Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-04-24

I Dd4USS nave dDO4luOHCu ltCIt IIIDdl
relations and have already taken
homesteads in that State, under this
act. Many more have signifed their
desire and purpose TO abandon their
tribal relations and adopt the habits
and customs of civilized people, and
avail themselves of the benefits of this
act, but are unable to do SO on account
Of their poverty. These indians who
have thus Abandoned their ancient tri-
bal relations, broken away from the
customs and traditions of their ances-
tors, taken homesteads and become
cultiyators Of the soil, now desire,
among other things, to secure the
payment to them of certain funds in
the Treasury Of the United States to
their credit. They also desire that an
account be stated, adjusted and settled
by the Interior Department between
themselves and that portion of the
tribe now residing On the reservation
in the State Of Nebraska. They de-
sire also that hereafter in the dis
tributiou Of the annuities Of the tribe a
pro rata division shall be made to
that portion of the tribe in Wisconsin
and that portion in Nebraska
4 X y x X
During the Sioux outbreak in 1862
the Winnebagoes maintained the most
friendly relations with the whites.
The lands occupied by these Indians
were very rich and valuable aud very
desirably located for settlement. The
Sioux outrages had the effect of strong
ly exasperating the whites in Mime
sofa, not only against the Sioux, but
against Indians in general, whether
they were hostile or friendly, urged on
by these motives and feelings the white
settlers commenced series of en-
croachments, wrongs and outrages
against the Winnebagoes, which rem
dered their condition so unsafe that
the Government thought it necessary
to remove them from the State. An
act was accordingly passed by Con-
gross on Feb'y. Dist, 1868, providing
for their removal beyond the limits of
any State .
The consent of the Indians to this
legislation was not obtained, neither
was 1t asked. The new reservation in
Dakotah was not selected by the Indians
but by the United States. On account
of the proximity of the new reserva-
ton to the Sioux, who were hostile to
the Winnebagoes, and for other causes
the Winnebagoes became greatly dis
satisfied, and large numbers of them
returned to the states, about one thous-
and Of them settled in Wisconsin. The
remainder Of the tribe were gathered
together and settled upon reservation
in Nebraska, where they now are
Senator Cameron made an earnest
and feeling appeal for these much
abused and neglected Indians Were
there more earnest and Christian Sena-
tors, like Mr.. Cameron in the United
States, the poor despised robbed In
dian might have some show Of obtain
ing justice.
! learn that Secretary Schurz looks
upon Hon. T. c. Pound of the Eighth
Wisconsin district as one of the most
interchangeable members of Congress,
transactinS business with his depart
ment being absolutely unyielding when
fully determined en- the accomplish
ment of purpose. A notable illus
tration of Gov. Pound S unbending de-
termination was seen in his successful
effort at the close of the last session in
deposing the Indian Agent at the
Green Bay Agency. This agency it
cludes the Oneidas, Menominecs and
Stockbridge Indians, and is located in
Shawano County It's management hay
ing been VIGOROUSLY bad for several
years. The Christian Commission
having this agency in charge, although
earnestly solicited by Gov. Pound to
join him IN the recommendation Of the
newly appointed agent, Mr.. Stevens,
they refused and insisted upon the old
agent, Mr. Bridgman being retained.
Charges of such gravity were placed
before the Secretary of the commission,
as to force him to abandon Mr.. Bridg-
man, yet he decided to recommend Mr.
Stevens, as he (the Secretary de-
sired the appointment of Mr.. Wheeler
an associate of Mr. Bridgman, and &C
cording to the usual custom of the In
terror Department, Secretary Schurz
recommended that the President nomi-
mated Mr.. Wheeler. This did net dis
courage Gov. Pound. He went direct
lr To tic Snnatn which ,,rInr ia ro,,