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Show 152 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF INDIAN COMMISSIONERS. of the town of Los Angeles, that around vineyards in the suburbs the Indians were fre-quently to be observed lying dead drunk by the wayside, or stupidly and stolidly recovering from the effects of strong liquors. Throughout the extent of country lately under the management of Agent Tansey, the Indians are fast becoming worthless, and the influence of bad white men among them is tending to their speedy ruin, morally and physically. Disease is becoming too prevalent among them, and delay in procuring reservations and responsible men to care for them will end in extinction. On the whole, I am of the opinion that all the Mission Indians, including the San Diego, San Luis, and Coahuilla Indians, may, in two or three years, be made self- supporting, at a cost of not more than $ 50,000 per annum, which amount would include cost of fencing, breaking land, agricultural implements, seed, & c. The Coahuillas number about 3,000, the San Luis 600, and the SanDiegos 1,500. At San Pasqual there are 3,000 acres of arable land, besides mountain land; timber only sufficient for fire- wood. Houses might be built of adobe and roofed with shicgles at small cost. The mountain land would serve for grazing. As but little land is needed for grape- growing and other tropical fruits, this reservation might answer for the San Diegos ; water plenty. At La Pala th'ere are 1,200 acres arable land ; timber, large and plenty ; water, plenty. On both San Pasqual and La Pala are some settlers. These would ;> ave to be bought out. As they have had two dry years, it could, I think, be done at little expense to the Government. The Sari Diegos and San Luis are industrious, if properly ijianaged, and accustomed to labor on vineyards, and in raising grain, for which services thejreceive slight compensation, and this generally expended for liquors. For the Coahuillas a reservation is proposed, situated twentyrfive miles northeast of Teme-cula; abundant laud in mountain valleys, with water and timber sufficient for all purposes. All these localities, are off the main routes of travel, and within reach of an agent to be stationed at San Pasqual as a central point. Don Juan Foster states that the Coahuillas will not affiliate win the other Indians referred to ; otherwise, it would, in my opinion, be best to locate all of Uese Indians on one reserva-tion, if sufficient arable land could be found in one locality. He is positive that the Coa-huillas will work and become independent, if they, as well as tie others, are protected from the encroachments and evil practices of depraved whites ; and/ his opinion as to their habits of industry is sustained by nearly all whom I consulted in reg/ rd to Indian matters. There is a general conclusion that the reservation system is the be/ c, and that no whites, except those authorized by the Government, should be allowed to^ cate near the Indians. The latter have acquired strong appetites for stimulants, and nohiug but exclusive separation from whisky- sellers will restore them to self- respect and economy. General Banning proposes a reservation on some sea islan], from which the Indians could not escape, and where they might be prevented from the jjiirchase of strong drink. It is doubtful, however, if this could be done, except at a greatest, even if such islands could be found where water and timber would be plenty. I mentpn it simply to give every view that may be offered concerning the settlement of Indians oureservations. Others, again, desire that the Indians be " let alone," declaring that they get along well enough as at present situated. This is a truthful remark if " well enough" be simply a state of existence which brings about very cheap labor, forjwhich thi wages are bad wines and fire- water. I beg leave to add that I have been strongly impressed with the recessity of caring for and assisting these Indians to a nearer approach to manhood; and I an more willingly per-suaded because I think these Indians are quiet and peaceatle, and miy readily be induced to better their condition, at small cost to the Government, ind, in course of time, become good men and citizens, owning property of all kinds stock cattle, vine^ aiAs, orange groves, & e. The old influence of the Catholic fathers is still observable among t\ em, arid I have no doubt that, without subjecting them to the degradation of their old liv\ s, they may be made to settle down and live like any other occupants of the soil. In the brief time for preparing this report, it has been impossible for me t treat the sub-ject in detail. I have, therefore, stated concisely as possible what facts We presented before me, with the inferences and suggestions naturally following. In aiding at facts and opinions, I sought for the responsible and intelligent men of the comm^ nty, without regard to politics or religion. On one point there was a general conclusion alto the proper person to carry out any plans that might be suggested by your commission ;\ e should be a man well acquainted with these Indians, capable, moral, judicious, and hon\ t. In regard to claims which originated under O. M. Wozencrat't, while I was i^ ble to dis-cover any possible and tangible evidence, there was but one opinion, and thadenounced as frauds any attempts to obtain money for supplies alleged to have been tiii shed the Indian Department during his term of office, and which have never been paid fo Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. JOHN V. FARWELL, Commissioner. |