Arizona citizen., 1875-08-14

against them; and I believe also it isl largely due to the services of the faith ful and efficient agents who have been sent to them and to such cooperation as has been secured at most points. I am equally certain that 1t will be still possible by forbearance and proper concession to continue the harmonious relations between the civil. and mili- tary officers, so that the very mmked| progress in the condition of Indian af- fairs in that Territory may, to the cred 1t Of all connected with it, and to the great benefit both of the Indians and the citizens Of Arizona, be insured
 The action Of Gen. SchofeId in or dering the disbanding of the scouts, is in the direction of good order and the interests of the Indians. The need of those scouts is represented by the agents to have entirely passed away.
 Respecting the question of the re- moval of the White Mountain Apaches to a portion of the San Carlos reserva- ton, against which Capt Ogilby sees fit to remonstrate, | have to say that in my judgment such removal is in the direction of economy, both of serviceI and expenditure, and is required byI law of Congress which directs the bringing of Indians together under one agent, wherever it is practicable There are 1878 Indians on this reserva- ton which adjoins San Carlos. The removal will be for less distance than sixty miles. It will bring the Indians out of a country where frOsts make the raising of a crop hazardous, into a fertile region capable of abundant fri, gation and of two crops annually.
 If the Indians are not in any way advised to the contrary by the officers commanding, believe they can be re- moved without resistance, but other wise any attempt at removal without forcible means, would probably be de- feated. It will be recollected that the same objection was urged by the mill tary to the removal of the Rio Verde Apaches to San Carlos 1t was claim led that they would not go without force and that an effort for such re- moval would cost an outbreak and a scattering of the Indians. The result proved, however, that the Indians when once plainly and decidedly in formed that it was the wish of the gov ernment to remove, submitted, and went peaceably to their home at San Carlos, thereby improving their condi- tion in ali respects. 1 believe now no one in the Territory questions the wis dom of the removal of the Verde Ind ians. The removal of the White Noun tain Indians, IS equally desirable and equally feasible, provided the coopera- ton Of the officers can be secured; but without such cooperation, it will scarcely be worth while to attempt it.
 Referring to the remark of General Kautz, that removals of Indians have been made without consulting with Headquarters of the Department, 1 have to say that the removal from Yer de was done under direction of spe- cial agent sent by the Hon. Secretary of the Interior, who, before taking any steps for such removal, consulted with General Crook at his headquarters re specting it; and that nothing was done respecting this contemplated removal of the White Mountain Apaches, prior to communicating with the War De partment requesting military coopera- ton.
 The papers in the case are herewith returned. Very respectfully,
 Your Obedient servant,
 E. P. SMITH, Commissioner HON. SECRETARY of the Interior