The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1876-12-14
desired further legislation on the subject.
THE INDIAN POLICY

1HE INDIAN POLICY.
A policy has been adopted toward the
Indian tribes inhabiting large portion of
the territory of the United States, which
has been humane, has substantially ended
Indian hostllities in the whole land, except
In portion of Nebraska, and Dakota.
Wyoming, and Montana Territories, the
Black Hills region, and approaches thereto.
Hostllities there have grown out of the
avarice of the white man, who has violated
our treaty stipulations in his search for
gold. The question might be asked. why
the Government has not enforced obedience
to the terms of the treaty prohibiting the
occupation of the Black Hills region by
whites. The answer is simple. The first
Immigrants to the Black Hills were re-
moved by troops, but rumors of rich dis
coveries of gold took into that region in
creased numbers. Gold has actually been
found In paying quantity, and an effort to
remove the miners would only result in the
desertlon of the bulk of the troops that
might be sent there to remove them. All
difficulty in this matter has, however, been
removed, subject to the approval of Con
Sress, by treaty ceding the Black Hills
aud approaches to settlement by citizens.
The subject of the Indian policy and treat
ment Is so fully set forth by the Secretary
OF the Interior and the Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, and my views so fully ex-
pressed therein, that I refer to their re-
ports and recommendations as my own.
FOREIGN RELATIONS HARMONIOUS
The relations of the United States with
foreign powers continue on friendly foot
ing. Questions have arisen, from time to
time, In the foreign relations Of the Govern
ment, but the United States have been
happily free, during the past year, from
the complications and embarrassments which
have surrounded some of the foreign pow
ers. The diplomatic correspondence sub
mltted herewith contains information as to
certain of the matters which have occupied
the Government The cordiality which at
tends our relations with the powers of the
earth has been plainly shown by the general
participation of foreign nations in the Ex-
hibition which has just closed, and by the
exertions made by distant powers to show
their interest in and friendly feeling toward
the United States in tie commemoration
of the Centennial of the nation The Gov
ernment and people of the United States
have not only fully appreciated this exhibi-
ton of kindly feeling, but it may be justly
and fairly expected that no small benefits
will result both to ourselves and other ma
tions from a better acquaintance and bet
ter appreciation Of our mutual advantages
and mutual wants.
FALSE ECONOMY.
Congress at its last session saw fit to re-
duce the amount annually appropriated for
foreign intercourse, by withholding appro-
priatiOns for representatives Of the United
States in certain foreign countries, and for
certain consular officers, and by reducing
the amounts usually appropriated for GER
tain other diplomatic posts, and thus ne
cessitating change in the grade Of the re-
preventative. For these reasons, immedia-
tely upon the passage of the bill making ap-
preparations for the diplomatic and consular
service for the present fiscal year, instruc-
structions were issued to the representa-
tivcs of the United States at Bolivia
Excuador, and Columbia, and to the con-
sular officers for whom no appropriation
had been made, to close their respective
legations and consulates and cease from the
performance of their duties, and in like
manner steps were Immediately taken to sub
stitute Charges Affaires for Ministers resi-
dent in Portugal, Denmark, Greece, Swift
zerland, and Paraguay. While thorough
ly impressed with the wisdom Of sound
economy in the foreign service, as in other
branches of the Government, [ cannot es-
cape the conclusion that in some instances,
the Withholding of appropriations will prove
an expensive economy, and that the small re-
trenchment secured by change Of grade
in certain diplomatic posts is not an ad-
cquate consideration for the loss Of infiu-
ence and Importance which will attend our
foreign representatives under this reduc-
ton. | am of the opinion that re-exam-
ination of the subject will cause a change
in some instances in the conclusions reached
on these subjects at the last season of Con-
gress.
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS COURT.
The Court of Commissioners of Alabama
Claims, whose functions were continued by
an act of the last session of Congress until
the lst day of January, 1877, has carried
on its labors with diligence and general
satisfaction. By report from the Clerk
of the Court, transmitted herewith, bear
ing date Nov ii, 1876; it appears that
within the time now allowed by law the
court will have disposed of all the claims
presented for adjudication. This report
also contains statement of the general re-
suits of the labors of the court to date
thereof. 1t is case of satisfaction that
the method adopted for the satisfaction of
the classes of claims submitted to the court
which are of long standing, and justify en-
titled to early consideration, should prove
successful and acceptable.
THE NORTHWEST BOUNDARY.
1t is with satisfaction that am enabled
| to state that the work of the Joint Com
mission far determining the boundary line