Daily globe., 1881-02-03
memorating the battle of Bennington, was

agent or Othef Oncer IN Inc lnulau herV1Ce,
also information as to what steps have been
taken to prosecute them.
A message was received from the President
transmitting the report of the commission ap.
pointed to ascertain the facts relative to the re-
moval of the Ponca tribe Of Indians to the In
dian Territory, and to inquire into It's present
condition; and also the declaration by the
sation they will accept forstheir lands and for
injuries done the tribe by removal to the In
dian Territory. After quoting from the re-
ports of tho secretary of the interior,
Agent Howard and tho Senate com.
says: "Ths report Of the commission
appointed by me and the testimony taken by
them, add very little to what was already
contained In the official reports of the secre-
tary of the interior and the report of the
Senate committee touching the injustice done
Indian Territory. Happily, however, the evil.
dence reported by the commission and their
recommendations point out conclusively the
true measure of redress which the government
of the United States ought now to adopt. The
commission in its conclusions omit to state
an important fact as to the present condition
of the Poncas in the Indian Territory, but the
evidence they have reported shows clearly and
eonclusively the Poncas now residing In that
Territory, sol In number, are satisfied with
their new home, that they are healthy, comfort
able and contented, and that they arc freely and
firmly decided to adhere to the choice an.
nounced in their letter of October IS, 1880,
and declaration of December II, 1880, to re-
main in the Indian Territory, and not return
to Dakota Territory. The evidence reported
also shows that the fragment of the Ponca
tribe, perhaps $50, which is still in Dakota
and Nebraska, prefer to remain on their old
reservati on. In view of these facts am con-
ident the Recommendation of the commission,
together with the declaration of the chiefs of
December last, substantially followed, will
afford solution of the Ponca question which
is consistent with the wishes and interest OF
both tr nches of the tribe which settled the In.
dian policy OF the government and nearly as
practical with the demands of justice. Our
general Indian policy for the future should
embrace the following ideas:
First, the Indians should be prepared for
citizenship by giving to their young, of both
sexes, the industrial and general education
which is requisite to enable them to be self
supporting and capable of self-protection in
civilized communities
Second, lands should be allotted to Indians
in severalty and inalienable for certain
period.
Third, Indians should have fair compensa--
tion for theii lands not required for individual
allotment, the amount to be invested with
suitable safeguards for their benefit.
Fourth, with these perquisites secured, the
Indians should be made citizens, and invested
with the rights and charged with the respon-
sibilities of citizenship.
1t is therefore recommended that legislation
be adopted in regard to the Ponca Indians,
authorizing the secretary of the interior to Sc
cure to individual members of the Ponca tribe
in severalty, sufficient land for their support,
inalienable for term of years, or until the
restriction or alienation may be removed by
the President. Ample time and opportunity
shall be given members of the tribe, freely to
choose their allottments, either on their new
or old reservations. Full compensation should
be made for lands to be rclinquished and for
losses to them by Sioux depredations, and by
reason of their removal to the Indian territory,
the amount not to be less than the sum NAM
ed in the declaration of the chiefs made Dec
81, 1880.
In short, nothing should be left undone to
show the Indians the government of the United
States regards their rights as equally sacred
with those of its citizens. The time has come
when the policy should be TO place the Indians
as rapidly as practicable upon the same foot
ing with other permanent inhabitants of this
country. do not undertake to apportion the
blame for the injustice done the Poncas.
Whether the executive, or Congress, or the
public is chiefly in fault, is not now the ques-
tion of practical Importance. AS the chief
executive at the time when the wrong was
consummated, am deeply sensible enough of
the responsibility for that wrong justly at
taches to me, to make it my personal duty and
earnest desire to do all I can to give to these
Indian people that measure of redress which is
required by justice and by humanity.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD B. HAYES,
Executive Mansion, Feb. I, 1881.
The message was ordered printed and re-
ferred to the committee on Indian affairs.
The post route bill was reported from the
committee on postoffices and post roads and
passed.
Mr.. Knott, chairman of the committee on
judiciary, submitted report OF that com.
mittee touching the right of the Senate
to originate appropriation bills. Ordered
printed and recommitted.
The House then went into committee of the
whole, Mr.. Converse in the chair, on the Dis
trict of Columbia appropriation bill.
Mr.. Neal offered an amendment, which was
adopted, authorizing the treasurer of the
United States to purchase any of the funded
Indebtedness of the District of Columbia for
the sinking fund authorized to be created for
redemption and payment of the Indebtedness
the best interests of such District.
The committee then rose and reported the
bill to the House, when it passed-yeas 14o;
nays a.
Mr.. Atkins, chairman of the committee on
appropriations, reported the legislative, judi
cial and executive appropriation bill. Ordered
printed and recommitted. 1t recommends an
appropriation of $17,1s1, 900.
A struggle then ensued ae to possession of
the floor. Mr. Regan demanded the regular
order and for the consideration of the inter
State commerce bill.
Mr.. Cox, New York, asserted his right to
call up the apportionment bill, as privileged
question, and Mr.. Sparks antagonized both
propositions, with motion to proceed to the
business on the calendar, for the purpose, as
he stated, of calling up the Fitz John Porter
bill.
Mr.. Regan contended it was q matter of the
greatest interest to the American people that
the question involved in Interstate commerce
should receive consideration and attention. He
would ask the House to set apart two days
for consideration of that measure, and to order
two night sessions for debate only on the same
subject.
Mr.. Cox raised the question of considera-
ton. He called on the House to fnlfill q high
duty, one which must be performed every ten
years The State legislatures were awaiting
the action of Congress on the apportionment
bill and if it were not passed this session Con-
prnss would roll IN nm eyDense on the Deonle