OCR Text |
Show 184 UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY. enable them to do so; thereby making the innocent suffer for injuries done by others. I find, also, another class of individnalsa mixture of all nationwnd although less powerful in numbers, equally injurious to the country and the lndiansthese are a set of traders, called here "fiemnen," who are settled around and among the Indiaus; some have married among them; all, however, have an influence, which is exerted to serve their particular personal interests. This is operating against the interests of the Indians and the country, and tends greatly to prevent the agents from doing that which is required by the department. These scenes are transacted so far from the officers of the law, and by a set of men who are somewhat lawless, that it will require extreme measures and some force to relieve the country of them. With regard to all these matters, I would like to have particular instructions. I am of the opinion that it would be greatly beneficial to the interest of the Indians to have an agency established for the Shoshonee tribe, and located on Green river, at or near the ferry or crossing. It is on the main road, and is one of those places where the "El-eemen" generally collect in the spring to prey upon the misfortunes and necessities of the emigrants. The Indians are conseauentlv drawn there: and I am informed that thev have induced Indians tb driv; off rhc stock of emigran(n,so aasro force the;) to ourchase of the freeme men" at exorbitar~t nriced: and. after the ernimnts hate left, make a pretended purchase of th; 1ndihs fir a mere trifle; and are ready to sell again to the next train that may pass, and who may have been served in the same manner. 1 I think that a treaty with the various tribes of Indians in Utah would he productive of much good, if held immediately. It would have the effect of preventing depredations on their lands, quieting their excitement against the whites, and ultimately save the Government from much trouble and ex-pense. If the department should agree with me on this subject, and Congress will make provision, I can have them assembled at any point in the Terri-tory, during the next spring and summer. It would be of great importance to order a delegation of the principal men, say two or three from each tribe, to visit the States, and Washington city during the session of Congress. They have no idea of the power of the Government; many think that the emigration they see passing and re-passing through their conntry comprises the principal portion of our popu-lation; and like themselves, having killed all the game in our own coun-try, we are travelling in pursuit of a better, and that very soon none will be left behind. All these matters I submit to the department, after a very hasty view of the condition and interests of the country, and shall with much pleasure obey any wish or instruction of the department. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, kc., .I.H . HOLEMAN. |