, 1879-05-24
Indian Affairs.

"
greatest consideration, as it is the views Of
one well posted on Indian affairs, and
well knows what he is talking about:
| EDITOR STATESMAN reference to
Indian matters, / viii advance some views
as briefly as possible in connection with
the present situation. The conferences
with the Indians in Eastern Oregon,
Washington, and North Idaho, for some
time past, and prior to hostilities, have
been one series Of MISUNDERSTANDING, re-
sulting from want of knowledge of In
dian character. of the history of the re-
lations of the Indians to the government
at an early day, and in many instances
from improper or imperfect Interpreting
The Indians are diplomates, and to make
them a proposition upon any matter of
Importance, even if it conceded with
their views, they will take time to discuss
and consider it with their friends, before
making any positive response. This char
acteristie Is part Of their nature, only
recognized by those who have had long
and important dealings with them.
The trearies with the reservation In
dams expire this year, and, with the In
dams IN Eastern Washington and North
Idaho realize the necessity of their rela-
tions with the government being placed
upon permanent basis. They also re-
alize that the country is rapidly filling up
with the whites who will have land, even
if compelled to disregard all rights Of the
Indians, and unless speedy and definite
action be had by the government, a con-
hict of the races is inevitable, which
would result Ill the determination of the
Indians
The sending Of the deputation of In
dians to Washington Is having a salutary
effect upon the Indians as well as the
whites, but this good effect may be short
lived, unless followed up with movements
that will keep the minds of all occupied
with the consideration of the adjustment
Of their claims upon the government by
negotiation.
Mos has been much abused and at
the same time, his Importance and infu-
ence much 0verrated. He has some am
birious views in regard to himself which
VIII never be realized. Every head man
Is anxious to have a reservation for his
band Of followers by which means he
would be recognized as q chief. These
different demands are the results of sug-
gastions of white men prompted by inter
ested motives Of their own If the alter
native be presented ro the Indians, the
majority of them would prefer to take up
land III severalty ana remain upon their
present locations i'll preference to being
removed to any reservation. lt Is some
WHIT fortunate that these differences exist
III present eXigencies, AZ the same time
the full demai is of one interest cannot
be granted without ;yiel,iiag to all, which
wouil be impossible. In ondeavoring 10
adjust these differences, the tirae and at
tcntion of the Indians can b. occupied
through the present season, hoStilitles ar
ueEtcd and time secured to perfect sume
arrangement by wi ich ali who did not
wish to niore, would take mp land in sev-
crafty rs j matter " compromise, and
those =ho Vouii Ret desire IT, % So. cnuld
he sent to one reservation set apart for
them, IN the district Of country alluded
TO-
To further these ends in my opinion,
two things mus; be done Upon the re-
turH of the dele CATION from Washington,
council for conference should he held,
on the Uma:.lla reservation to which all
the leading Indians ia the country should
be invited, after which similar council
should be held in the upper country in
the vicinity of Spokane Falls. This lat
ter council being for the benefit Of the
Indians not treated with ard who have
been quiet for two Years and if they re-
main so, can prevent any general eombi
nation for war. | suppose the Spokane
Falls is the point for holding the council,
on account OF lis being central location
IN the vicinity of the fisheries which are
resorted to by representative lndiaps
from all parts Of the country in June and
July. Last year the Indians at these
fisheries came from all pazts of the upper
ooantry lin consulta:i, n, they concluded
and see what the government you'd do for
them in regard to their lands. To make
this latter council a success, at least a
month should be consumed in notifying
the Indians, at the same time exercising
great care that they be made To under
stand its peaceful objects. Flour and
beef shonld be provided for them, esti-
mating four or five days for the continua
tinn of the council. Of this the Indians
should be notified. A few thousa"d
dollars expended in this way discreet'y,
would prevent hostilities and prevent the
expenditure Of blood and large sums of
money IN military operations. In making
these recommendations, speak from ac-
tual experience in the management of the
Nez Perces and other tribes upon he
first discover of gold in the country
when the situation was as critical, if not
more so, than at present.
The large majority of the non-treaty
Indians have behaved so we'll for the past
two years that they apprehend they have
forfeited all consideration at the hands of
the government
.'kamichen," the old war chief, was
recognized as head chief of all the Yaki-
ma bands, in the treaty made IN 1856,
and confirmed in 1859. He made his last
fight in 1858, after which he gave up, de-
claring it was useless to fght any more,
that he would neither go upon the reser-
vation, or accept anything from the gov
ernment. and that he intended to live in
peace with the whites. He kept his
word. He retired t" a little farm near
Rock Lake in the Palouse country, where
he died some feur or FIVE years since.
His eldest son has pursued the same line
Of conduct followed by the father since
1858, although very tempting PROPOSE
ton was made him about year ago
which was to raise his standard for war
and be leader. How far be was tempted
will not be known until the present diff
culties are adjusted. He Is not disposed