that "opinion should not in- " terfere with what was due to humanitv.v Now, if health and quiet are restored, and several hundred more live Indians are really there than the Special Agent be- IleVed survived miaSmatic and other death- Iy influences, then it were folly to incur the risks of another removal. It is cur rent report that much of said sickness and death was the result of failure on the part of Dr. TonnOr, as Superintendent, to supply these Indians with necessary blankets and comforts. The Special Agent omitted to embrace certain important facts in his sanitary and humanity propo- sitiOns. Unless there has been the most villainous and uncontradicted falsehoods abroad for years, the Indians in the Colo rado river valley, are reduced rapidly by the most loathsome of diseases which do not come from a want of a healthy eli mate, lack of food or raiment. This is a feature worthy the sincere atten- tion of all men who think "opinion |" should not interfere with what is due to " "humanity"-living as well as that un- born. The volunteer remark at the clos ing of this Special Agents letter that ian " other Summer there will, think, cause " the death or desertion of the Indians '' now there," is mere opinion at best, and he IS on the record that "opiniOn " should not be regarded under certain circumstan- ces, and he must tolerate the belief that this is that kind of a circumstance. An other feature of this business is worthy of more attention than any heretofore assign ed it. Before the military command of Gen. Crook in Arizona and the departure from 1t of couple of very prominent Spe- clal Agents, none but foolhardy men thought of travelling alone between Pres colt and Verde as we'll as over a majority or roads in Arizona; now prudent men pass over nearly all in safety. Since Gen. Crook has had uninterrupted sway with a reduced force, but few citizens have been killed by Apaches and they off travelled routes; before that time, more or less citi- | zens were robbed or murdered or both, | and the Apaches were eXultant in almost 1 every mountain and valley and roadway. | Prior to the time named. many more citi- l zens were being killed by Apaches than | by troops and citizens. We are | content with this change in the loss flife |