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Show REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXV remaining on the reserve are opposed to this movement; but I am of the opinion that they c o ~ ~bled induced to join the Osages or confed-erate with some other tribe. Their lands, comprising66,685 acres, would make afine reserve for theponcas. whose removal to the Indian Territory bas already [wen rdicrred to. ~ ~ e c o m ~ ~ ~ c ~is~ 11c1laadet tihoa~t C~I 011grPis l ~ cre ~]u~.,teto~ al utl~orireth e Depnrtloe~ltt o ilrp,tiute for rile ren~oval of the Quanaws and for the sale of their reserFation to the Poncas or to such other Indians as it may be desirable to place thereon. Absentee &wnees. By act of Congress approved May 23,1872, entitled "An act to pro-vide homes for the Pottawatomie and absent Shawnee Indians in the Indian Territory," the Secretary of the Interior was authorized to select from the 30.mile square traot in the Indian Territory, known as thePotta. watomie reservathn, 80 acres of land for each -head of 'a family, or person 21 years of age, and 20 acres for each child. These Indians have no annuities, depend on their own resources, and are prosperous; and they are justly entitled to as large allotments of land as are given the Pottawatomies, who, after becoming citizens, squandered their substance, and have now returned as Indians depend-ent upon the bounty of the Government. I therefore recommend that Congress be asked to amend the law of 1872, so as to give to theseabsentee Shawnees and to the Black Bob band of Shawnees. who mav be induced to consolidate with them. the same ~ ~ quantity of 1~1111a18 is allotre11t o tilo Pottaaatomics. I have tile honor to be, sir, very reaprctfully, your obedient wrvant, J. 0. SMITH. ~ommbs~oner. Hon. ~ECRETAEY OF THE INTEBIOR. 3 mn |