The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-11-20
WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON. Nov. I9.-The secretary
of War has received and referred to Gen,
Sherman letter from the secretary of the
Interior sharply replying to certain state
ments by Gen. Sheridan in the latter's
annual report, Secretary Scburz says these
statements, as far as they reflect upon the
conduct of the Indian service, are of
sweeping and somewhat vague nature, but
it must be assumed that Gen. Sheridan
would not have made them aud permitted
them TO become public had he not in his
possession specific information concerning
certain agencies and certain branches of
the Indian service, which these statements
may be individually applied. Gen. She
ridan, in his official document, gives it as
his opinion that with wise management the
amounts appropriated by sCongress ought
to be sufheient,if practically applied to the
exact purpose specified, but that the re-
ports of department. commanders, would
indicate different result, except in the
case of the Red Cloud and Spotted Tail
bands of Sioux. You will greatly oblige
me by requesting Gen. Sheridan to com.
municate such facts as may be in his pos
session, giving the names Of agents, dates
and other circumstances hich warrants
| the charge, which includes all Indian
agencies in the military division of the
Missouri except those of the Red Cloud
and Spotted Tail Sioux. 1t has been my
constant and earnest endeavor since | en-
tered upon my present duties to correct
all abuses in the Indian service that come
to my knowledge. and Gen, Sheridan by
furnishing such specific information would
/ thereby render greater service to this de-
/ no ont mall 10 ha L. AZ ~,
mere general statements. As he has put
forth sweeping charge, specifications
may justly be called for. | make this re-
quest with particular urgency, 10 view of
the fact that certailiinmtary officers seen
of late 10 have fallen into the habit ..of iu-
dulglng officially and probably in general
reflection on the Indian service without
taking the trouble of substantiating with
such statements in detail as would facili-
tate the discovery and correction of the
abuse. | do not deprecate.criticism at all,
| rather invite it, out when it is officially
put forth there is, it seems 10 me, a cer-
tain fairness due from one branch of the
public service to another.
Gen. Sheridan intimation that the Red
CLOUD and Spotted Tail Sioux were allowed
to select their present locations owing to a
systematic working up of the case by
traders and contractors, is also made the
subject of emphatic comment by Secretary
Schurz He states that this policy was
adopted BY the department on the earnest
advice of the distinguished Indian fighter
and manager, Gen. Crook, who, as a re-
suit OF bis long experience with the Sioux,
lopposed any policy that would force the
Sioux, against their unanimous and de-
termined protest, to remain on the Mis-
souri, river, as enaaugering our peaceful
relations with those powerful tribes, and
the secretary adds that SO far at least
their loyal conduct seems to have justified
the course adopted. Secretary ScnIrz
2 challenges Gen. Sheridan to produce evi-
: dence in support Of his imputations, and
| meanwhile remarks that it would not have
: been asking too much of him TO inform
himself little better of the circumstances
, before publishing his assertion in an off
? cial document.
/ Hon. John G. Foster, United States
Minister to Mexico, in response to re-
. quest from the Manufacturers Associa.
D ton OF the Northwest, has prepared and
e sent to the State Department an elabo
|. rate paper to be transmitted to the above
!, named association, giving the results o
icdFeIUl sluuy cOnceruiDR tue meaOS lei
K the extension of our commerce with Mex,
e leo. Mr.. Foster states that the prohib
: itery tariff ani revolutionary condition o
/ Mexico form great obstacles to any ex
f tended foreign trade. and until they ar
) removed our merchants will as a genera
IS thing continue to find more inviting mar
r kets elsewhere, bat ne asserts, neverthe
l. less, that there is limited field whic
If may be occupied By Americans, and re
t. CARDS it as entirely feasible aud safe 70
II American manufacturers to continue thei
e efforts in kindred branches, and establis
i 10 the City Of Mexico warehouses for th
l. exhibition and sale of the products of the
is factories In this way local merchant
ze and consumers will have practical dis
play of the superior merit of America
s. goods and wares, and their sale can /
a. gradually increased and permanent MAJ
ID ket created.
nt The session OF the cabinet to day was
,g short duration, only routine matters beiu
n considered.
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