| OCR Text |
Show LXII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. principal) on payment of the face value of the scrip cert,ificates held by him. In the report of this office to which reference has herein been made, it was suggested that if legislation could be had legaliziug the entire outstanding indebtedness represented by these scrip certificates, and an appropriation made sufficient to cover soch indebtedness, the certifi-cates could be called in, examined, and paid, the government reimburs-ing itself from the sale of the lands. This was the plan urged by Mr. Haskell of the Honse of Representat,ives, and it seemed at the time to be the only sure way to anything like an early adjustment of the matter. In the present aspect of the case, however, it is thought 1)ossible that an early settlement of the greater part of the indebtedness inay be reaehed under the provisions of existing law, and without the aid of an appropriation, provided that legislation be had legalizing the same, or .directing the payment thereof. It is to be hoped that such legislation may be provided during the coming winter. NORTHERN CHEYENNES IN INDIAN TERRITORY. On the 6th of October, 1881, Little Chief and his band, 235 in all, under authority of the department, left the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency, in the Indian Territory, and proceeded to Pine Xidge Agency, Dakota. On their arrival there it was found that the band numbered 317, eighty-two having joined the party secretly and without authority. There are now remaining at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Ageucy of these Northern Cheyennes 684, who strongly desire to join their friends and relatives in Dakota. In my last report attention was called to the promise made Little Chief, that the request of the remainder of the band to be allowed to return north should be laid before Congress. This request they have ,c8nstrued into a positive promise, and for months past have been very persistent in their importunities to return toDakota. From all the facts that have come to my knowledge during the past year in regard to these Indians I am satisfied that they will never be contented to remain where they are. The agent alleges that their dissatisfaction prevents them from making any progress, and is the constant source of much aamoy-ance and disturbance among the Indians who recognize that a,gency as their home. It will, therefore, be to the advantage of both parties and in the interest of peace and harmony to separa,te them. The Southern Cheyennes will make much more rapid advancement in civilized pur-suits, and the Northern Cheyennes who return will be contented and .do far better among their kindred and friends at their old homes among the Sioux. I therefore earnestly renew my recommendation that pro-vision be made by Congress to permit them to return north as eaPly .next summer as practioallle. |
