OCR Text |
Show the former is quickly contaminated by the vices of the latter, rapidly deteriorates in physical and mental power, and very soon becomes well nigh extinct. In our broad and ample territories, as yet but sparsely occupied by whites, and in many portions of the newer States, very many localities still remain, possessing natu-ral qualities, in location, climate, and soil, which, together with their seclusion from the immediate vicinity of the whites, render them peculiarly desirable as Indian reservations. I t is with a hope that a sufficiency of these localities may, by the timely action of our government, be secured for the many Indian tribes, whose claims upon the fostering care and protection of our people may not be disregarded without lasting shame and reproach, that I have given this subject a prominence which in my judgment is far less than its merits deserve. Veiy respectfully submitted. Va2 P. DOIdE, Commissioner. Hon. CALEB B. SMITH, Secretaq of the Intm'w. |