The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1892-07-30
CONGRESSIONAL MATTERS,
interesting Wrangle in the House Over
the Bill Pensioning Soldiers Who
Fought in Indian Wars.

Secretary Elkins has formally sp-
proved the proposition for the construe-
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 iavorably reported Senator
Dolph's bill granting to the Blue Nount-
ain Irrigation Company right OF way
for 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
egon are insisting that, while pen sionins
those soldiers who fought in the Indian
wars OF q comparatively recent period,
those who participated in the early In
dian wars in Oregon and Washington
should also receive their reward. Ii Is
on this proposition that the two Houses
are now in disagreement, but it 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 81. 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, is pro-
hiblted, or made difficult or burden: ONE
by the imposition Of tolls or otherx Use
which he shall deem to BE- reciprocally
unjust and unressona ole, he shall have
power 10 suspend the right OF passage
through the st. Mary's Falls canal 81
far as II relates to vessels owned by sub
lects 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
Slate where there are Indians who have
taken lands in allotment under the pres
ent laws. So soon as Indians take the
lands IN allotments they become citizens
and are allowed TO vote, bat 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 PEG
pie situated alongside OF the Intians,
the object being that, As the govern me n I
says the Indians shall be taxed, the gov
eminent should provide for the pay ment
OF taxes in States where Indians are To-
Gated and where they receive the bene-
hts OF taxation and civilization. Il
SCENE like very sensible thing, and
viii perhaps be iavorably considered in
the Senate.
Further investigation into the prop 1sal
70 issue a proclamation opening the Col
vile Indian reservation leads TO the com
ciuslon that no such Proclamation will!
be maize until alter the lands have been
surveyed AMI the indians have secured
their stlotments. The reason for thi.
course OF action is 10 prevent the end
less litigation which is sure to follow
especially II white settlers 20 in and
make selections which after survey the
Indians desire. Under the law the In
dian can Gust the white man from his
claim, and II white man is fortunate
enough to secure valuable mineral
tract, person wanting the land could
easily induce the Indian to Gus. him and
cause great deal OF trouble and ex-
pense. SO 1t is pro Ia Ole that the f25, =
~ appropriation for surveying the land
viii be Immediately expended and tn.
Indians requested ~ take allotments
after which the proclamation opening
the land u the white settlers will b..
issued.