Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1878-11-29
SECRETARY scnUars REPORT.
Recommendation Ia Regard TO Ar.
izsns lpdians, and settlement of
Public Land Ciniius Ills Views
C~onccrni.g Timber Lands Of the

WASHINGTON. ID. c., Nov. 2s.-.Secre
tary schurz in his annual report says I
striking illustration Of the perplexity o.
the Indian service he has sometimes tC
deal with. is furnished by the presen,
condition OF the Pimos and Maricopa'
In Arizona. These tribes, numbering
over 10000. were located ON a RESERVE
ton. part Of which Vas irrigated by the
river ella. aud by making use Of th.
water Of that river they were enabled
to raise crops sufficient for their wants,
so that the congressional appropri-
atoms for their support were very light.
Il may DO said. indeed. that these tribes
were really self.supporting by their own
labor and industry. Mines were dis
covered. however. within the past years,
on the upper course Of the ella river,
aud most Of the water which formerly
served TO irrigato the fields Of the Pimos
and Maricopas wa diverted for mining
purposes, 80 that the water supply no
longer suficed for tho irrigation Of ln'
dian lands under cultivation. The con.
sequence wal q failure Of their crops,
aud In fact 1t became impossible for
them to raise anything. The
Indians found themselves compelled
to leave their reservation and seek new
fields on Salt River. where, however.
white people set up claims to the land,
and now loudly demand their removal.
Tho result il that these Indians will
starve on their reservation. says Score.
tary Schurz. or DO driven away II they
attempt to settle down and cultivate the
soil elsewhere, unless the Government
buys supplies to feed them. which would
make paupers Of tho Indians aud hith
erto self.supporting tribes. IL is dihi'
cult to See how they can be placed on
the territory OF Arizona without arousins
against them fierce opposition on part
OF the white people. Inspector Wat
kins was sent to inquire into their con-
dition and reports in favor OF their rc'
moyal to the Indian Territory, for which,
he thinks, an appropriation Of $4,000
will DO sufficient. concur in that rec
ommendation. Secretary Schurz this
year renews the statement made by him
In his last annual report, showing the
imperative necessity for some legislation
by Congress to provide means for
moro speedy settlement OF private land
claims in all the territory acquired from
Mexico, except California, than is now
provided by law. Reasons are then
given for asking for such legislation
First - The slow progress under
existing laws in the settlement OF
said claims; second that the sale
aud disposal Of public lands nrc
interfered with and retarded by delay
in settling the great number Of
such claims, which cover large tracts Of
land; third-tbe strife and conflict en-.
gendsred between the grant claimants
and settlers by want Of harmony be.
tween the land system OF the United
States and the system under which these
grants were made. All these reasons.
says the Secretary. still exist aud IL,
last is intensified by the disorders and
bloodshed which have occurred in New
Mexico during the last wear. most of
which are traeeablo directly to the con.
fiicting interests OF grant claimants aud
settlers. IIe. therefore, earnestly urges
his recommendation for the enactment
Of a law which shall provide for the ap.
pointment Of a commission with full
power to hear aud determine the valid.
ity Of all such claims. subject TO appeal
to the United States Courts.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 90 Following is
the full text OF that portion Of the Secre-
tary OF Interiors annual report In which
he comments upon the acts OF last VIM
ter authorizing the citizens OF Colorado,
Nevada, and the Territories to take tim.
Der from public lands for mining and
domestic purposes, and providing for
the sale Of timber lands in California,
Nevada, Oregon and Washington Terri.
tory. Secretary Schurz says. in the
opinion OF the Commissioners Of the
General Land Office. which is ON record
III this department, these two acts are
more calculated TO hasten the destruction
OF forests In the States ami Territories
named than TO secure the preservation
OF them. The Commissioner OF the
General Land Office In n letter officially
to me, expresses the following opinion
OF the act relating to Colorado, Nevada
and the Territories.
IL Ia n fact well known, that while al