The sun., 1884-11-02
The Rcd Men.

Not for many years has go hopeful sum-
mary been given OF tho condition OF tho
aooriglnc.5 as the one just presented by
Commissioner PRICE The twelvemontii
under review is memorable for having been
wholly free from Indian hostilities. The
schools. farms, and shops established on the
reservations have made hcadway. while
| scalp dances and sun dances are losing some
of their votarics.
Nevertheless, there is much that Congress
ought TO do for the Indians at tho coming
session. 1t should. first of ALL pass promptly
the routine supply bill, since tho recent suf.
fcrings of the Picgans and Blackfcct were
traceable to a needless delay Of the annual
| appropriation and to its insuillciency.
The agency police systcm should also be
strengthened. Tho bold experiment OF In
trusting the preservation OF order on the
reservations to tho Indians themselves has
produced surprising results. 1t had been
said that they could never understand civil
law, and that il clothed with authority they
would abuse ii to crafty personal vengeance
1t had been feared also that in cOntrover-
sizes between red men and white they would
always go with their race. But Mr.. PRICE
tells US that what actually occurs is this:
Tho inpsrtiaty with which the police have PEI.
formed the duties deyOlying upon them is Amazing and
creditahe in the highest degree 1t matters not who
the offender is whether chief OF the tribe or young
warrior. Indian white man. friend or foe when or
dered to make an arrest there is no inchns from duty
and IA truly marvellous that so little friction has oc
Cured in the performance OF their dutiss"
These Indian police decrease tho need OF
troops at the reservations, and they accustom
the tribes to self-govcrnment, under the pro-
cess OF law; yet they are paid SO little that
l23 members Of the force have resigned dur
Ing tho past year. The courts for the trial OF
Indian offences are also very shabbily treat
cd by the Government The Judges receive
mere pittance for compensation, although
1t Is admitted that their services are OF much
value. Nothing is more important In Indian
civilization than the cultivation OF respect
for the administration OF justice. More
hospitals are also needed on tho roserva-
tons and buildings for the purpose could be
erected at slight expense,
Finally, thc nvasions OF tho Indian Terri
tory demand attention from Congress- Al
ready this body, by acts passed at the last
session, has ovcrthrown the executive con-
struction Of tho Indian treaties OF 1866, which
were interpreted as allowing only ono north
anu op"'h i"ilrolu anu ono east ana west
through the Territory Tho Indian ONico now
finds this supposition set aside by grant
of the right of way to two more companies.
In addition, PAYNE's raids are only reprcssed
by military force, SO that the temporary
withdrawal OF troops for use elsewhere would
see an overwhelming rush of intrudcrs into
tho Territory. The remedy is tho amend
mcnt OF the existing laws. so as to increase
the penalty for their violation. This lcgls-
lation has been introduced into Congress, but
hitherto has been SO neglected as never TO
pass both branches. As partial offset 70
its opening OF the Territory for railroads, as
an act OF economy to avoid the constant use
OF troops, and as means OF preserving the
laws Of tho land from being treated with con-
tempt. Congross should make these intru.