Year: 1878




are of special interest. noting first the Sioux He
describes the negotiations and circumstances which
led to the removal of the Red Clouds and Spotted
Tails to their present reservations and reports that
the Sioux so far have given evidence of loyal
spirit and that the rumors current for some time OF
disposition their part to break out in hostties
proved entirely unfounded. He also says that great
difficulty was encountered in sending supplies from
Missouri River to the agencies in consequence OF
combination of transportation contractors to force
the government to pay exorbitant prices. Their
bids rejected. and the organization OF
wagon trains to be manned by In
dians, with their ponies. was proceeoed
with. the same experiment having been tried on
large scale at another agency at earlier period this
year and having proved successful. The task to be
performed by these wagon trains between the Mis-
souri, River and the Sioux agencies much larger
and difficult owing to the character OF the
country and the circumstance that the grass has been
burned of the plains between the Missouri River
and the new agencies, as rumor has it, by evil dis
posed persons to bring about the failure Of this eX-
pertinent; but it has far been successfully accom-
pshed and it is believed that the Sioux agencies
will be sufficiently supplied during the winter season
in that way. The peaceful conduct of the Sioux
during this year justify the best hopes for
the future.


THE BANNocK OUTBREAK


In regard to the outbreak of the Bannocks last
spring Secretary Schurz says


1t must be admitted that they insufHciently
supplied with food which, however was owing to
adequate to their wants. Formerly those Indians
had supplied themselves in part by hunting but in
consequence of the Nez Perce they were kept on
their reservation in order to avoid greater
disorders. Thus they were deprived OF that re-
and the money ayslab,e , for & feeding ths %a
cents head per day This created discomfort among
them. Then murder of a white man was com,
mtted by an Indian. The Indian arrested, tried
and hanged. The discomfort grew into excitement.
A military detatchment attempted to disarm
Them but with only partial success and finally the
events took place which appear in Commissioner
Hayts report in series Of dispatches and letters.
giving full and circumstantiai account OF the
causes, progress and incidents of the trouble To
this account would respectfully call your attenton


AS regards the outbreak of 800 Northern Cheyennes
the Secretary corroborates the statements heretofore
made by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the
special report this subject, showing that it was
not caused by hunger by any neglect on the part
of the government officials to furnish them supplies
according to treaty. but that the contrary they
received ample supplies and more than they were
entitled to. Secretary Schurz adds


While in many other instances Indian outbreaks
are traceable the treatment they receive at the
hands of the whites it appears from the information
quoted that in this the outbreak was owing to
the mischievous spirit of bad among the Indians
themselves and their determination to return north
ward to their old hunting grounds. Nearly al OF
surrendered, and are now held as prisoners by the
military authorities In the interest of general dis
cipine and in order to show the Indians that moth
ing can be gained by such disordery conduct it is
thought best to return them to their reservation in
the Indian territory, after having given the civil
authorities of the State of Kansas opportunity to
identity those who committed murders and other
crimes while passing through that STATE 30 tna they
may be dealt with according TO law.


The Secretary states that final action concerning
the purchase part of the reservation Of the Utes in
Colorado and their settlements upon White River is
deferred to await the report Of the commission ap
pointed to negotiate with them He recommends the
removal Of the Pimas and Maricopa Indians Of Ari-
zona to the Indian Territory in consequence Of tho
diversion for mining purposes Of the water Of the
ella River without which they cannot cultivate their
lands


TIMBER LANDS.


Secretary Schurz devotes considerable space to
the subject Of timber lands Referring to the meas
ures taken by department for the suppression Of
timber depredations upon the government lands he
Says


1t was to be expected that they would meet with
stubborn opposition on the part of lumber
men and others directly or indirectly inter
ested in those depredations. Here and there
the proceedings OF the special agents Of
the department complained Of as oppressive and
qniries into the facts instituted. Such inquir-
les resulted almost uniformly in the vndication Of



property had been seized together with timber unaw
fully taken from the public lands, or with
humber manufactured from them. which WAS some
times unavoidable, prompt restitution ordered |
An officer of the Treasury Department detailed for
that purpose was sent to the State of Louisiana
where charges Of improper practices on the part Of
our timber agents had been preferred with par
tcular urgency. The elaborate report rendered
e that sss Of Sny the
in that State. who, while in the discharge
of his duty. fell victim to the yellow fever but 1t
tnq
and the necessity of their suppression in the cleares
light. Complaint also made that our efforts to
wanton destruction of the forests in some
of the mountainous territories of the Northwest
had inflicted great hardship upon the settlers there
But there is information in possession Of this depart
ment showing that such hardships resulted from
the measures taken; that the price of hrewood
remained the same that the settlers were not
hndered in providing for their actual necessities and
that the measures of the department were directed
only against class of persons who made the unlaw
fu taking and selling of timber from the public lands
in large quantities . regular business and source OF
profit to themselves. In several States, espe-
le, were resorted to by Interested parties for the
purpose of harnpering and battling the efforts
OF this department by q variety OF expedients.
these difficulties it may be said that in parts of
the country at least the depredations on timber
lands Of the United States have already been greatly
limited in extent but we cannot close our eyes to the
fact that thing like in suppressing
made by this department for the protection of the
public property meet with hearty cooperation the
part Of the Legislative branch Of the government.
Actual experience enables say that the want Of
such cooperation has been and will always be
couragement to the depredators to persist in their
lawless operations and to defy the authorities.


BAD EFFECT DESTROYING FORESTS.


Secretary schurz expresses his opinion that tho
disastrous consequences which always follow the
destruction OF the forests of country win newt
ably come upon MS in comparatively short period
Of time considering the rapdity with which
the timber growth OF this country IL being
swept away, unless legislation be enacted
to arrest this indiscriminate spoliation- To
that end he earnestly his recommendation
for the passage OF bill. already introduced in Con-
gress at his suggestion which provides that all tim
ber bearing lands, chiefly valuable for the timber
upon them. shall be withdrawn from sale. or other
disposition under existing laws. and be held