The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-14
Fishermen Enoroaching on Lands
of Puget Sound Aboriginies.
WHAT INDIAN INSPECTOR SAYS.
Lands on Reservations Practically
yalueless-Denuded of Timber by
Former Agents-Parties Erecting
Traps Under Erroneous Legal Adj
vice Ex-Gov. Mcconnell Says
That Seattle Needs . Shelter.

w. j. Mcconnell, former governor of
Idaho and now United States Indian in
spector, returned to the city last evening
from visit to the Tulalip, Swinomish
and Lummi Indian reservations. Speak
ing at the Northern last evening on the
result of his mission and of his impress
sions of the Puget sound country. he said:
Most of the land on the three reserva-
lions / have visited is practically value
less. ! am unable to state when 1t was
denuded of timber but the fact con-
fronts the department that there Is but
little left at the present time that is OF
any value. The stumps and tops OF the
trees remain as evidence of what former
agents have permitted. To clear this land
in its present condition and make 1t ut
for cultivation would cost many times
as much as 1t would be worth for farm
ing or grazing purposes. True, there Is
a little land that would be worth the ex-
pense of clearing. most of this. however.
is on the Swinomish.
Belonged to the Indians.
This country at one time belonged
wholly to the Indians and it is the inten-
ton of the department to see that JUS
tice--even though it is tardy--is melted
out to those from whom we wrested their
heritage. The seat of government, how
ever. is long way from these reserva-
tions. and neither the commissioner of
Indian affairs nor the secretary of the
interior can examine them in person.
Hence they must depend upon their rep
resentatives, the special agents and In
dian inspectors. Through misappre-
hension of the treaty rights of these In
dians, fishermen have been allowed to
erect traps along their shore lines. thus to
a large extent depriving the Indians OF
that which Is their greatest source OF
revenue.
II learn that attorneys have been con-
suited by the companies, or individuals,
prior to erecting these traps, and that
these have been constructed under the
opinion that II was legal. If, however.
pains had been taken to secure copies OF
the treaties this could not have occurred.
as the reservation lines extend In every
instance to low water.
This encroachment will not be permit
ted, although 1t will be embarrassing and.
no doubt, entail a considerable loss upon
those individuals or companies who have
erected traps-and there are many OF
them-within the reservation lines. The
government having entered into a solemn
agreement with the Indians to protect
been allowed to retain, not only the de-
partment, but every citizen in the United
States as well, is In honor bound to see to
of this, almost their only means of sup
port.
seattle Needs a smelter.
This Is the first time have been up
the Sound as far north as Whatcom, and
l am astonished at the resources of this
country. While l have always known
that the forests Of Western Washington
were something wonderful I had no idea
before coming here of the extent OF your
mineral wealth. l believe that the terri
tory tributary to Puget sound will rank
among the greatest gold and copper pro-
ducing districts in the United States.
The city of Seattle should have a modern
smelling plant established here, and it's
representative men should bend their
energies, not only in that direction, but
also toward securing the location OF a
mint at this place"
Mr.. Mcconnell will be engaged at the
Tulalip agency and among its Dependent
ces for perhaps another week.