New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-08-23

consent to a settlement among the Osages. and
to propose that they send delegation to the Indian
Territory TO make the selection. They at first OBJ
jected to any removal, but finally agreed to send
delegation to examine the county. They were in
formed that the expense of sending q delegation
could not be incurred until they had first consented
TO surrender of their Dakota lands. Such consent
was given by the Poncas in formal council on Jan
uary 81, with the understanding that after the re-
turn of the delegation final negotiations
were TO be completed in Washington. I'M
fortunately, OH account of their inhospit-
able reception by the Osages Coccasioned by the
absence of the Usage agent with their principal
chiefs the Door accommodations provided during
their stay there and the undue proOngation of their
visit by bad weather the delegation of chiefs became
disheartened at the outset, declined the friendly adj
vances of the Kaws, refused to look further and
scarcely noticed the rich lands which pointed
out along the Arkansas River. On reaching Ar
kansas City eight chiefs left in the night for home
on foot, and forty days later reached the Ponca
Agency. The other two, with Agent Lawrence and
the interpreter, who had accompanied the delega-
tOn, selected the northeastern part of the Quapaw
Reservation.
- After further negotiations 40 Poncas on the
10th of April started with Inspector Kemble for
lHe lnuldu territory. Among IneIn were TWO OF Jno
three chiefs then living, who signed the treaties of
1917 aud 1926. Many others who had signifed
willingness to 40 were afraid at the last moment,
because of the threats of the other party. The
feuds and jealouses which had always existed be-
tween the various bands of the tribe were 80
heightened by this difference of opinion on tho
subject Of removal that force of forty-fye
soldiers was sent from Fort Randall, not
to compel removal but to protect those
who were preparing to start from the threat
ened violence of the opposition. Much suffering
was caused by storms and floods which prevailed
during the whole journey to the Territory. After
the departure of the first party, it determined
by the Government that the removal of the remain
der of the tribe must be insisted on and four
panles of troops were ordered to the Agency. But,
in the meantime it was decided to attempt to fore
stall the need of their services, and Agent Law
renee and his successor, Agent Howard, were
authorized to again urge upon the Indians
quiet compliance with the wishes of the Govern
ment. Three councils were held on the 9TH, Sth
and 10Th Of May, and on the 10th they notified to
Agent Howard that they had concluded TO go, and
wished assistance in getting their property and
their old and iufrm Indians across the Niobrara,
which was of course rendered.
"On the removal of the Sioux to the Missouri the
lands thus vacated by the Poncas were occupied by
Spotted Tail, and his agency established at the
old Ponca Agency The Poncas at that time were
very poor, and their effects were of little value.
After the POncas had been few months in the Int
dian Territory they were allowed to come to
Washington. Every disposition was shown by
the Government to rectify so far as possible any
wrong that the Poucas had suffered. The Commas
sioner of Indian Affairs visited them in October last
with view of asceTtalnlng their wants, and TO
sist in furnishing them, without delay, whatever
might be needed for their comfort A bill for their
relief providing for payment for their lands III Da-
kota and also providing for the payment for their
new reservation, with an appropriation of $4,000
TO reimburse them for losses has been sent to Con-
gress by the Interior Department. Everything that
could possibly be done under the law to make them
comfortah BILE and contented has boon done.
" From these facts il Will appear that when the
present Administration came in the removal of the
Poncas had been determined upon, and had actually
been initiated ana that the action of Congress and
the policy of the previous Administration sim-
ply carried out. While the Poncas always have
been very good Indians they were very far removed
from a civilized condition. Ii has been said that
upon their old reservation they were supporting
themselves by their own agricultural labor. Ibe
fact is they were regularly fed 10y the Government
They are gradually approaching civilized condi-
ton now but are certainly nearer 10 1t at present
than they have ever been before"
In conclusion the Secretary expressed q doubt
whether the POncas would be improved in condition
by a return to their old reservation. He said many
of the Indians are begging the Government to give
them PATENTS for Their lands, and the DepaT meut
has made every possible effort to induce Congress to
pass a law under which patents NAV be issued max
ing the homeStcads of Indians Inalienable and free
from taxation for period Of years.