New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-10-10
TIE INDIAN QUESTION:
A PLAN FOR IT'S FINAL SETTLEMENT.

EVIL TREATIES SHOULD BE SET ASIDE AND THE
RESERVATION SYSTEM ABOLISHED.
LAKE MoHoNK, Oct. 9.-At the session OF
the Mohonk conference to-day DR.. Rhoades reported
back from the Business Committee the platform recon-
menGed yester announcing that IN Its modified form
1t received the uaNimoGs approval OF the committee OF
nine of tho various views which have
found expression during the conference 1t Is as fol-
lows:
The Indian question can be settled except on
principles ofjustice and equal rights ,a,...
should be sacredy guarded aud oil obligations snouia 10
faithfully fulfilled ,,,
and executive action hereafter should be not the
isolation Of the Indians but the abrogaon OF tne hdh
The permitted diffusion OF the Indians among the peo-
pie order that they may become acquainted with CIV
Ized habits and modes OF life.
The subecon OF the Indians to the laws Of the United
States and of the states aud Territories where they may
reside and their protection by the same laws as those
by which citizens are protected ,., CO.. =.
their possible acquisition and TO civilization, ana -
The early admission Of the Indians to American oit
zenship
These objects should he steadily kept in view. and
pursued Immediately. vigorously and continuously The
neaiures we recommend their accomplishment are
the following:
First-The present system OF Indian education should
be enlarged and IA comprehensive plan should be
adopted, which shall place Indian children in schools
under eOmpulson II necessary and shall provide indus
Indians should he brought under preparation for self
support. To tins the freeratOn system should
and suieent humber Of farmer and other Industrial
teachers shouln br provided meantime to teach them to
Second-hnmcd ate measures should be taken break
mn the system OF holding all lands in common and each
Indian family should receive patent for portion OF
land be held IN scyeray ITS amount TO be dependent
upon ,he number members In the family and the char
cter of the Ian whether adapted for cultivation for
Lrazlng This land should be naienaoe for period Of
twenty five wears.
Third-Au portions of the Indian reservations which
so allotted should after the Indians have Sc
aud their lands be purchased by the Gov
eminent at fair ratio End thrown open to settlement
Fourth-fhe cash value Of the lands thus purchased
should he set aside by me Government as iund 10 De
expended rap lily can be wisely dOue for their ben-
edt especially their industrial advancement.
Hfth-ln order To carry tho preceding recommended
lions provision should he made for necessary surveys
Of tho reservations, and wherever necessary negotiations
should FOR the modification of the prestnt
treaties, ana these negotiations should be pressed In
honorable way until the consent OF the Indians be
obtained
reservations accept alOtments OF land IN scyeraly
aud all Indians who abandon Their tribal organization
and adopt the habits and modes Of civilized life should
be admitted to czenshlpot the United States
and subject to and entitled to the protection OF
rltOries where ia y may reside. 49,
scventh-Durng process of civilization some rep
r.scmtative OF the United States Government should lie
charged with the protection ana instruction OF the In
dans but all surh officers should he Withdrawn rs soon
the Indians arr capable OF sefsupport ana sefpro-
lection.
Of tribes OF Indians from their established homes ana
them together Ia more tories hs in-
furious to the Indians ana an Impairment 10 their CIVIL
lzdtiou.
The discussion was opened by the Rev. DR.. Lyman
Abbott. who touched the question OF setting aside
evil treaties. II treaty" lac said Is found 10
quiro wrong dong. 1t should be set aside. II have
fastened milestone around the neck OF Indian by
treaty cord should be first duty to cut tue cord"
lie spoke also OF evil OF tho reservation system
blocking all civilization. aud urged Its speedy abolition.
Jonn II. Obery. Superintendent OF Indian Schools
der Secretary Lamar. responded TO call upon him.
His address hal reference the management OF Indian
educational affairs under tho present Administration.
lie said Dawes and DIR. Abbott approach
ing point from opposite directions. The Sena-
would do goOI by waiting and keeping his word.
The Doctor would keep faith by not waiting and
not keeping his word. but each sin
ccrcy desired benefit the red
lie condemned the present system OF teaching the In
dihus The list Of text books TO be found III Indian
schools Ia II quarter OF mile long. He did not think
much OF pretended textbook education. lie would
teach the Indian not only the simple rudimenrs out
what might bo called politics, the structure OF the Gov
system Of his fathers ana how % work ana earn Ylns
lie dI notthnk much of teaching boys trades which
they could utilize Acr educating the boys lie sug
ucsjcd teaching them cattle Raising. allowing them 10
contract with white men toaKe herds on their resery
atoms and return them when called for, all the
work tho reservations 10 leo done by Indians
lie also favored assisting them 10 raise cattle for thcn
selves. Mr.. Oherly said In conclusion: 81 hope To
make some radical changes FOR believe that only
through the schuolhOuse the Indian be led into the
nj OF civilization
The address was punctuated with frequent applause
conclusion the new superintendent received
warm words praise for his ayOwed policy from Geu-
cral strong. Commissioner McM ;hecl ar Senator
Dawes Tho resolutions were then adopted unan
mOusly Erstus Brooks offered resolutions concerning
tho death OF Mr.. Helen tont jackson Dr. William H.
ward Or he independent seconded Mr. Brookss resolu
ton, which was then passed. by a rising vote.