The Daily Tombstone., 1886-01-09

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 Mexico and Arizona, having been thre,
 years with the Apaches, having followed
 the trail of the renegades and assisted 1T
 the last sad rites of more than one o
 our murdered neighbors, in recent years
 ought to comprehend, quite thoroughly
 the true nature of the situation. You
 communication implies the cOnhdenc,
 you feel that the best energies of my nature would again be devoted to tho duties of my position if reappointec agent.
 In resigning the agency in 1877, stated that considered it one of the most important positions on the Pacific Coast. You also consider its duties oi such serious nature as to make it hazard. ous to experiment with new men, and you, further, believe that civil authority is the proper government upon the Res ervation Upon these two points Gen. eral Crook has made some positive state- ments in his annual report, already re- ferred to, which, though not intended for use in this connection, are most apropos. The ideas are not new, but they are im- portant and deserve serious consider ation. On Page E of his report, in speaking of military control upon the Reservation, the General says:
 "One of the difficulties in managing such Indians, is that you must delegate your power, and depend upon others to execute. No one can learn the problem except by experience, frequently of years. There are questions constantly arising, which require prompt action, promptly that cannot be defer ed until instructions can be given, even if they could be given intelligently. So much depends upon the Indians actions, manner and general behavior that no matter how thoroughly one may know the Indian character, it IS often neces- sary that these things should be observ- ed personally to be able to judge intel ligently of the action to be taken. .. It requires constant watching and knowl- edge of their character to keep them from going wrong"
 This is well said. The language is di-> rect and honest. General Crook, in en- deavoring to excuse himself of the re- 5ponsibility of the outbreak of last May has stated, concisely, one of the strong and plain arguments against military -ule upon the Reservation, as well as the great danger of entrusting the manage nent of semi-civilized Indians to men who ack experience in that service.
 Your communication implies that the leculiar and important duties of the pO- ition preclude a political consideration n the selection of an agent. The Tue on Star, of the 9th inst, (an administra- ion paper) says editorially: "The posi- ion which the Star has taken on the Apache question has no element of poli- ics in it." This seems to be the prevail ng sentiment. may state that when appointed agent in 1874 the position was lot then political one, and he who, ssumes the responsibilities of Agent at ian Carlos now, must do so as man nd not as a politician if he intends to o his duty.
 As matter of information, enclose erewith copy of some extracts from ny last annual report as Indian Agent.
 regret that my reply has assumed uch proportions, but the subject is of 1 uch grave importance, and the step pro- osed of so serious nature, particularly ) me, if taken, that brief and candid iscussion seemed desirable. If circum- .ances have given or may give me any bility or power to do aught to check the lurder, rapine and disorder that has so 'ng been the curse of this Territory, it ould be most unworthy in me to with old that influence at a time when 1t lay seem to be of greatest benefit. l lerefore conclude, gentlemen, by saying you that, trusting to the best that is
 me, and to that greater power which rects the destlnies of all, stand ready do everything in my power, in the osition you suggest, to the end that we aY obtain peace and prosperity for the erritory and security to the lives and of our citizens.
 Very respectfully,
 JOHN P. GUM.