OCR Text |
Show excited nearly to desperation by seeing their bunting-grounds rapidly lessening in dimensions, and the game, the almost sole reliance of these nomadic tribes for food and clothing, disappearing as rapidly before tbe steady onward treadof the white man. But unless the military authorities are prepared to deal with these hostile tribes immediately, and to' press upon them with such force as shall compel them to submission, I fear that an error may have been committed in neglect,illg to make the best possible use of the disposition shown by a por- , tion of the chiefs towards peace. As a mere uestion of financial economy,no principle ill our Indian relations is better established than that it is s great deal cheaper to feed them, supplying their limited needs, than to fight them; while as a question of humanity, that policy which makes allowances for the natural discontent of the savage heart to come undertutelage, abandon his free habits, and yield tamely to the rule of those who are pressing him yearly into nar-rower hounds, limiting his means of life, and inducing privation and trouble, ~ur e lym ust commend itself to the fair consideration of a Christian people. Bow the problem of the future condition of these nomadic tribes of the plaills is to be solved, is a question which must await events for ~olution. At present the affair is in the hands of the military authorities, where we must leave it, stand-ing ready to aid in any proper manner to bring about the desired results of a quiet transit for the growing commerce of that region, the peaceful pursuit of their avocations by settlers rightfully present, and the permanent good of the Indians themselves. The irrigating ditch upon the Arapahoe and Cheyenne reservation, from the construction of' which great benefit was expected, had been carried sufficiently near to completion to admit of letting in the water on the 17th of April, and about one hundred and fifcy acres of land was planted, the supply of water being sufficient for nearly the whole surface. Apprehensions were felt, bow-ever, at our latest dates from that point, lest the hostile Indians shonld drive avay the few who were disposed to cultivate the soil and live by the labor of their hands, and tbus the benefits expected from the large outlay of money upon this improvement be postponed for the present. The Tabequache band of Utahs, with whom a treaty was made last year, bave remained quiet and friendly. The treaty having been amended by the Seuate, was returned to Governor Evans to he laid before the chiefs for their assent. The Indians hesitated before agreeing to the amendments, fearing lest the region to which they were bound to confine themselves should not contain sufficient pasturage. This diffic~llty was obviated by a promise made to them that they might have common pasturage with the Indians of Grand river and Uiutah valley, this arrangement being assented to by the chief of the bands last mentioned ; whereupon. the unanimous consent of the chiefs and. leading . men of the band was obtained to the amendments. These Indians exhibit an indisposition to becomefarmers and settledown to the cultivation of the soil, but arequitefriendly, and many of them are men of a good deal of intelligence. AgentHead, in his report, refers to an allied band of Utahs, the Uncompahgres, who are disposed to habits of industry, and asks that aid be given them in the form of serviceable farming utensils. The Caddoes, loyal refugees from Texas, who have been for some time under charge of Agent Colley, have continued steadfast to the government, and pa- . tieutly laboring for their own subsistence. They will need some assistance to help them through this winter, and deserve special consideration. The Grand River and Uintah bands of Utahs, under the cha=ge of Agent Whitely, bave also continued on friendly terms with the whites. The country clnimed by them is represented aa containing many extensive and fertile valleys, and the agent thinks that in some of them further exploration may discover an appropriate home for several of these friendly bands when they shall be willing to abandon the hunt as their means of support. |