The Tombstone epitaph., 1881-12-19

trol of the war department The Indian whose warlke spirit has been thoroughly broken, and who from personal choice prefers to mingle in peace with the whites, whether individually, in tribes on reser- vations, 1t the very midst of settlements and civilization, could, with wisdom be continued under the control of peace pur- suing citizens. The Indian problem, in this territory, in my opinion, cannot be brought 10 a safe and satisfactory solution until the warlike spirit of the more savage tribes has been thoroughly broken. l have been upon the San Carlos reservation in times of the fullest peace with the lndi- ans, and have looked into the faces of the chiefs, and through an interpreter have conversed with them and have not failed to discover the reckless and unsatistied spirit chafing like the lion in his cage under the unnatural restraint to which they were compelled to yield. Their wild and un- tanned natures demand the fullest liberty to roam unmOlested through the valleys, over the mountains and along the streams of their birth places and early associations. Unfair and unjust treatment, and ignor- ance of the Indian character, to some eX tent, on the part of the authorities placed over him, mingled with an uncomfortable desire for the liberty of lifetime to roam unmoested to hunt and chase undisturb- ed, is the motive that actuates them to steal away from their narrow confines and to commit murder and theft in their efforts to regain possession of their old and ac. custoned haunts.
 DEFENSIVE WARFARE.
 Their warfare now with the whites is more of the character of the defensive than the offensive. Past contests with the 0verpowering arm of civilization has taught them that thelr only safety is a re treat into the forests and fastnesses of un- inhabited mouLlains. The requirements of peace and the best interests of civiliza- lion imperatively demand that the wild men of the forest must first be conquered and then controlled. They can be more easily conquered and compelled to go upon reservations than they can be controlled and kept in peace thereafter. When upon the reservations they should be justly dealt with and compelled 10 respect the hand of authority Kindness and great firmness should be constantly practised with the more restless and unnamed spirits There is much fraud and deception, without doubt- practised upon the Indian by de- signing agents who care more for profit and power than they do for the peace and prosperity of their country. Government contractors Tn some cases seem to acquire an unfortunate control of Indian agents, and then the trouble is likely to begin. One reason why favor placing the control of the warlike Indians in the hands of the military is because of the common belief that as a rule the regular army officers would be more just to all parties concern ed. It is thought that he would not be so likely to disgrace his lifelong situation as Il regular army officer as a civilian who ex- poets to hold his official position only for brief time and who does not depend solely upon his position for livelihood. Then again, the presence of the power which compelled the Indian to succumb on the plain of battle would become con- stant reminder to them of the consequence of an outbreak. In this territory there has not always existe spirit of harmony q sameness of purpose between the military and civil authorities with reference to the contol and management of the Indians. Therefore in my judgment the branch of the service best calculated 10 conquer peace with the Indians and to keep the same thereafter should be placed in control over them.
 THE COWBOYS.
 Sixth. On account of the greatly dis iurbed condition of the publ peace along Ihe border of the United States and Mexi. 60, and the seriously apprehended dis turbances of the present peaceful con dition of affairs between the two govern ments as consequence thereof, and the utter inability of the local civil authorities it all times to keep the peace and bring to justice the large number of reckless and abandoned men in the counties forming d part of the border, would very respect fully urge upon Congress the wisdom of so far remedying the law now prohibiting the army from actively participating in aggressive efforts to peep the peace and protect the lives and property of the country, so far as the same relates to this territory. We have within our borders a small army of outlaws well armed and fully able to cope with the ordinary civil posses of.the several counties. think the governor of the territory has authority by law to organize militia companies for the purpose of overpowering threatened combinations of men whose purpose is to defy the ordinary civil authorities and go upon raids of theft and common plunder. There are no appropriations at the disposal of the governor with which to meet the expenses of such an emergency Some thing must be done either by the national or territorial authorities to quell these con- stant raids upon the property of peaceful citizens, and the occasional taking the life of the innocent And, finally, permit mo, as only acting governor, to recommend either to congress or yourself, that the reg ularly appointed governor of thls territory be required to return to his post of duty, or be asked to step aside and permit some other gentleman to take his place and feel at liberty to act without restraint. In making this last suggestion, am prompt. ed only by the spirit of reason and justice and the demands of the public. The above recommendations and suggestions are offered dlsinterestedly and in the sin cere regard for the public good
 Most respectfully, your ob'd't serv't.
 JOHN J. GosPER, Acting Governor.
 LOCAL PERSONALS.