St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-11-28
A BETTER POLICY.

The impression had deepened into
conviction that the Indian wars of the
country have all passed into the hands
OF the historian. The fact that the In
dams have pretty fair idea of the odds
they would face in collision with the
whites, and their inability to do more
than aggravate the great power to harsh
treatment toward them, are conclusive
considerations that rational people
would not invite the inevitable fate.
But reason and good sense are not in
much demand among the descendants
of the aborigineS on the reservations
just now. The country don't want an
Indian war, and yet, if the Sioux should
provoke one, there would be disappoint-
ment If it closed while bad Indians of
that variety were numerous. There
are old scores, such as the CUSTER
massacre and the ravages in this state
IN the early part of the war, that are bv
10 means out of memory. If war is to
be had with any element of the human
family, the vote in the West would he
Immensely III favor of electipg the
Sioux as the party of the other part
and victims. Any fragrant shedding of
the blood of whites, and possibly the
mere antics of these tawny embodimeuts
OF the savage malignity that has no
proper place in this country and age.
will be certain to lead to an Imperative
popular demand for a new Indian
policy. Answer will be sought TO the
inquiry why these Indians should be
supported by the government, and how
came they with claims upon the nation
vastly in excess of those of decent white
citizens. Long-haired philanthropy will
SWIVEL to little purpose over the
wrongs OF people that repay kindness
and benevolence with the scalninp
knife and tomahawk. But there is some
excuse for them. They have bad blood
in their veins. for which they are not
entirely responsible. They are ignorant
and superstitious. and have reason IN
believe from former experience that
their deviltry will be rewarded with
larger raticns after they have exhibited
1t In the way so congeniaI to their nat
ure. They will be apt to find that they
fooled with the sleeping lion once too
often. 1t they go on the war path. and
survive the winter. the general voice
will insist that they shall be made good
Indians in the popular way. There is a
rapidly growing feeling that it is
a most pernicious policy to sup-
port Indians in pampered idle
ness. 1t would make white men
devilish and worthless to pen them I'D
and give them nothing to do but eat the
rations sent them. 1t is a proverb that,
applies to Indians as we'll as whites
that the Satanic potentate finds bad
work for the idle. They should be pro-
vided with all the land they can posi-
bly, till. and the needful equipments for
making their living. They might even
have instructors to teach the improved
methods of tillage, and other needful
requirements, but they should be use
fully employed. Their aid from the
government should gradually grow less,
and cease after sufficient opportunity
has been had for them to make their
subsistence. If they would not try to
work, and choose to starve. that would
be choice freely conceded them. If
they are to be supported BY the govern
ment, a big corral such as held prison.