The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1883-02-28
COUNCIL JOINT MEMORIAL.
Concerning the Treatment of Indians and
Depaedat1ons Committed by Them
Upon Settlers and Their
Property.

Hon. A. B. Hamilton introduced in
the council Friday last the following
joint memorial to congress, and under
suspension of the rules, it passed that
body by a unanimous vote:
TO the honorable, the Senate and House
Of Representatives of the United States
Of Americ0 an Congress assembled:
Your memorialists, the council and
house of representatives, comprising the
legislative assembly of the Territory Of
Montana, respectfully represent to your
honorable bodies:
That the tribe of Indians known as
the Piegans, comprising a portion of the
Blackfeet nation, whose agency is loca-
ted on Badger creek in said Territory,
have been continuously for years steal
divers other depredations upon the
rights and property Of the citizens of
said Territory.
That where heretofore game was once
plentiful in their accustomed hunting
grounds, little or none can now be
found.
That the subsistence furnished at said
agency is utterly insufficient to supply
the demands of necessity, and these
Indians are frequently driven to such
desperate rigor as to be compelled to re-
sort to these means to avert starvation.
That by reason Of the causes aforesaid,
the depredations of said Indians, instead
of diminishing, have been increasing,
until they have become SO frequent Of
late thatth lives and pursuits of industry
particularly that Of stock raising) of the
white settlers in their vicinity have
been greatly endangered and seriously
jeopardized.
While it is a well known fact to the
citizens in the vicinity of said agency
that these raids have been occasioned
from causes Of extreme necessity, yet it
is a conceded fact that unless some ac-
ton is taken to avert these aggressions
in future, a collision between these
Indians and the whites must inevitably
ensue.
Your memorialists would most respect
fully further represent that frequent
complaints have been made and peti-
tons presented to the Indian depart
ment at Washington, the agent of said
tribe and the military in this Territory,
setting forth he wrongs and grievances
aforesaid, and requesting that said tribe
be kept upon their reservation-all of
which has been Intellectual until your
memorialists nave despaired of any relief
save through the interposition Of your
honorable bodies.
Your memorialists would also most re-
spectfully represent that said Piegan
of the Blackfeet nation would read
lily adapt themselves to the pursuits of
husbandry. and in a great measure, if
not entirely, become self supporting,
thereby averting the,evils aforesaid, and
relieving the governmental of great incon-
venience and expense if their suppl IS
for subsistence are made commensurate
with their actual wants at the present,
and they are furnished with the humb-
[er implements employed in the ordina-
~ pursuits of agriculture; that in this
way they can be made to remain con-
5ented upon their reservation, their val
liable tillable lands made available for
useful and beneficial purpose, and
heir complications with the white set
ultimately terminated.
Wherefore your memorialists respect
ully request that such action be taken
II the premises by your honorable
bodies as shall be deemed expedienJ
md proper to meet the emergency and
the demands of justice.
And your memorialists will, as in
luty bound, yer pray.