OCR Text |
Show . k- 4 REPORT OF THE deemed to be more than ample for their comfortable accommodation. The lands retroceded by them, though not suitable for their purposes, will be equally valuable to the government, if not more so than those granted ih exibange. - In consideration of the great difference in the quantities of the lands thus exchanged, and because it was believed that the consideration sti~ulatedf or the lands they had been induced to cede bv the treaty of 3848 was inadequate, in "addition to the pecuniary ancf other bene-ficial provisions of that treaty which were continued to them, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was stipulated to be paid in fifteen annual instalments, commencing with the year 1867, when the payments in fulfilment of the treaty of 1848 will expire. This consid-erat~ onw as increased by the Senate, in the additional sum of ninety-two thousand six hundred and eighty-six dollars; making the aggregate amount of two hundred and forty-two thousand six hundred and eighty-six dollars. Raving thus been permanently and mqst libeially pro-vided for, and all causes of discontent removed, it 1s hoped and b e lieved that in a few years the Menomonees will exhibit some evidences of moral and social advancement. The department has been perplexed and embarrassed by the refusal of that portion of the Stockbridge Indians, of Ti's consin, parties to the treaty of 1848, to accept the traat of land se ected for them in ac-cordance with that treaty, and to which selection they at one time gave their assent. They are, or pretend to be, aqxions to remain where they now are, at Lake Winnehago ; and individnal members of the band have repeatedly visited this city to urge an arrangement to that effect. For reasons stated in my special report to yon of the 25th ultimo, their application conld not be granted. The only alternative seems to be to find them a suitable home within the limits of Wiscon-sin ; and as they require but a very small tract, this can be accom-plished without prejudice to the interests of the white population of the State. It should not be done, however, without making provi-sion for all belonging to the band-those parties to the t~e a tyof 1848, and those who were not ; including also their brethren, the Munsees, whose rights and interests were entirely disregarded in that treaty. It is much to be regretted that such an arrangement has not hereto-fore been effected ; as the distracted condition of these Indians, and the uncertainty as to their future destination, have been of serious injury to them. A recent personal visit disclosed manifest evidences of a former state of advancement and p- ros-p erity far beyond what they now enjoy. The only other Indians having territorial rights in Wisconsin are the band of Oneidas, who occupy a small reservation near Green Bay, and are so far advanced in civilization as to justify the presumption that, like the Brothertons, they will, at no distant day, dissolve their t r~b aol rganization and become citizens. There are, however, within the limits of Wisconsin, and also within the northern peninsula of Michigan, a few small bands of the Chip-pewaq of Lake Superior, who still occupy tbeir former locations on lands ceded by the treaties of 1837 and 1842. It has not, thus far, been found necessary or practicable to remove them. They are very |