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Show XXX REPORT OF THE COMMIBSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. the Missouri. The Indians are now removed to the agency; quite a nnm-ber of buildings hare been erected there, as well as a warehouse at the Ianding. Last winter, when these Indians were removed from their old agency in Nebraka, 112 wagons and 225 yoke of oxen were purchased by the government to transport the property of the Red Cloud and Spotted Tail Indians to the Missouri River; but as severe winter weather set in before the train could be put in motion, it was held during the winter at Camp Robinson, Nebraska, and was not moved eastward in the spring because of the uncertainty as to the Iocation finally to be decided upon for the permanent abode of the Indians. After the approval of the selection of a location on the Rosebud, a train of 56 of these wagons and 112 yoke of oxen was started east with the effects of the Brul6 Sioux for the Rose-bud, and after the delivery of its load it was pushed eastward to the Missouri, when it commenced the transportation of supplies from that river to the agency in fulfillment of an agreement made with the Spot-ted Tail chiefs to transport their own supplies. Besides ox-teams, the department has furnished the Indians with 100 wagons and 200 sets of double harness to complete the transportation outfit, and has also adopted the plan of hiring Indians for drivers, eaoh of whom furnishes four horses of his own, and is paid $30 a month and rations for his services and the use of his team. In addition to the stock already furnished, the department has purchased for these Indians 500 two-year-old heifers and 50 wws for delivery to them next spring. The treaty of 1868 provides for the building of wmehouses, agency buildings, and school-houses ; also, of dwelling-houses for the principal chiefs. When these buildings are wmpleted, sufficient agricultural im-plements furnished, and a competent farmer placed in charge to direct the Indians in their work, we may look for a decided improvement in civilization. Never before have these Indians had an opportunity to take root in the soil. Notwithstanding the many sensational reports circulated within the past few months by parties interested in advancing rates of transportation, which misrepresent these Indians as hostile to the government, no act of hostility has occurred, but they have patiently set themselves to the task of preparing to meet the severities of the coming winter. On Thursday, July 11, the wmmissioners and myself met the Red Cloud Inclians in wmcil, and after a full consultation the commission found them M y be nt on going west to the vicinity of White Clay Creek. Nothing could have been kinder or more friendly than the spirit dis-played by Red Cloud before the council, during its session, and after-wmd. He appeared to much greater advantage than he did on his last visit to Washington, when, in contrast to Spotted Tail, he wm ill at ease. Red Cloud and his most influential chiefs went with the commission to Wounded Knee and White Clay Creeks, and after a full conference, the commissioners were satisfied that his location was well chosen in all |
