The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-09-09
Puynllups and Colviilcs.

Among Tie lDiian TtSerNilluES I'AI "
be thrown open for general settlement are
parts of the Colvillo and the Pnyallup.
both in the new State of Washington. The
former contains nearly 100000 acres. while
the latter. though small in comparison. is
extremely valuable because 1t adjoins the
city Of Tacoma.
The sale OF the Colvillc reservation has
been for some time under consideration.
In tho Indian Appropriation act OF year be-
fore last it was provided that n commission
should negotiate with the various bands OF
Indians Of that reservation for the cession
of a portion OF it. The President appointed
Messrs. MARK A. FULLERTON. WILLIAM H.
DuFUR, and JAMES F. PAYNE as Commits
%sioners for this and other purposes, and
they visited the region in question. which
is situated in the northeastern part Of the
State, around Clarke's Fork Of the Columbia.
They had comparatively little trouble in
reaching an agreement, although. as usual.
there were prolonged negotiations. The
climax was n conference. lasting through
two days. after which the Indians began to
sign. First came ANTOINE. chief of the
~Okanghans, and his band. The famous
Chief MOSES followed, with his tribe OF
Columbus. and then came JOSEPH and the
Nez PercGs. who. after their memorable
war. were sent to the indian Territory. and
then transferred in 1867 to this reservation
on the Canadian border. The San Pueblos
were opposed to the sale, and hone OF them
signed the agreement. Tn Lakes and the
Colvilles very generally signed. All told.
500 signatures Of adult males were pro-
cured, which was far in excess OF the re-
quired majority. The agreement was con
cluded May Q. 1891.
Under this agreement. the indians
agreed to cede 1900. 900 acres, or a little
more than one-half Of the reservation. The
price paid is 81 per acre, which will yield
them the comfortable sum OF 81. 500. 900. in
five equal annual installments. to be dis
tributed per capita. Commissioner Nor
GAN. in his last annual report. says that the
Commission found that the coded portion
contained. as was estimated. about 300. 600
acres suitable for agriculture: that the re-
mainder is valuable for grazing and timber:
that much OF it is mountainous and abounds
in mineral deposits: that the reserved por-
ton contains more than 100000 acres Of
agricultural lands; that its grazing lands
are for the most part very fine. and that the
Indians have reserved sufficient for their
needs for years to come.
There is no doubt that the coded portion
Is rich In streams. in minerals. and in timber
and farming lands. The Indians are said
to be declining in numbers. and. at any
rate. will have ample provision In what is
left. NOSES tribe are n thrifty class Of
red men. They have n small annuity. with
wagons and farm tools; many of them live
in good houses. constructed Of lumber
which they have themselves cut and hauled
to the sawmiil. and some OF them nave
good stock farms. JosEPH'S tribe Of
Nez PercGs have been much less given
to- work. and have always been among the
less tractable Indians in that respect. while
their hard experience Of years ago has not
much changed them. They get a good sup
ply OF rations from the Government. 1t is
clear that as soon as this reservation can
be opened the better it will be for all con-
cerned. as the settlers in Stevens county
can hardly restrain their impatience. and
there lave been frequent dangers Of trou-
bio. A few months ago q mass meeting Of
people was held at Kettle Falls, tho nearest
settlement, at which there was talk OF rush
| ing in upon the lands without waiting for
| Congress to act. Spokane Falls. the larg-
est place'near by. is also interested.
The case OF the Puyallups has often been
referred TO-. They have a reservation valu-
able by reason OF its situation. A case in
the United States District Court has do
clded that they are citizens. The Northern
Pacific Railroad has made an effort to So
cure n portion of their lands. under its
grant of quarter OF a century ago: but a
commission, consisting of Messrs. DRAKE.
KINKEAD. and HAMEss was appointed by
| tho President to investigate the whole sub
ject. Tho Puyallups are reported to be
among the wealthicst Indians on the CONT
nent. in virtue of their land holdings, and
| the opening of their reservation will bring
to Them a good sum Of money.