Sturgis advertiser. (Sturgis, Dakota [S.D.]) 1887-1???, 1891-02-26

4
Under the above caption the Indian
Rights association Of Philadelphia re-
GENTLY issued 1 little pamphlet on the
late Indian troubles, reviewing the whole
affair in very minute detail. The
author OF the article was the Rev. Mr..
VIII. Hare, missionary bishop, who
shows that he is thoroughly posted upon
the subject, and the ADVERTISERS regrets
that space prevents publishing the mat
ter in full. In conclusion, however, the
writer says:
But ] do not think the reasonable con-
clusion is that some one person, or set of
persons, should be made scape-g goat or
become the victim of an incensed peo-
pies wrath.
Some say, the commissioner of Indian
affairs gives too much attention to
schools and should devote more to
empty stomaches. Well, awhile ago the
complaint was that the Indian dapart-
ment seemed to think that all the In
dams needed was beef and -four, sugar
and coffee.
Some say, missionaries should preach
less and teach housewifery and the arts
of healthy living more. So be it, and
let funds be- supplied.
Some say, the military are peremptory
and severe. Perhaps they are Tin fight
but not otherwise); but to be a fair
Judge one should first take taste of
campaigning in the Indian country.
Some say the Indians are mad men
and savages. Let those who say SO re-
member how they themselves feel when,
from continued sights, or affronts, or
disappointments, they are sore all over.
No. We need no victim. We need
no scape- goat.
But these things we do want. A pro-
found conviction in the mind not only of
a few, but of the people, that the Indian
problem is worth attending to. Next,
that officials placed in charge of the diff
cult Indian problem should be pro-
tected from the importantly of hungry
politicians, and that the employees IN
the Indian country, agents, teachers,
farmers, carpenters, should not be
changed with every shutting of the po-
litical cards. The abuse here has been
shameful. Next, that congress,
especially the house of reresenta-
tives, shall consider itself bound in
honor to make provision for the fulfill
ment of promises made to the Indians
by commissioners duly appointed aud
sent to the Indians by another branch of
the government The evils which have
arisen from violation of this comfy
have been most serious. Next, that tes-
timony regarding Indian affairs should
not be swallowed until careful inquiry
has been made as to the disinterested-
ness of the witness. An honest man out
here burns with indignation when he
reads in the papers that so and SO, rep
resented as being fully informed on the
whole question, affirms that Indians
have no grievances and ought to receive
no quarter, when he knows that the lots
which the witness owns in town near
the Indian country would no longer be
drug in the market if Indians could be
gotten out of the way. Next, let it be
remembered that this crisis has lifted
evils in the Indian country up into the
light, and left the good thing in the
shade. But the good things are real
and have shown their vigor under trial.
There is no reason for losing faith or
courage. Let all kind and honest men
unite with the higher officials of the
government, all of whom, I believe,
mean well, in a spirit of forbearance to-
wards each other, of willingness to learn,
and of mutual helpfulness, to accom-
plish the results which they all desire.
Hank NNillinr,or ;r Ibid ,,r, zuri+la n