The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-01-17
FORT BIDWELL.
An Abandoned Military Reservation to Be
ReSarriSOI0d.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16--A short time ago
the War Department decided not to abandon
Fort Bidwell (CaL) Military Reservation
because of representations made by James
Peterson and others in that neighborhood
that the Piute Indians were restless and the
people around Fort BQweli felt unsafe
without military protection. Since deciding
not to abandon the reservation, representa-
tons were made by army officers 10 the effect
that there was absolutely no danger from
the friendly Piute Indians and that Fort
BidWetl was a useless military reservation
A special Indian agent, detailed to inyeSti-
gate the real situation, has made report to
the Interior Department, Of which the fol-
lowing Is an extract:
In case OF trouble Fort BidWell would have q
controlling influence over The country lying west
OF Pine Forest and Black Rock Mountains ia
Nevada and Stems Mountains In Oregon. East
OF these ranges oops could be more easily placed
| by way Of Ninuemucca, which is seventy -hYe
miles south OF old Font McDernit, or from points
on the Oregon short line in Idaho. Tie pres
ence OF troops at Fort Bdwell would, undoubt-
dly, hold IN cheek both the Indians and lawless
whites, and | must uHhesitatingly say that In
view OF lie general state OF restessness among
tie Indians all over the country, 10 Is uuYSe 10
neglect any method that might be adopted TO
guard against troublA. | therefore recommend
thai Fort bIdNell be regariisoned. Some plan
OF assisting these people with food and clothing
must be adopted II they are ever 10 be turned
INTO selfsusIainiug citizens by means Of gaining
their livelihood by farming OF stock raising In
the country they now live in. They must have
patient training aud must be supplied with laud
and water. This land and water can only be OBJ
tanned by purchase, for as l have previously
stated, all the available water has been apprO-
ptia ed recommend either THAI sub-agency
be established for these Indians or some officer
from Font Bdwell be specially delegated and
instructed 10 look afteT their Interests and that
measures be taken 10 secure lands for them
either by purchase or otherwise. In this counec-
lion will say hat while all the lands that can
be irrigated from natural water sources are now
10 tie hands OF The whites, there are a number
OF tracts that could be made available il money
could be had 10 develop water supplies. Further,
some provision should be made for iudciousy
lions OF the year when they are unable 10
obtain work, thus obvlatng the necessity for
their depredatiOns on settlers herds and homes.
Some educational work should be undertaken.
They are too scattered aud live in too
small bands 10 make 1t possible TO start
day schools among them, aud fear
the lack of securing the attendance OF
their children at training schools Is monu-
mental one, II not among. one OF those impossible
oil accomplishment. | Recommend that the In
dian Office call The attention OF DIR. w. Ii. Pat
terson OF Cedaryille. Cal. and George NJ
Office letter of August 10, 1890, 10 Supeflntend
ents oil Public Instruction in the various States
OHeflng 10 pay for the instruction Of Indian
pupils In public schools, and that they be urged
TO interest themselves. i shall treat of the Pitt
River Indians In separate communication as l
DO not think that they play any part III tile ques-
tons pertaining TO Fort Bidwell. Very respect
fully. FRANK d. LEWIS,
United States Special Indian Agent.
In accordance with these recommends
tons it has been definitely decided to re-
garrison Fort RidwelI