New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-03
THE NAVIJOS AND THEIR 1GENT.

DANGER THAT LARGE, PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS
TRIBE OF INDIANS WILL BE FORCED INTO WAR
BY THE wRETCHED FOLLY OF ONE MANA CON.
DTTION OF AFFAIRS THAT OUGHT TO BE INvEs-
TJGATED.
TO the EdStor OF The Tribune.
SIR: feel constrained TO express myself about
matter which is of extreme importance here ard Of
large interest generally, and have concluded to
write to You, and if the press cannot remedy the
difficulty.
The subject is one of which THE TRIBUNE Of the
Goth spoke rather humorously in connection with a
telegram, viz, the return of Mr.. Eastman to the
Navajo Agency. The Navajos are q large tribe. as
you know, now growing wealthy, with great num-
bers of horses cattle. sheep and goats; living in
peace, and showing great industry in various ways.
If let alone there is more trouble with them than
with a similar sized population on Long Island. BY
treaty. certain supplies issued to them and they
have an Agent"
Perhaps two years ago this Mr.. Eastman came as
Agent He is probably good man morally. but
seems to be fanatic, at any rate certainly has
no common sense. He tried to enforce the obsery-
ance of Sunday stop card-playing etc. and for in
fractions of his rules punished by cutting off rtions
etc. He became no obnoxious that q revolt was
feared. Advice had no effect on him. He insisted
on going on, while the Indians became more and
more incensed. They gave notice that they would
stand it no longer and Mr.. Eastman fled. Everyone
civil and military. begged the Washington author
tiles to remove him his continuance was sure to
bring on n war. The Department suspended him
and appointed Captain Bennett Immediately
all was peaceful, harmonious and happy. The In
dams were satisfied, and the white settlers returned
to their homes which they had left in fear. But to
the amazement of everyone Mr.. Eastman has como
back reinstated. No one but a fanatic would do
So when it is absolutely snre death. He not only
endangers his own life. but puts in jeopardy all
whom an Indian would affect.
have never seen Mr.. Eastman OF Captain Ben
nett and have not the slightest personal feeling of
any kind. But it seems simply horrible in order
TO provide this fool of a man, without tact iudg-
ment, or ordinary sense, with place, II goad
great, peaceful and industrious tribe into the com
mission of murder, and TINS bring on a war which
viii end no one knows where. Such war besides
its wicedness and the loss of life would nnTe This
Territory materially to n extent and seriously
retard its growth. Even if Eastman were an angel
ne ought to be recalled on the grounds of expediency
Just as n general who though perhaps biameless
has lost the confidence of his troops has to be re-
placed by another But that man should be
sheer foolishness and obstinacy is frghtfnl. AL
ready nearly all the white employees etc have left the
leservat1on Tor fear OF what the Indians may be
-, OF course this man has no more RIGHT to punish
tine Inulans for religions offences than Won or |
would have, He has no kind of right 10 cut down
or Wltnhoid rations which are merely form of
70 .g interest on money due them But he
moral and religious teacher ] have said that prob
ably ne Is moral man. but the fact of buying great
quantities of Mexican dollars at the bank here at
about 80 cents each, to use with the Indians at a
full dollar, does not look So This, however is not
50 important as his driving them to desperation in
other WAYS.
Now here is n matter peculiarly in tie line of THE
TRIBUNE. BY prompt action you can save hundreds
OF lives, avert war, prevent cruel injustice, and
save this section from dreadful blow at its pros
Pcrty. The whole of Victories wars could have
been saved If in time some newspaper had brought
to light and stopped the niquity of their removal
ms IL FAR more important matter for the Navajos
IN Nxa nran
Excuse the length OF this have felt that should
almost feel responsible for the boodshed if did not
write 1t is terrible reality To u.s. and all for one
miserable man. A RESIDENT.
Santa Re, N. 81, July %, 1851.