The Phoenix herald., 1879-09-20
IHDHAa iNF0RMATl0N Gathered in an Interview with Gen. Hammond. Facts Concerning inc Native
 Americans.
Need Of Q Stronger Indian
 Police Force.

ing the condition of the Indian
 within our borders was very kindly accorded by General Hammond.
 Indian inspector, to the HERALD's
 Interviewer, on Thursday. As the General had just returned from q
 protracted tour through the Terri tory, during which he closely in spected and scrutinized the condition, conduct and mode of living of the aborigines, it will be found not only
 interesting but instructive. The sug- gestions which General Hammond has seen fit to make, should receive that consideration due them as the result of the observation and reflec- tion of one of our most prominent Indian authorities:
 Reporter: General, how long have you been in the Territory on your present duty; and what have you accomplished up to date?
 General Hammond: I have been here twice on my present duty, I ar rived here first late in February, and left Tn May, but returned the first of July and have been here since; ex- amining public lands and Indian reservations, ard have almost finished my lahors, having only the Colo rado River, the Zlni, and Mohave reservations to examine. I will then leave for New Mexico in order to in- ves,igate tlre Warm Spring and Mescalero agencies in that Terri tory.
 Reporter: In what condition did you find the Arizona Indians gen orally?
 General Hammond: found the Pimas and Maricopas loafng about all over the country in a erribly dis organized state. doing what they pleased, regardless of all law and government.
 Reporter: Can you suggest any remedy for this condition of things, General?
 General Hammond: would not only suggest. but would insist, and urge that they be taken Il hand by the civil aut. critics. and be pun ished as severely for all offences against the law IS the whites. This  is absolutely necessary, as the agents can only exercise authority within the limits of their respective agencies. and the Pimas do rot re- strict themselves to their own res ervations, but wander over the coun- try, and, as the agent has no meaus to enforce discipline except his fists, there is no way to keep them con fined, as up to the present time, there has been no allowance made to any agent to enable him to enlist police for that purpose. I have re- commended that the Government make liberal provision for Indian police so that we can enlist a suffi- cient number of men to enforce dis cipline and good conduct within the limits of the several reservations. Outside of the reservations the civil authorities must take them strictly in hand think the people of this Territory should take the disorgan- ized and undisciplined condition of the Indians, especially the young men, into very serious consideration, for it is very evident if they persist in their present course of loafing and petty thieving, it will inev tably lead to a conflict between the Indians and the white settlers, which it is the duty of every well disposed person ! to prevent and I certainly think the 1 public health demands the expulsion and exclusion from towns and viii Iages of Indian women, but this can be done, of course, only by the civil | authorities. If authority can only be obtained to enlist q suitable | police force the agents will cheer fully cooperate with the civil | officers in any action which may be | to reform this condition 1f affairs.
 Reporter: General. are there not many encroachments by settlers on he Indian reservatio1,sS
 General Hammond: Yes, but the labit ot squatting on Indian rcssrva- ions, both by Americans and Mexi- ans, Iss regard as resulting princl- oally from the neglect of the Gov srnment to mark the boundaries of he reservations, so that the people nay know which is public, and | which reserved land.
 Reporter: Do the Icdians in any way endeavor to better their condi- ion or contribute 10 their support?
 General Hammond: The Plmas, Papagos and Apaches, do a great leal more work and cultivate much | greater quantity of land than people usually give them credit for. The | quality of wheat raised by the Indi- ms is superior to that raised by the whites, and brings from quarter to rfere If z, c,,,,4 c. ,,o,,,,l ,r,,,,