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Show 6 REPORT OF THE COldMI~8IOUER OF IXDLPH AFFAIRS. occupied by our own people. I t is, then, a necessity that there should be s common anderatanding between the two races as to the extent and boundaries of the districts to be inhabited by the Indians, the laws by which they are to be governed, and the reciprocal dnties and obligations resting upon each race, whether regarded as individuals or distinct commnnities. There are two methods by which this mutual understanding may be had. First, by availing ourselves of our overwhelming numerical, physical, and intellectual superi~rity, we may set apart a country for the use of the In-dians, prescribe the laws by which they shall be governed, and the rules to be obsened in the intercourse of the two races, and compel a conformity on the part of the Indians; or, secondly, we may, as has been the almost uni-versal practice of the government, after resorting to military force only so far as may be necessary in order to induce the Indians to consent to negotiate, brine about this understandine throueh the instrnmentalitv of treaties to which thefare parties, and as snch Lave Gelded their assent. " ~ o r t n n a t e tlh~e im-mense disparity in the relative power and resonrces of the two races enables us to oursuekith& of these methids, and it is therefore incumbent u ~ o n us to adopt that course which, judged by past experience, is best ealculat6d to pm-duce the desired results, viz : the security of our frontier settlements, and the ultimate reclamation and civilization, and consequently the permanent welfare. of the Indians. By the one course, it is contemplated that the independence of the Indians shall be entirely ignored, and that they shall be reduced to ahso-lute subjection; by the other, that they shall not be altogether deprived of their sense of nationality and independence as a people. By the one course, the most savage and vindictive traits of their national charactex will be fostered and perpetuated; by the other, they will be gradoally led to a more hopeful view of their situation, and to regard us as friends, seeking their elevation as a race. By the one conxse, they will ever regard us as merciless despots and tyrants, who have deprived them of their homes and liherties ; by the other, while they are effectually taught their utter inability to cope with us 8s bellig-erents, they will gradually learn to appreciate the advantages of civilization and its attendant blessings. To my mind,tbe advantages of the latter over the ' -~- -rrper policy seem soapparent that I can hardly realize that the foimer is ; seriously advocated. So far as I hnve observed, the arguments of the advocates .' of a military government for the Indians are mainly based upon economical grounds rather than upon its humanitarian aspects. I feel perfectly confident that, upon any fair investigation and comparison, it will be found that, even in tbis view, the advantages of the latter over the former policy are immensely in Savor of the system which contemplates tbe adjustment of onr relations with the Indians by means of treaties. The Indians of New Mexico, with bnt trifling exceptions, have been managed by the former policy; those of the In-dian territory by the latter; and these two districts of the country, it seems to me, sfford a fair practical test of each line of policy. In New Mexico, from the time of its acquisition, and for a long period anterior thereto, military operations have been almost continuous ; while id the Indian country, from the time of its occupation by the Indians down to the breaking out of the great rebeltion, it was seldom necessary to invoke the aid of the military, and during all that time not a dozen comolaints were ever made. from an.y quarter, by reason of depredations committed by the Indians against thcr whites. I ha& heretofore so frequently and Sully presented my views upon this subject, that I will not now further extend the& ;emarks than to simnli exoress mk firm con-. viction that no better system for the management of tke"~nd;ans, ana the rela-tions which must necessarily exist between them and our own people, can be devised than that which has heretofore orevailed to so laree an extent, and wlticll contemplater the fixing of the riRhAtad,u tic3, and ob~i~htiouofa each raco towards t1.e other through the instrumentaliry uitre~tii~s. |