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Show I 12 REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS. effect was issued. Last advices from the superintendent of Indian affairs state that the transfer had not then been made, but that it wot~ld he bytbe 1st of this month, November. This office is ready to receive the Indians, to furnish sob-sistence, and to make the necessary preparation? to aid them to carry on their agricultural and other pursuits, but only for a limited period, say for three months, and as a consequence an additional appropriation will be required. Whether they should remain on this reservation permanently or be removed to another is a matter I am not now ready to decide. Evidently tbey are averse to remaining, and long to be relitored to their old country. The reservation was originally set apart for the Mescalero Apaches. ' Superii~tendent Norton reports it a failure; that the soil is poor, water unhealthy,and wood very scarce, and to be had only at a great distance. If as described, it can hardly be a suitable location for so many as the Navajoes number, 7,341; but, perhaps, the test of its suitableness and adaptation to their wants has not yet been fully made, at least under the direction of the Indiandepartment, and possibly, by meanswhich Congress shall afford, and the management of a good agent, with proper aseist- ' ants, results may prove it to be capable of being made a sustaining and com-fortable home for them. I recommend to your consideration the statements and views of Superintendent Norton in regard to these Indians, contained in his annual report herewith, as also respecting other tribes, especially as to the expe-diency of locating upon reservations. I have no doubt, if his suggestions of colonizing the several tribes in the localities named by him were carried into effect, that the condition of affairs in the Territory would he greatly improved, with advantage to both Indians and citizens. About the most troublesome Indians to he found anywhere are the Mimbras and Mogall hands of Gila Apaches, who have long been hostile, and have com-mitted many murders of eiti~ensa, nd frequent depredations. I t i s thought they can be prevailed upon to he peaceable and settle upon a reservation. Much has been communicated heretofore in annual reports concerning the Pueblo Indians. Their situation is one full of interest, and appeals strongly to the government for its care and protection. A great wrong is being done them by citizens who are endeavoring to get possession of their lands by unfair means. 5 Lately, to rid their lands of settlers, snits were instituted before the Uuited States court. One of the parties entered a demurrer to the effect that as the republic of Mexico bad recognized the Pueblos as citizens, and as the United States had not made any special allusion to them when the Territory of New ' Mexico was acquired, therefore they are citizens now. Chief Justice Slough sustained the demurrer, and his decision has created much tronble among the Indians. It is feared that unless the decision is reversed by a higher court, or overruled by Congress, these inoffensive Pueblos will eventually become beg-gared and ruined. Should the court, to which an appeal has been taken, sustain the decision of Justice Slough, it is hoped that Congress will take suchaction as will fully protect the fights of this people. I renew the recommendation made in a previous report of this office, that application be made to Congress for an appropriation to furnish these industrious, though poor Pueblos, with agricultural implements, and to establish schools among them. A considerable trade is carried on by Mexicans of New Mexico in cattle stolen from citizens of Texas by the Comanches, the Mexicans lending them horses and pistols for the purpose. Vigorous steps should be taken to break up this trade, and restrain the Indians from committing outrages upon the people of that State. This can, perhaps, best be aqcomplished by negotiating a treaty with these Comanches, as, according to information com~nnuicated by Agent Labadi, who was sent by Superintendent Korton to them to recover a captive white boy, tbey expressed. a desire to he peaceable and friendly, and had appointed a day, some time in October, to meet the agent again to make a treaty. of psace, ahd at the same time surrender the captives in their possession. By |