The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1877-07-05
Thursday. July 5, 1877.
Has the Administration an Indian
Policy,


warfare has existed in that part Of the
country we are still accustomed to call the
frontiers. Capt Jack and his Modocs, and
Sitting Bull and his allies. by their sue
cesses aud their savage brutality have
given to the chronic Indian hostilities a
greater prominence than usual-in fact,
greater than at any other period since the
Seminoles Of Florida gave the government
so much trouble, and for SO long time
successfully resisted tho attempt toremove
them from that State to the reservation in
the Indian Territory. ..r
AS the administration has set out upon
its four years course with many and varied
professions Of reform, the subject Of our
Indian troubles is one which would bear
investigation and reform to as large an ex-
tent as almost any problem now presenting
itself prominently to view. For q long
time there has been a yearly budget of
scandal, and some times Of down right dis
grace, attendant upon the administration
Of Indian affairs, and it will be to the
credit Of Mr.. Hayes administration if this
sort of thing can be brought to an end, and
areputable condition of affairs established.
To say nothing of the disgraceful sale of
post sutlerships and other fragrant enormi-
ties which haYe brought blush Of shame
to the cheeks of honest and right minded
citizens, there are other particulars less
open to public view but even more democrat
izing and dangerous to the public welfare
more dangerous because less likely to
fall under the discrimination and censure
of the country at large.
The wonderful effect of VIM. PENIS
Indian policy has long been presented to
the public view as an example Of what con-
Citation and fair dealing can produce,
and Of what fair and happy results
the Quaker policy is susceptible. The late
administration seems to have been favora-
bly, impressed with the representations
and arguments Of reigionists and peace
men, or at least so far listened and yielded
to their views as to have instituted meas
ures and appointed Indian agents with
special reference to giving such policy
a full and fair opportunity to produce its
best results. Rum and religion have been
regularly dealt out to ''the noble red man"
in due form and proper proportions and
all that these civilizing agencies could
effect we may suppose has been fairly &C
complished. And yet the Indian is not
happy, nor has he ceased to engage in his
old time practice Of lifting scalps and
torturing his enemies. Regularly as the
seasons return comes the cruel and crafty
savage with his murderous attacks upon
the unprotected aud defenseless, and as
regularly comes the demand for troops
and the harvest Of the oommisssriat and
the sutler. Perhaps an honest solution
Of the problem might be found 10 reversing
the order and saying annually comes the
desire to increase their business and profits
by those honest gentlemen who furnish
goods and supplies, the noble army OF
contractors and suffers, and hence arise
wars and disturbances-but we forbear
to calumniate the red mans bravery
and warlike instincts in that manner,
One potent cause of these Indian wars,
in our opinion, may easily be found near al
hand. The hardy pioneers and frontier
men who come first and oftenest 10 contact
with the Indians have long since made VI
their minds that he is little better thar
the wild beasts of the forest whom no one
objects to killing, and being only savage
untamable and bloodthirsty, it is right anC
necessary to exterminate him as soon as i
San be accomplished. This idea is thu
natural outgrowth Of predatory warfare o
occasional and extreme cases of cruelty
aud hardship, and of constant feeling o
treachery and insecurity.
But the idea Of determination is ont
which the nation has never accepted, ant
one which the natural instincts o
humanity and the principles of an onlight
ened civil polity never can accept. Ii
setting apart the country known as IndiaI
territory and in removing the differen
tribes there and compelling them to remain
within its borders. there is an assumption
that the Indian is capable of becoming
civilized to a certain degree, if not fully so
and the measures adopted to restrain hi!
rowing characteristics. to root him to the
soil, and to teach him to obtain his sub
sistence by agricultural pursuits, have
always purpOrted to be based upon the
ground that he is not an irreclaimablt
wild beast, and that he has some rights
which white people are bound to respect
But outside of the Indian Territory aDC
some few limited Reservations, though
they have been paid monies for their lands
and furnished guns and ammunition fol
the chase, and blankets for garments; and
though forts have been built and agencies
multiplied, and troops stationed in theil
midst to restrain and overawe their war.
like propeDsities; with the Indians of the
plains and the Northwest we have accom-.
plished little or nothing except to keep VI
state OF chronic irritation, involve the
death of some thousands of white people
and show that the Indian is as savage al
ever.
The whole matter comes legitimately
within the province of civil service reform
and the many notorious abuses of the In
dian Ring constitute rich field of inquiry
for MIR. McCrary and MIR. Shurz if they
will but Give the matter proper attention