Morning journal and courier., 1881-02-03
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.

The Electoral Count-Senator Blaine's
 Position i'm the Matter - President
 Hayes Views of the Ponca Questzon-
 His Plan for a General Indian Policy
 Other Matters.
 WASHINGTON, Feb 2.-Senator Blaines speech today causes considerable comment and is generally regarded more as the declar- ations of prospective Premier than of the Republican Senator from Maine. His refer ence to his action on the first day of the next session is looked upon as a sort of technical disclaimer of speaking for General Garfield. The sentiments expressed are endorsed by the best men of both parties.
 The Speaker laid before the House mes sage from the President transmitting the re- port of the commission appointed to ascer- tain the facts relative to the removal of the Ponca Indians to the Indian Territory and to inquire into it's present condition and also declaration madeby the chiefs of that tribe, setting forth the compensation which they will accept for the lands and for the injuries done to the tribe by it's removal to the Indian Territory. After quoting from reports of the Secretary of the Interior, Agent B. O. Howard and the Senate committee upon the subject, the President says:
 The report of the commission appointed by me and the testimony taken by them add very little to what already contained in the official reports of the
 Secretary of the Interior and the report of the Senate committee touching the injustice done to the Ponca Indians by their removal to the Indian Territory Happily, however, the evidence reported by the com mission and their recommendations point out conclu siyey the true of redress which the govern ment of the United States ought now to adopt. The commission, in its conclusions oits to give the i'm poran fact to the present condition of the Poncas in the Indian Territory but the evidence they have reported shows clearly and conclusvey that the Pom cas residing in that Territory-521 in number
 and an a s are freely and firmly decided to adhere to the and the declaration of December IT, 1880, to remain in the Indian Territory and not to return to the Da
 The evidence reported also shows that the fragment of the Ponca tribe-perhapS one hundred and fifty in fer to remain on their old reservation.
 In view of these facts. am confident that the declaration of the chiefs of December last substan italy followed, will afford solution of the Ponca of both branches of the rbe with the settled Indian policy of the government, and as nearly as indian policy the future should embrace the fol- lowing ideas:
 ship by giving to their young of both sexes that in
 ustria and general education which is requisite to enable to be sefsupporting and capable of sefpro-
 second-Lands should be allotted to Indians sev-
 Third-The Indians should have . fair compensa- ton for their lands not required for individual alot- ments, the amount to be invested with suitable safe- guards for their beneft
 Fourth-With these prerequisites secured the In- II ma06 lnVe8JeQ rights and charged with the responsibilities of citi It is therefore recommended that legislation be adopted in regard to the Ponca Indians authorizing te Secretary of Interior to to the indivfd- nal members of the Ponca tribe in severalty sufficient land for their support inalienable for term of years or until the restriction alienation be removed by the President Ample time and opportunity shall be given to members of the tribe freely to choose their allotment either on their old reserve tions Full compensation should be made for lands depredations and by reason of their removal to the Indian Territory the amount not to be less than the sum named the declaration Of the chiefs made on
 In short nothing should be left undone to show to the Indians that the of the United States regards their rights equally sacred with those of | its citizens The time has come when the policy shouid be to placc the Indians, rapidly practica ble on the same footing with the other permanent inhabttants of this country. do not undertake to apportion the blame for the injustice done to the Poncns. Whether the Executive or Congress of the public is chiefly in fault is now question of practi-
 As the Chief Executive at the time when the wrong I was consumnnated. deeply sensible that enough of the responsibility for that wrong justly attaches tc make 1t my personal duty and earnest desire to do all
 can to give these Indian people that measure oi redress which required alike by justice and human fly. RUTHERFoRD B. HAYES. l Executive Mansion Februsry l, 1s8L
 The select committee of the House on the l interoceanic ship canal held 2 short session this morning and consumed the time fill tht Ehour of adjournment in discussion without isryivipg at any conclusion. It was shown