The Progress. [volume] (White Earth, Minn.) 1886-1889, 1886-03-25

uHuer some psetext or another.
the Indians path was indicated to
be westward. But things have
changed, the United States are SO
extended, the transcontinental
systems of railways have so
changed the NODES Of emigration.
that practically the western bound
airy has been reached beyond which
none can go.
The odd conditions under which
emigration moved were such that
emigration moved slowly. The
demand for territory was limited
and thus the Indians home was
not often in peril. Now emigra-
t1on moves at such pace that the
demand for land is thought can
only be met by abolishing, or limi-
ting in area, the different reserva-
tions now held by the various
tribes within the boundaries of
the United States.
We are not disposed to quarrel
with this demand, for we think
it may be the general outcome of
the situation which events are
working out in the history of this
country.
We do not pretend to Judge
these events, nor shall we offer
any suggestions to the general
government as to the best way to
act in general beyond the bare
statement, that all rigid theories
fail on application, and that the
political economist must be guided
by what is demanded by given
conditions.
It has been the mistake in the
past to move on fast lines, to look
only upon one set Of conditions,
and those of a general nature !; to
formulate and apply rules as
though there were no varying con-
ditions.
The old 'Intercourse Law for
instance which may have been
we'll enough in the early days Of
this country, is totally inadequate;
is as useless as would be the rul-
ings7of the "Star Chamber Court"
What is now needed is it's aboli-
ton, and in it's stead special legis-
lation substituted.
Apropos to this we have a word
to say. This Reservation is now
known to be the home of a people
somewhat advanced in the arts of
living. The people are known to
be as christian in name and con-
duct as the average white man.
AT. all events they have reached
an understanding Of the Christian
maxim ''Do unto others as you
WOULD be done 6y."
Consequently. they would like
to see the principle put into prac-
tice in connection with the now
much talked Of plan: "abolition
of tribal relations, reservations
and allotments in severalty.''
We are not suggesting what the
United States should do upon 9TH
er reservations, we simply would
call to mind the treaty stipulations
which provide for a less arbitrary
system Of allotment than that pro-
posed. The people of this reser-
walton want this understood and
acted upon when the time comes
for the consolidation Of the various
bands of Chippewas at White
Earth.
We are in favor Of such CONSOLE
dation and shall heartily welcome
the advent of our brethren from
abroad.
It is too early a day to discuss
the question in all it's bearings at
this time, since that would be but
shooting an arrow into the air.
Consolidation is much talked of
as measure Of expediency and
justice. To these aspects we say
amen, and when the thought be-
comes crystalized into action, and
legislation, or treaty or negotia-
tions Of whatever sort begins we
shall have more to say. #
We wish to be understood dis
tlnctly as being in favor of con-
solidation, but consolidation efec-
ted by certain considerations, and
carried out under we'll defined and