SEE CONGRESSIONAL GLOBE, 2d Part, Page 1460—THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.

### Remarks of the Hon. C. C. Washburn, of Wisconsin.

MR. CHAIRMAN:—I regret that my friend from Kentucky should feel called upon to oppose this Bill. If there ever was a just private claim before Congress, then this is one. Let me state the facts in this case. In 1850, Anson Dart, then as now, a citizen of the State of Wisconsin, was appointed a Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon; previous to that time he had received an appointment to the position of Charge d'Affairs to the Argentine Confederation. There is a letter on file from Mr. Clayton, then Secretary of State, stating that his appointment was agreed upon to that office, with a salary of $4,500 per annum, and an outfit of like amount. About that time this Superintendency of Indian Affairs for Oregon was created, and it was desirable to have some gentleman to fill that place who was acquainted with Indian Affairs—some gentleman who had experience among the Indians. Dr. Dart was solicited to accept the office of Superintendent, and forego his appointment to the Argentine Confederation. The reasons for this was his known fitness for the appointment, by reasons of his high character, and familiarity with all matters pertaining to the Indians. A brother-in-law of Geo. Catlin, the celebrated painter, and in company with him he had visited nearly all the Indian Tribes, from the frontiers of Mexico to the Red River of the north, and had acquired a familiarity with the language and manners of the red men, such as few other persons possessed.

It is not denied that this gentleman discharged his duties well and faithfully; the gentlemen from Kentucky admits that fact. While he was in Oregon we had no difficulty with the Indians upon that coast; no debt of millions of dollars against the Government was run up by Indian wars there—on the contrary, the total expenses of the Department on the Pacific Coast for three years of his Superintendency, was only $24,000 a year. I believe Senator Bell was right when he declared in the Senate that we ought not only to pass this Bill, but in addition to give him a handsome testimonial for those services.

Mr. Edwards said:

MR. CHAIRMAN:—It was fully proved that he was a faithful officer; that he managed the affairs of the superintendence with great economy; that the whole expenditures of his superintendence, including authorized presents and supplies to the Indians, did not exceed $24,000 a year*—that peace was preserved during his entire administration, between the Indian tribes and the white population around them—that he negotiated thirteen Indian treaties, and was the disbursing agent for six Indian agents, and that all the money placed at his disposal had been fully accounted for. Surely then it is not too much to ask in these days of defalcations and dereliction of duty, that a faithful public officer should receive at least justice on his application to this House.

In the Senate of the United States, Mr. Doolittle made the following report, April 16, 1858:

That Mr. Dart was appointed such superintendent in the year A. D. 1850, and served in that capacity for the term of nearly three years; that during the period of his service he had under his superintendence the Indian Affairs of all the country now included within the Territories of Oregon and Washington; that he was a faithful officer and discharged his duties in a manner highly satisfactory to the Government; and that, during the whole of his superintendency, peace and quiet was maintained amongst all the Indian tribes under his care. * * *

### A Letter from Judge Nelson, late U. S. Chief Justice in Oregon:

I knew DR. DART well, if not intimately, while he was in Oregon, filling the place of Superintendent of Indian Affairs, while Oregon was yet a territory. He was appointed to that station by Gen. Taylor, and filled it until Gen. Pierce entered upon the administration of the Government. DR. DART was a faithful officer; attentive to his duties, Pacific in his spirit, and was much respected and beloved by the Indians under his charge. There was no trouble with the Indians while he was the superintendent—and had he continued such, it is my belief, that much bloodshed would have been spared and much treasure saved. I believe him to be an intelligent, discreet and reliable gentleman, and well qualified to fill the most important post connected with Indian affairs.
(Signed),

THOS. NELSON.

*This includes all the salaries, and the cost of agency houses, and traveling expenses, and in short, everything.