Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1892-08-05
CONGRESSIONAL MATTERS.
Interesting Wrangle in the House Over
the Bill Pensioning Soldiers Who
Fought in Indian Wars.

/ Secretary Elkins has formally ap-
proved the proposition for the construc-
ton of two free bridges across the Will
annette river at Portland, Or, according
to the plans OF the local engineers.
The House Committee on Indian Al
fairs has favorably reported Senator
| Dolph's bill granting TO the Blue Mount
ain Irrigation Company right oil way
fo- reservoirs and canal through the
Umatilla Indian reservation in Oregon.
There is quite an interesting wrangle
over the bill now pending in the House
for pensioning soldiers who fought in the
| Indian wars. Representative Wilson OF
| Washington and Senator Mitchell OF Or
evon are insisting that, while pensioning
those soldiers who fought in the Indian
wars OF a comparatively recent period,
those who participated in the early In
dian wars in Oregon and Washington
should aso receive their reward. 1t is
on this proposition that the two Houses
are now in disagreement, but ii Is hoped
that the early Indian fighters who are
still living will be included.
The bill which passed the House to
enforce reciprocal commercial relations
between the United States and Canada
provides that when the President shall
be satisfied that the passage through any
canal or lock connected with navigation
on the Sc. Lawrence river, the Great
Lakes or the waterways connecting the
same OF any vessels OF the United States.
or Of cargoes or OF passengers in transit
to any part OF the United States. 3 pro-
hibited, or made difficult or burlenf ONE
by the imposition OF tolls or otherwise,
which he shall deem to be reciprocally
unjust and unreasonable, he shall have
power 10 suspend the right OF passage
through the st. Mary's Falls canal SO
far ms IL relates to vessels owned by cub
jects OF any government discriminating
against the United States.
Senator Pettigrew will very soon re-
port bill OF great Importance to every
county, township, school district and
State where there are Indians who have
taken lands In allotment under the pres
emit laws. So soon AZ Indians take the
lands In allotments thsy become citizens
and are allowed to vote, but they are not
obliged to pay any taxes. This bill pro-
poses that the government shall pay the
taxes for the Indians TO the same amount
and at the same rates as the white peO-
pie situated alongside Of the Indians,
the object being that, as the government
says the Indians shall be taxed, the gov
eminent should provide for the payment
Of taxes In States where Indians are To-
Gated and where they receive the bene-
fits OF taxation and civilization. II
seems like very sensible thing, and
Will perhaps be favorably considered In
the Senate.
Further investigation into the proposal
to issue proclamation opening the Col
vile Indian reservation leads TO the con-
cIusion that no such proclamation will
be made until after the lands have been
surveyed and the Indians have secured
their allotments. The reason for this
course OF action IL to prevent the end
less litigation which Is sure to follow,
especially II white settlers go In and
make selections which after survey the
Indians desire. Under the law the In
dian can oust the white man from his
claim, and II white man Ia fortunate
enough to secure valuable mineral
tract, a person wanting the land could
easily induce the Indian to Gust him and
cause great deal OF trouble and ex-
pense. So 1t is probable that the 1856.
900 appropriation for surveying the land
will be Immediately expended and the
Indians requested to take allotments,
after which the proclamation opening
the land 10 the white settlers will be
Issued.