The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-02-03
CONGRESSIONAL.
THE FoRry-sEvExrm CONGRESS-
SENATE.

l
the wrong done the tribe during his
administration, as a most manly and
magnanimous utterance.
Mcpherson reported a bill recon-
mending 100000 to be used in search
ing for the Jeanette.
A bill was introduced by Burnside
for the relic of citizens of Montana,
who served with the United States
troops in the Nez Perces war, and for
the relief of the heirs of those killed.
Morgan's electoral count resolutions
were slightly amended, and a long dis
cussion ensued.
HOUSE.
A resolution was adopted asking the
secretary of interior for any papers in
his office, within eighteen months,
making complaints or charges against
any Indian agent or officer in the In
dian service, and what steps have been
taken to prosecute.
The presidents message, with the re-
port of the Ponca commission, was
read. The president quotes from
various reports on the subject, and says:
The commission add but very little
TO the known facts as given in other
reports. However, the evidence before
the commission and their. recommen-
dation show conclusively what means
of redress the government ought to
adopt.
present condition of the Indian ter
ritory, but the evidence conclusiyely
shows that they are satisfied, healthy,
comfortable and are freely and firmly
decided to adhere to their present
quarters and not return to Dakota. A
remnant now in Dakota, prefer to re-
main there. They number probably
150. The president is therefore con-
fident of the consistent solution of the
Ponca question agreeable to the
Poncas and to the policy of the govern
ment is assured.
Our general Indian policy should en-
brace the following ideas: To pHpare
the Indians for citizenship by educating
the young of both sexes; let lands
be allotted to the Indians in severalty,
inalenable fora certain period; compen-
sation to the Indians for their lands,
and the amounts paid to be suitably in
vested for their benefit.
These prerequisites secured, the In
dians should be invested with rights
and responsibilities of citizenship. The
president therefore recommends leg
islation autho rizing the secretary of
the interior to secure to the individu-
al Poncas in severalty, sufficient land
fo- their support inalienable for term
of years, or until the restriction or
alienation may be removed by the pres
ident. Let the members have ample
time to choose their allotments:on the
new OF old reservation and give them
full pay for lands relinquished and
losses by the Sioux depredations, and
by the removal to the Indian territory,
the amount not to be less than that
named by the chief on the 9th of last
December.
Nothing should be left undone to
show the Indians that the government
regards their rights equally sacred with
those of its citizens.
The time has come when the policy
should be to place the Indians as rapid
ly as practicable on the same footing
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 question of practi-
cal Importance. As chief executive, at
time when the wrong was consum-
mated, l am deeply sensible enough
of the responsibility for that wrong
whichjustly attaches to me, to make it my
personal duty and earnest desire to do
all can to give to these Indian people
that means of redress which is required
alike by justice and humanity.
Signed, r. b. HAYES.
The house then went into committee
on the District of Columbia appropri-
alton bill. The message and papers
were referred to the Ponca committee.
A communication from the secretary
of the interior transmitting the Ute
commission report and correspon-
dence with the governor of Colorado
concerning the Utes. Ordered printed.
After some amendment the bill
passed-144 to "a.
Atkins reported legislative bill ap-
propriating ST., 100000. Ordered print
ed.
A struggle ensued for the floor, Re-
gan pressing in regular order the in
ter-state commerce bill, Cox, the re-
apportionate bill, as a privileged ques-
tion, and Sparks, the Fitz John Porter
bill.
Cox said that apportionment now
might save from six to eight mil
lions expense, and although Regan's
bill was important, it was not likely to
pass the senate, even if it passed the
house. The house by vote of 9S to
150, refused to consider the Interstate
commerce bill.
Pending further action, the
speaker presented. message
from the president transmitting