National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-09-30

fined alone to those which are heaped upon
them by the tyranny Of that old whipping
master, Valmaseda; but when an American
citizen, who is prominent for his pretended
humanity to the poor aborigines Of the West,
is willing to forfeit his manhood and his good
name by aiding and abetting the unholy cause
of Spain, then 1t seems as though all the posi-
bility of success is destroyed beyond the power
of resurrection. There are great many men
in this country who are doing the same mean
thing which we charge against this pretentious
Christian light of Philadelphia, and we cannot
but believe that It is having the same effect
upon the strife IN the depressed island as had
the baneful influence of Northern Democratic
sympathy and assistance in prolonging the war
for the Union. But our hope for the better is
gaining strength now that the Indian investi-
cation is over, and William being free from the
pressing duty of burdening the public with his
open letters. He can now, we think, with
safety withdraw his attention from the poor,
suffering red men of the Plains and devote it
for while to his slaves in Cuba, who have no
generous Indian bureau to feed them, but are
starving in the mountain Businesses and in the
devastated villages Of the bond-cursed island.
He need not feed, for they do not ask for this.
All they want is the freedom which is every
mans right and the sympathy of the American
people. You have endeavored to give him
good private reputation, "Mac." Now, If you |
can through your Excellent journal help to
make your effort success by persuading Will |
liam from further persecution Of this patriotic
people, we have no hesitancy in telling you |
that twenty thousand freedom-seeking men |
and women will send greeting, "God bless you, |
sir, you have removed our burden"
II the Indians of Dakota persist in their in |
consistent stubbornDess, there is no reason why |
the Government should not proceed at once to |
develop the resources of the Black Hills. |
There are, to be sure, solemn treaties existing /
between the Government and these fierce /
Northern tribes, but those treaties have been /
repeatedly and continuously broken by the |
parties of the second part. Certain restrictions
were placed upon the Sioux respecting the
scope of their hunting grounds. They stipu-
lated with the Government not to allow their
braves 10 cross this line on their predatory ex-
cursions. This contract they have failed to
keep, and in consequence have forfeited the
pledged protection of the United States. In
the face of these facts they meet the commits
sion in council and there announce the rilicu-
lous conclusion that they will part with their
forfeited heritage for the round sum of s., $780,
OJO per annum for an indefinite length of time.
This is nonsense, and the shrewd diplomats of
the Minneconjons and 0gallalas know it as
well as the commission. They know that the
sum they ask for will be- elected, AMI the at
tempt at treaty end without any satisfactory
result,thus leaving them not only in possession
of the numerous presents they have received,
but also with the broad plains and ample hills
OF Dakota still at their command. There are
more ways than one, however, in treating with
Indians. In the first place, a just and AMIGA
bic settlement of the Black Hills difficulty
should be arrived at if possible. If not, then
the Government, in justice to its own interests,
must with frmness, coupled with fairness,
compel this people TO yield to the requirements
Of our advancing civilization.