The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-22
The Black Hills and the Indian
Question.

We print this morning an interview with
the distinguished General Custer whose
name Il familiar to all who know the history
Of the rebellion, as well as to those who have
observed the operations of the few gallant
men who have protected our Northwestern
frontiers against the merciless Indian tribes
General Clusters interview is a narrative as
well as q protest. He explains clearly
the exact condition Of the Indians in the
Southwest, our relations toward them all the
treaties that exist between these tribes and
our government, and the manner in which
these treaties are daily broken by rapacious
Indian agents 1t is impossible to read this
narrative of an officer who speaks from his
personal experience and whose word is beyond
suspicion without feeling that, unless Presi-
dent Grant should interfere as resolutely with
the operations Of the Indian Ring as he has
interfered with those of the Whiskey Ring, we
shall either have a war of the most disastrous
character upon our hands in very short time
or the administration Of Indian affairs will be
covered with additional and just reproach.
From different parts of the country we have
stories OF expeditions Of adventurous people
forming to enter and settle what is called the
Black Hills country. II seems, from what we
are told by General Custer as well as other
distinguished officers who have traversed this
region. that the Black Hills country is rich with
gold deposits and has many advantages for
settlement General Sheridan reports that gold
does really exist near what are called the Big
Horn and Tongue rivers. This country, how
ever, has been ceded to the Indians by solemn
treaty. The reservation extends west from
the Missouri River about two hundred miles
and from the northern boundary Of Nebraska
to the forty-sixth degree Of latitude, embracing
a territory, we should say, as large again as
the State of Pennsylvania. The reports
of our military commanders have infiamed
the imagination Of that large portion
Of our people who believe that wealth can be
obtained in nearly every method except by
working for it. We have stories Of organiZa-
tons in Massachusetts,, Pennsylvania, Mary
land. Name and even in Canada, all waiting
for the door to open to this new Eldorado.
1t is estimated that the number of emigrants
preparing for this exodus is from fifteen to
twenty thousand. The government has ex-
pressly forbidden them to infringe upon the
reservations, aud the troops have orders to
turn them back. Fifteen or twenty thousand
stawart men intent upon occupying an open
country offer problem to the government,
which, We fear has not power enough to in
terfere with their purpose.
We have no doubt, therefore, that in a few
months more we shall have the same emil
grafton to the Black Hills that we had to
California. There is something in gold that
tie imagination of men cannot resist. Twenty
five years ago thousands Of our young men
crossed the wide plains to found an en-
pire in California. This road to the Black
Hills i an easy task compared with that.
Whether the government succeeds or not IN
extiuuishing the Black Hills treaty we shall
probably within another year have a new
State on the banks of the Upper Missouri
River General Clusters evidence, however,
as to the existence of gold is carefully given.
While corroborating what General Sheridan
saws. as 10 the fact that gold is to be found in
the Black Hills country in various quantities,
lie is uncertain as 10 whether il is IN sufficient
abundance 10 justify miners in expecting re-
suits like those that have been gathered in
California. Our oSn impression is against
the theory that there is gold enough in the
Black Hills TO make the mining Of il an adj
vantage. We have no scientific reports that
Justify us in believing the narratives that have
come to Us from feverish and lily equipped in
vestcators. The true value Of the Black Hills
country will ultimately be agricultural In
this respect the history Of the emigration
VIII no doubt repeat the history Of California.
Rich as California has proved 70 be in gold, it
is richer to-day in wheat Gold acted as n
stimulus to attract emigration, but many Of
the men who went to the Pacific coast 70 dig
the soil for minerals have renamed to till it.
The question Of extnguishing the Indian
treaties, as presented By General Custer is a
delicate one. II is difficult 10 see how the
government can resist the feyerish and natural
desire o. cmigrants to possess these lands:
nor can that be a just policy which forbids
any citizen Of the United States from
making his home in any part Of
our dominions so long as he oheys
the laws. But here are sacred trea-
ties, as General Terry presents il. which
We should not even ask the Indian to cancel
We should wait the suggestion from the In
dams. General sheridan. on the other hand.
thinks that the treaty should be cancelled any
how BY our giving to the Indian Just return
for the surrender If bis rights. II is difhcnlt
t. decide between two authorities as distin-
euished a. General Terry and General Sheri-
dan We should much rather accept General
Terry idea Of what is due to the Indians, but
nj the same time we cannot resist the feeling
that General Sheridan takes the practical
view We are afraid tina. the fact must
be conceded that this Black Hills country
IS too useful 70 the people to be longer
given over to the savages The first