Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1878-12-20
Is an Indian War Probable.

to ourself as well as to the public. But
we cannot, not knowing the programme
which the government will pursue in
relation to the Indians on this coast
between this time aud when the grass
grows in the Spring War is probable
il the old policy Of the past few years
is continued. 1t is equally probable if
the present conflict Of opinion that ex-
lists among the heads Of the departments
Of the government is not speedily set
tied and some tangible and certain plan
fixed upon to allay the discomfort a.
mong the Indians that seems to pervade
all the tribes of this northwest coast.
There is one feature in the Indian CON-
missioner's report that is inexplicable to
us, If peace is desired, aud that is the
recommendation to place all the klam
aths, the Piutes, Bannocks, Shoshoues
and the Umatillas upon the Yakima re.
serve, near Moses and the disafected
sririts Of the other northern tribes, and
near the British boundary, and in close
proximity to almost impenetrable noun
tains and timber, unless it be for the
purpose Of inviting the Indians to war,
aud war, too, where they will have i'm
mense advantage over either troops or
citizen soldiers. As the Pacific I'ri-
bune charges, there can be little doubt
that the state authorities Of Oregon
have recommended that their unruly
Indians be sent away, they care not
where, SO long as they are removed
from Oregon. There is no less doubt
that Gen. Howard has seconded their
recommendation, and probably, as the
Tribune suggests, these recommended.
tions arc the sole promptings of the In
dian commissioner suggestions. But
let us go back to last Summer. 1t was
announced as the programme Of the
Bannocks, Piutes and Shoshones on the
war path, to 60 north and affect june.
ton with the Columbia river Indians,
Moses band and the Spokanes, and
then make firm stand against the
whites. Sarah Winnemucca revealed
this plan and it was credited by Gen
Howard, and greater portion of the
strength Of HE Summer campaign was
to prevent this junction of these forces
The gunboat expeditions under com
mand Of Commodore Wilkinson we're {
part Of the preventives of this junction
Many citizens Of Umatilla county sacri
fced their lives in checking the pro
gress Of the Indians to make this juno
ton. 1t is now fully apparent that I
large proportion Of the Umatillas claim
ing to be friendly, were privy to thi
programme Of the Indians to unit
with Moses, and were aiding them t
do so. The same is true Of the Go
lumbia river Indians, both below AM
above Wallula. Now we ask what ha
been done to the Bannocks, Piutes, She
shones, Umatillas or Klamaths to max
it more safe to trust them to unite tn
ensuing season, than it would for ther
to have united last season? Does til
present spirit shown by the Umatilla
augur submission? Does the spirit {
the Indians about Yakima aud til
young men ia Moses band augur sub
mission We have failed to see wher,
ia the Indians were the losers in ii
campaign Of 1878. They robbed an
got away with thousands and thoasant
Of dollars worth of property from II
settlers, which has never been retaker
1t is now said that over $4,000
worth Of settlers stock is in the posse
sion of Indians in the vicinity OF IL
Yakima, much Of which was the pr
duct of the raids of last Summer. No
one thing is sure, some Influence fro
this coast is brought to bear upon Il
mind of the Indian Commissioner
induce this consolidation, or else he i
nores entirely all official reports fro
this quarter and goes upon abstra
theory alone. We are made to unde
stand by A. j. Gains letter that ii
plan recommended by Gen. Howar
was to homestead all the Indians pos
BILE upon their respective reservation
and only send the residue to the ne
reserve near Moses. If such poll
will be faithfully carried out, We B