Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-12-07
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Testimony Takea 1pfsrs \ 1eekSfSxss
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81 = var d b.rss(as Il adsy.
The frat witness Wa DR.. A. G. Barstov,
of Providence, r. l., chairman of the board
of Indian commissioners, and representing
the Congregational church in behalf of the
education and conversion ofthe Indian race.
Isl ~ u aat ,1 ssa; ii esss,sd ( Goaa
,osrtaialy- work adversely totha ohsis,ian
operations o in progress. He recited at
length many Interviews he had with armya
officers. on the subject, and said those favor
ing, the transfer appeared to have but one
reason therefor, namely, that the war de.J
partntnt paid better salaries for similar
duty than did the department of the ipteri.]
OF. He thought it impossible for the b6dy
Of Indian commissioners to work in harmo-
ny with army officials a. it did with civil
ians, and gave Is his reason that the army
was formed fol-. wal, to subdue enemies and
make peace rather han to promote religion
aud friendship. In his opinion. in five
years time, under the supervision of chris
tian discipline, the entire Indian race could
be civilized for one-hAlf the amount of
money which would necessarily be expend-
ed in the event of their beng placed under
the ruling Of the war department; and un.
der the former plan, in the time mentioned,
he was sure the aid Of the military to keep
the Indians peaceful would be no more re-
quired than it 10 at present in our states.
He cousidered' that there are some very
good men in the army, but did not think
them adapted to the requirements of Indi IN
agents. and was positive they were inca
pable Of promoting religion, civilization,
etc.
E. N. Kingsley, Of New York, a member
of the board of Indian commissioners, and,
representing the Presbyterian sect, also
chairman Of the purchasing committee, was
the next gentleman to present his views.
He said: We need an army with hoes and
spades for the Indians rather than swords
and rifles. If the commission so desired,
he would produce the bDoks of his office for
every expenditure made by the board and
where the purchases were made, where for.
warded, and the disposition made Of the
same. He defended the ILdian agents as a
body, end said their Wholesale abuse was un-
warranted. With reference to the creation
Of contracts by the Indian bureau, he said
he did not accept the criticisms of the war
department on the subject, and. considered
it poor grace" for that department to offer
ii. considering the ras.ally contracts
which passed through the hands of its oil:
cials during the late var, the great mass OF
religious denominations throughout the
country favored a continuation Of the exist.
ing peace policy. Should the, transfer be
made the board gould not feel that they had
ANY active s%ympathies. The good, work
done BY, the board had in many instance.
been demoralized by the surrounding mill.
tary posts. To his knowledge there was nc
existing a%ntagonism between the various re.
liigiQus denominations, L ii . 80
The committee adjourned to Friday nex,
when. Secretary Schurz and Indian Commits.
sioner Hayt are expected to give their view.
on the, subject. e