Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-12-10
THE SOLUTION.

close proximity to each other; require the
post commander to discharge the duties Of
Indian agent Is we'll as those of post COM
mandsr; ; let the supplies ,or the Indiana b
purchased, transferred and delivered through
the same sources that the military supplies
are; require the district commander, in ad-
dition TO his other duties, to discharge those
required but seldom performed BY the super
intencents and inspectors Of the Indian Office;
provide for tie employment by the military
agent, Of competent persons to instr ,ct the
Indians in the agricultural and mechanical
arts; open up all the agencies to the plilan'
thropic and Christian efforts of the whole
country, subject only TO such wholesome
rules and regulations as may be adopted for
the municipal government of the agencies
and control Of the Indians, and after this ID
accomplished, compel the %able-bodied In.
dams Of all tribes to work for their living
aud to do something at least to help support
themselves and families.
1t is shameful; it il a national disgrace,
pursusd Mr.. Burleigh. that tens of thousands
of able-bodied savakes who live in open de-
6ance of the authority of this government,
who murder and rob its peaceful citizens,
BY whose industry they are fed and clothed,
should be permitted to liye in slothful idle
ness upon its bounties. 1t matters not what
others may say to the contrary, the
INDIANS HAVE NOT PRoFITED
by the couns els of their benefactors. They
have manifested no gratitude for the mil
lions spent for their support BY the govern.
ment, and | am coniden, that, with a very
few exceptional cases, where a dozen or 30
members Of a tribe have been selected, pre-.
pared and stuffed by their teachers, mission.
aries and agents far public exhibition, there
ia no sensible permanent improvement in the
condition of the Indians in the northwest.
in fact, l do not believe that the greater ma
jorily of the Indians in that region are %
vel off as they were twenty FIVE years ago,
they are apparently as far away from civil
lation az ever.
You have given me your views in regard
to the municipal management Of the Indians.
What particular plan, if any. do you rely
Upon in bringing about their civilization !?
That is question which has not yet been
1t has been discussed by the best
men in the country, and its attempted solu.
ion has cost millions Of dollars. Still, II
my openion. The views which l en-
ertaln, differ very widely from those held
many others. There Is one plan which
'as commended ihelf to my consideration.
nd which / regard as fundamental in its
azure. -
THE FIRST STEP
, be taken in advancing the Indians from
avsge life 10 q state of civilization, is to
ring them under the control of our laws
nd within the immediate Jurisdiction of
ur courts Of justice. They must be taught
lat law and civilization are n and insep-
rable; that n cannot exist without the
her. THY mus, be taught to obey the
and respect its authority. They must
!. subjected to the same penalties and pun.
Lments for crime, whether committed
. white man or an Indian, that
bite man is subjected to. If the Indian
the crime of murder, he must be
ade to understand that he will be tried
ID punished the same as 4 white man gull.
Of the same offence. If he steals, let him
tried and punished for stealing. If he
olates the Law, make him answer for The
lenss II the bar Of justice. Purish the
'ilty ; protect The iaSpcent. We have
'od and wholesome.la in Ill our vest.
territories whsse Indians aSe located. :
hey are good enough for ths government
white men they ought, to be good
ough for the government Of Indians. All
at is wanted 10 the necessary action By
ngress subjecting the Indians to these
We, and the extension Of the Jurisdiction
courts Of Justice over the entire Indian 9
untry.. With . magistrate clo.hed with :
g requisite authority, and = sheriff At each
ency, 70 execute the legal process Of the
urt, protected and supported in the dis
args Of their Official duty BY the military !
wer Of the government, the 1adians :