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Show XIV REPORT OF COMMISSIO3TR OF ImIAN AFFAIRS. build houses and prepare to live, they will become more attached to their homes and less disposed to emigrate, even to better lands which are but a short distance away. My apology, if apology is needed, for presenting these facts and sug-gestions somewhat earnestly, arises from my deep conviction that the proposition to throw open Oklahoma to white settlement, surrounded as it is by Indians on three sides, woald be an experiment dangerous to all concerned, and especially woald the Indiius west of Oklahoma be abraded andevemually obliterated by the surging waves of white popu-lation striking upon them from all directions. This subject is of very great importance; and in view of the persistent efforts which have been made by parties more or less organized to possess themselves of lauds within the Indian Territory regardless of law and the rights of these Indians, and in view, too, of the actiol~ of a large number of Repre-sentatives as expressed by bills presented and speeches made in Con-gress, I feel it my duty especially to invoke your consideration of the subject, not only as a matter of justice and right and the interest of the Indians, but also as a respectful recognition of the demands of those Representatives whose opinions and views are entitled to the highest respect. 1 therefore recommend, as a preliminary step, that Congress author-ize the Department to appoint a commission, who shall visit the Chep ennes and Arapahoes, the Wichitas and the Kiowas, Oomanches and .Apaches, in the Indian Territory, to ascertain their views with refer. . ence to the subject of removal to lauds in said Territory east of 980. If any portion of the Indian Territory is to be opened to white set-tlementt then I think the suggestions which I have offered are the most practical aud would cause the least possible dissatisfaction and injury to the Indians. Those of the Western tribes who would be immediate17 affectad by this action could sutler only temporary inconvenience by removal. The same improvements which they now have could easily . be made for them and at little expense in their new home, and the im-provements already made on their present location could be sold at .. their value to purchasers. But until Congress take8 definite action npou thin subject this office will feel it to be its duty to press forward the settling upon lands or homesteads of all the Iudians west of Okla-homa, and to encourage them to open farms, erect houses, and make other improvements as rapidly as possible; for no time ought to be lost in teaching these pedple to support themselves, and to stop all work and improvement would throw them into a state of idleness wbich would soon lead to crime and disorder, if not to actual conflict amoug themselves and with their white neighbors; U. S. (IOUET IN THE INDIAN TERRITORY. I The present anomalous condition of legal affairs among the fise civ-ilized nations calls for wisest counsel and for the most prudent and i thoughtful consideratio? of the executive and legislative departments 1 I |