Arizona weekly citizen., 1891-10-17
INDIANS.
What Acting Gov. Murphy
Says of them.
NAVAJ0S NEED WA ICE. N
Anomaly of Wiuchesters q and
TeStaments.
Concerted Action With Mexico
Needodi for the Annihilation of
Massy's Band,

Office. The United States authorities
having full control and jurisdiction, ano
40 reports or statistical information be-
ing required to be furnished to terrific
rial officers, whatever l may have tc
report upon this subject must of neces
sity be general in its nature. / will say
however, that fewer complaints have
| been made on account of Indian depre
dations and crimes during the past year
than for any like period of time, perhaps
in the history of the territory. A few
Indian outlaws, variously estimated to
number from eight to thirteen, and who
are known to be guilty of many crimes
still continue TO evade the military and
civil authorities, and are reported to be
the Mexican border, from which they
occasionally raid into Arizona. Three
murders during the year in the south :
ern Epart as the territory have been
directly traced to them. 1t would seem
possible. for the United States and
Mexican military authorities to agree
upon and execute some plan of concerted
action whereby these outlaws can lee
arrested or exterminated. Such action
would be great relief 10 our people.
A little friction occurred in the north
ern part of the territory in the month of
July between the citizens and the Nava-
jos, in regard to which exaggerated and
sensational reports were telegraphed
over the country. The trouble was
quickly quelled without bloodshed nor
serious consequences.
The Navaios are powerful tribe who
are increasing in numbers and wealth
and the trouble referred to WAS occa-
stoned by a case of alleged horse-steal-
ing by Indians off the reservation. 1t
was proven that the Indians were guilt
less of the charge and were unjustly
accused, but it is believed that these
Indians should be confired within the
limits OF their reservation, and not per-
mitted to roam at will and Craze their
large herds over the public domain
which may occasion conflicts between
themselves and theirGwhite hneigh-
bors. These Indians are exceedingly
jealous of allowing white prospectors
upon their reservation, and their objec
tions have been fully sustained by the
government. On the other hand, eq-
ual care should, in,my judgment, be ex
ercised 10 conline the Indians within
ed, these Indians are powerful, we'll
armed, and rich in ponies and supplies,
and war with them would be bloody,
protracte6 and expensive. While their
evident inclInations and interests are to-
wards peace, care and good judgment
should be continually exercised in inter
course with them in order to properly
guard public interests.
1t is still considered very desirable
for the progress and prosperity Of the
territory that the mineral and coal lands
on the San Carlos reservation be segre-
gated and opened for settlement and
development. | am informed that the
Indian bureau opposes such action,
claiming that it would be encroaching
upon Indian rights and property. AS
this property is not now being utilized
by the Indians nor any revenue from
it derived by them, it would seem just
that the segregation be made, sale and
occu patton authorized in the same mon
ner as other public lands, and the gov
eminent price of the land placed in a
trust fund for the use of the Indians.
Schools have been started in different
parts of Arizona for Indian education,
with fiattering results, although speck
| of war was threatened near our north
eastern border by the McQuis, whose
priests objected to the schools of white
men. AT PheniX an extensive school
has been projected, and is now in course
of construction.
Pending the erection of the building,
many of the Pimas and Maricopas are
being instructed in a temporary house
rented for the purpose, with astonish-
| ingIy beneficial results. The school at
Tucson, as we'll IS those upon the San
Carlos reservation, is q pronounced sue
cess. 1t has been recommended III
former reports that the more warlike
| Apaches under military surveillance on
reservations in the southern part of the
territory be,remored from Arizona. This
| is In response to the almost unanimously
expires Led wishes of our people. 1t has
been demonstrated, however, that this
| proposition is impracticable, the govern
| ment having no more appropriate
l place to locate them, but it is still
commended. and l think with propriety
| that these Indians should be disarmed
and prohibited from the use and posses
sion of rifles and fixed ammunition
The Indian bureau, am informed, op
poses this action on the ground particu
larry that the poor Indian would be LEFT
defeneeless against the attacks of law.
less white men. Such premises are il
my judgement faIse, and an outrage
upon our people, as well as being in
consistent with the religious education
being promoted by the bureau. A Win
chester rifle in one hand, and a tesla
ment and spelling book in the other
certainly present a vivid anomaly.
1t is also stated that the military au
thoritias of the government oppose dis
arming these Apaches, first, because O
the difficulty and danger, and second
because il would take away, to a certain
degree, their means OF obtaining q liyeli
hood. 1t 10 respectfully submitted tina
presenting the question Of difficulty ant
danger appears almost equivalent 70
confession of weakness and as the US
of firearms with which TO support then
selves by killing wild game, the proof
are ample that game cuts no particula
figure ia the economy Of their living
They are maintained by the government
While l do not wish to be caption
on this subject l express the unan
nous sentiment of our people in askin
that these Indians be disarmed an
prohibited from the possession of rifle
guns and liked ammunition. Shot CUR
are less Objectionable, bat Viii
thoroughly armed with Winchester
and revolvers they will remain cor
! tinued menace to the peace OF the teri
! tory.