New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-12
INDIAN MANAGEMENT.
AN ADDRESS DRAWN UP BY THE BOARD OF CON-
xissloNERs-A VISIT OF THE BOARD TO THE
PRESIDENT.

AN ADDRESS DRAWN UP BY The BOARD OF COM
MissIoNERs-A VISIT OF THE BOARD TO THE
PRESIDENT.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-THE Board of Indian
Commissioners met in this city yesterday morning,
tonceve the annual reports OF the several religious
bodies to whom, under the policy adopted by Pres-
den. Grant years ago, the selection OF agents
and other field employees of the Indian service has
been eonfded, and TO complete their own annual
report. Representatives from the Presbyterian
Foreign and Domestic Missionary Boards, the Bap-
fist Home Mission Society, the several yearly meet
ng of Friends, the American Board, the American
Missionary Association, and tho Unitarian Associa-
ton were present. A report was received from the
Episcopal Board. The Methodist and Roman Catho-
lie Boards sent 10 reports and several of the smaller
denominations having agents also failed to present
statement of their work.
These annual conferences of the Board of Com
missiOners and the representatives of the
different religious denominations, unofficial as
they are have been of great benefit to the official
administration of Indian Affairs and at some criti-
cal periods have helped to save the peace
policy from disaster. The conference this year
has been unusually interesting in view of the dis
position lately manifested to transfer the control of
class Of questions respecting the Indians them
selves, which assume practical Importance in view
o. Their rapid progress toward civilization.
1t appears that the religious sentiment of the
country. as represented by those who control and
direct its efforts to civilize and Chlistlanize the
Indians. Is unanimously opposed 10 a change
III The present general policy toward the
huan In the mode of its administration
ana many weghty facts and reasons are
brought to tho support of this opposition. The new
questions brought into view affecting the Indians
themselves, are specified in the following address to
The Board Of Indian Commissioners, adopted by the
representatives. Of the religious societies, and pre-
&nted this morning.
tns convention would respectfully express its deep in
Ia, y, certain recommendations III relation 70 inc WEI
s. ~ be indians which received tie approval OF hin
yet ra neg III former years but ~nci 1D1 ot
ea sseo her rghtful place IN the action OF Inc Gov
''rneut Among these ere:
,fFa The extension OF law over MI the Indians as
. osge Joy inc safety Of property and OF human ne
ta s ~ indian children by the General Government. I'M
In Sbb % shan be provided by tie several states
raTd-Defnitc regulations TO secure TO Indians the
o. land in fee and in sevoralty Ia all pract-
Tle EYES yes by Jules properly guarded
NentiOn regards these three thugs a. Cf the
lion ~ lporanec indeed essential 10 the cyilza-
grs ns inelas and as calling for the action of con
wotid Without longer delay. Purifier. The convention
rrna, express grave doubts az 10 tho wisdom OF
IN I"ng indian tribes 10 the Indian Territory, or
dian isd reservations, IN cases IN which the In
,he,, ~, u q good measure, prepared 70 abandon
Thev Lodi relationship and 10 enter on civilized lie.
,cud at the least, have the option Of remaining
bir , ,y are subject to the conditions Of citizenship
thc e,ct y are compelled 10 remove 10 distant places az
e W., hardship ad suffering. and loss OF health and
The s., such enforced removal always involves. At
toc uhie tis convention Is deeply Impressed with
tanee OF 81 wise measures that look TO carly
tcintry wv 'h"i'"s 10 o-V'@o"" VI ONi oohinlOi
oIpiss would close this address with thanks
unIcr H. 900 Tor the progress that mas been made
the eydo. name policy OF the last few years. and for
ton and soYance OF inaDy OF The indians in ciylza-
knowledge OF the Christian religion.
Mn, . onaeistood that the Board of Commissioners
asf. sPpOi"' Committee to carry out these views
bycongress. '''''''"
A. I = morning the convention, accompanied by
D0ua OF Commissioners called On President
ses, w by appointment. They wero pre-
Co. 10 tho President by General Gin
r. u. Fisk; and the Rev. Drs Lowrie,
k, Strictly and Cutting and Mr.. Tathum pre-
ss.'0a THOR views briefly. DIR. Clark submitted
s-S'f showing the progress made uudcr the present