The New York Herald Newspaper, December 9, 1850, Page 3

INDIAN AFFAIRS. ‘The Red Republicans of America. ‘THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. ” Drrantwent oF THe Interior, oy InpiaNn baal ie. 2; 1300} procee to aul re view: Se our Iadian Affairs and last twelve months, I would reports of Or: passes without scenes of bloody between them. From their remoteness and seattered condition, it is difficult to exercise an effective restraint over them, while their proximi- to each other them frequent opportuni- for ind their vengeful and vindictive E tribe seems to be constantly on watch for occasions to attack weaker parties of the other, when en indiscriminate massacre of Women and children, is the lamentable re- ing the last spring, mutual aggressions, ane character, pers my a involve ae general war; it the a super- intendent, Governor Ramee! saided and astiated by the comma: officer at Fort Snelling, promptly Sierpeets, and by timely and judicious efforts pre- vented such a catastrophe. amanity, but they foster thet, insulate passion for . passion for war,which, in combination with love of the chase, is the prominent characteristic feature of our wild- and presents a formidable obstacle ia the civilization and improvement. We et to what extent these important ob- 3 but the present and vnpeceeny of some of our Fey oe jhe . encouragement further an more extended effort. Experience, however, has copsiorinaiy shows that there is but one course of policy by which the great work of regenerating the ate" oratn eS poly too, wi in tion icy to our wilder it Pog 1 mar A reece Say they be in positions where they can be controlled, and = J compelled, by stern necessity, to resort to agricultural labor or starve. Considering, as the untutored does, that labor is a de; dation, and that there is nothing worthy ambition but prowess in war, success in the chase, and eloquence in council, it 1s only under such cir- cumstances that his haughty pride can be sub- dued, and his wild energies trained to the more its of civilized hie. There should be asei; to each re oe gpa ar pean -country to ture, ex! Sand well boundaries; within which al! with occasional exceptions, should be compelle constantly to remain until such time as their improvement and good conduct may super- sede the necessity of such restrictions. In the ‘meantime, the government should cause them to be ied with stock, ‘icultural implement and ugeful materials for clothing ; encoui an assist them in the erection of comfortable dwelli and secure to them the means and facilities education, intellectual, moral, and religious. The application of their own funds to such purposes “would be far better for them than the present sys- their annuities in money, which to butfew, while to the great hes the means and incentive ving indu , terminating ‘in destitution misery, too frequently in premature death. The time is at hand Soy the sraction] asetieation ~of the foregoing views to the Sioux and Chippe- ‘was, as well as to some of the more northern on the borders of Missouri and Iowa. Con- as made an aj mm for ations the Sioux for a portion of their lands, which as far as practicable, be conducted on the jes laid down in oe ae given fo the Sppointed for vaat pitpose last year, and — iy 4 communicated with the annu: ore] jeceseor. instructions con- cand ithe hase of a large extent of their ‘ tory, and concentration within narrower limits upon lands remote from the white settle- )znents and the Chippewas ; objects of primary im- —* in view of the general policy already stat Since the treaties of 1837 and 1842 with the Chip- f& Considerable portion of those Indians have continued, by suflerai%e. to reside on the ceded lands east of the M i veo pied and Minnesota, where they have 10¥ so e oon f Sate lnieetons contect with ou rapidly vancing an reasing population in that quar- ter. Satog ample facifitive for procuring ardent spirits, they have become much injured and cor- rupted by unrestrained indulgence in the use of that accursed element of evil. To remedy this unfortunate state of things, it was determined, at an early period as Se pomsaes year, to have these Tadians removed northward to the country be- . to Miarenents ten, for this a were accordingly a: ; but, in consequence of the very late period at which the appropriation re- quisite to meet the necessary expenses was made ly a small number have as yet been ramoved Their entire removal, however, will not sufficiently relieve our citizens from annoyance by them, as ‘they will for some time have the disposition, and be near enough, to return with facility to their old haunts and hunting grounds. Nor will the situation of the Chippewas generally then be such as their well-being requires. They own a vast extent of territory on each side of the Mississippi, over which they will be scattered, = the chase ind: aigiog in thew vagrant habits, until the wild products of the country, oa which they depend for a subsistence, are exhausted, and ys iss ht to a state of destitution and waat. should therefore be mede, at as ear! period as practicable, to concentrate them wit r limits, where, with some additional means ed those already provided, effective arrange- ments Could be made to introduce among them a system of education, and the practice of agricul- ture, and the simpler mechanic arts. The beat portion of their country for this purpose is west of “the Mississippi river; but it is not owned by the whole tribe in common—a considerable part of it being the exciusive property of particular banda, who are not parties to aay of our treaties, aad re- ceive no annuities or other maverial aid from the United Sta This circumstance net only ex- cites dissatisfaction with the government, but pro- duces much jealousy and bed feeliag towards the rest of the tribe, which may hereafter lead to serious (ean. and, a8 the game on which they mainly depend for the means of liviog must soon fail them, the goverament will be under the ne- censity of interposing to save them from starvation A wise forecast, und the dictates of a benevolent policy, alike suggest t timely measures be taken to avert so disastrous a result This y —_ be done, and ata moderate expense, compared wit! the importance of the object. to be accomplished. In order to enable the deparment to carry out these views in reference to the whole Chippewa tribe, I respectfully recommend Oongress be asked for an appropriation at the ensuing session to defray the expense of negotiatiog a joint treaty th the different bands, for the pu: pose of acquir- o much of their country on the east side of the Miveissiypi es we may require for a long time to come; to provide that the whole of their remaining lands, together with their present and future means, shall othe common property of the whole tribe, so that all will be placed on ao equal f ; and that as latge a proportion of their tu practi- cable shall be set o and applied in euch @ man- ner as will secure their comfort, and most reg advance them in civilization and prosperity. itl such sya ceed for ths tribe, and the adoption ¢ policy towards the Winnebagoes, now |. their vicinity on the weet side of the Mis- sissippi, and the Menomonies, soon to be removed there, the whole face of our Indian relations in that quarter would in a few years present an entire and tifying change. We should soon witness in ie, our northern colony of [adiana, those i i way of know not may Sif i evidences of general improvement now bde- coming clearly manifest among a numbea of our colonized tribes in the southwest, and which present to the mind of the philanthropis and the Christian encoureging assurence of the actioability of regeneratiog the red race of our country, and elevating them to @ position, moral d social, similar, if not equal, to our own here are two evilsin the section of ~} 4 ferred to, operating injuriously upon the weifai and interests of the Indians in that quarter, and eit rene engaged in trade among them, which quire t attention, and which must be eup- before our Indian relations there can be placed upon a safe and oo —— These are, first, the immense annual destruction of the buffalo and other game by the half breeds from the British side of the line, generally in the employ- ment of the Hudson Bay Company; and, second- the introduction of ardent spirits among our Jaiane by the traders of that company. The em- darreasment and injury to our Indians resultiag from the devarcation of game hy these foreiga depreda- tors have justly occasioned much dissatisfaction | another of higher latitude is | which they are threatened. | they are, many years will not ela | will be overrun and exterminated; or, uprooted | of the. | would be an abidi | and we need no better vindication of the wisdom | and humanity of our Indian policy, thus far, than | the gratifying the nefarious means of ardeat traffic with the In- to them and to our Moonee re! Suitable souenne should } proi lopted to put a stop to these abuses ; for Son on the establishment of a military post in that quarter will be indis- 4 & § e & [ Ey the approach of winter. The — of humanity, main in Wisconsia until ve day of June next. lunsee Indians residing 1848, ceded all their lands Sapecied to settle some- country. The weney for thet fare residence, bs en for a site inthe vicinity of the St. Peter's river. As soon as a suitable location ean be found for and their removal effe Wi fected, Wisconsin, be poag fe be relieved sub- of an Indian population. the Winnebagoes, in whatever situation placed,a considerable number of them have been restless and discentented in their new location on the upper Mississippi, to which they ons removed mie year a, This pee. Scion ese from any well-grounded objection to thia coun- try, than from their own reckless a and va- graat habits, re Possibly, with an omission on the part of the government to de all that might have been done for their comfortable settlement in their new home. There was considerable diffi- culty in effecting their removal; and a portion of them eluding the agent of the ph gyri Koen a with the Ce eo coo their emigration, remained behind. These, with others who return- ed to their old haunts in Iowa and Wisconsin, Hireatoning conduct and aotual depicdatons” ‘The conduei act ms. The white population became more or less alarmed, and tations were made to the go- necessity for their Ampang oa urge! to be great, there was but little tine torun e the necessary a ments for the purpose. A resort to military fe was considered inex; oad. it, as it might have tend- ed to exasperate their feelings, and [ead to actual hostilities; and it was greatly to be desired that they should be taken to their country under cir- cumstances calculated to allay their discontent, ang dispose them to remain. y , therefore, with the concurrence and bation of the head of the department, entered into a contract with a gentleman recom- mended for his high character and great influence over these Indians, to remove them in a kind and judicious manner, and to make suitable and satis- ‘actory arrangements for their comfortable and per- manent settlement. It are that the measure bas thus far been a! with corresponding re- gults, and that the contractor is entitled to credit for his energy and success in the prosecution of his waletetne. Pa me i a cee reports my predecessors several years, | find a measure oF policy strongly urged with reterence to the tribes located on the berders of our Western States, in which I fally coneur. —— @ partial change in their relative pores to throw open a wide extent of country for the spread of on population epregied as = save them from ‘swept a an advancing current ey Mavilleations whieh batalieet engulphed a large ion of this hapless race. To a large rrajority of those that have been removed there the States, wo. gre under obligations of the highest character, eajpined alike by contract and c , to eeeure to them their present homes and possessiogs forever; and, ere it be too late, we should make all the a: ments neces: SEL ad prone toa faithful discharge of this s0- Below the most southern of our colonized tribes we have an ample outlet to the southwest; but required, leading more direetly towards our remote western possessions. A beginning will be made in carrying this measure of policy humanity into “pooags J the purchase, as contemplated, from the Sioux, of a large portion of their country; and it may be fully consum- mated by the removal of a few tribes between the a territory and the Kanzas river, a we ve no treaty stipulations jarant io petuity their present ay ‘Suitable pisead tiens may be found for them south of that river, where, secure in comfortable and permanent homes, they would be stimulated by the salutary influence and example of neighboring and more enlightened tribes. at the border tribes in question are in danger of ultimate extineupm from the causes indicated, must be evident to é¥ery well informed and re- flecting mind; and it is equally clear that the adop- tion of the policy recommended is the oniy practi- cable means of averting the melancholy fate with If they remain as before they and broken spirited, be driven forth towards the setti sun, to perish amidst savage enemies on the 8, or the sterile and inhospitable regions Rocky Mountains. Such a catastrophe reproach to our government hs when it is considered that these Indians, if properly established, protected, and cherished, may, at no distant day, become in- telligent, moral, and Christian communities, fully understanding and iating the priaciples and blessings of our free institutions, and entitled to equal participation ia the rights, privileges, andim- munities of American citizens. Itis among the tribes of our Southern colony that we find most satisfactory and encouraging evidences of material advancement in civilization; | and people, especially results mg namber of these tribes. Surrounded, in the States where they for- merly residgd, by a white population continually pressing upon them, and without the natural eater- prise and energy, oF the intellectual cultare requi- tite to enable them to con’*ad with 4 superior race in any of those employments and ptifanits upon which the dignity and happiness of man depénd, discouraged and depressed by their inferior an pain condition, they, with a fatal and ruinous facility, adopted only vices of the white man, and were fast wasting away. In afew years, they would have become extinct, and, like other once numerous and powerful tribes, their names would have been preserved only in the records of history. Removed from this un mate, and to them un- natural position, placed where they have the as- surance and guarantee of permanent homer, where they are, ina great measure, free from those ia- fluences arising out of a close contact with a white population, so injurious and fatal to them ia their untutored state, and where the elements of civili- zation could be steadily and systematically intro- | duced among them, they are gradually increasing | in numbers and bey Aye) in pri rit} } Several of these tri have al eaty abe d their original and crude forme of government, and | regularly establi constitutions, of republican Fim mown few written , laws, adapted to their peculiar state of affairs, with proper and le rs to carry them into execution. y are adopting agricultural and mechanical pursuits, and, through the efforts of the government and of various Christian societies, having become impressed with the necessity and advantages of education, they are making highly commendable exertions to disseminate more gene- rally ite blessings the among them addition to the means furnished by govera- \d liberally gan by missionary associa- tions, they make large o ne from their own fund: owards the establishment and support of manual labor schools, which have been found efficient auxiliaries in imparting to them a know- pe of letters, agriculture, and mechanic arts, and of advancing in civilization and chris- — During the few years that institutions of this description have been in operation, have done much towards the accomplishmen these great objects; and, had they effected nothing more than to excite the a. e! instruction now Maes ing among a number of the tribes, the expendi- tures they have occasioned would not have been in vain. Introduced, however, asan experiment, ‘we were liable to errors in regard to them which rience alone could develope; and, after much reflection, I am satisfied that there are defects in the syatem, as at prevent organized, which must be remedied in order to ensure ita full degree of ef- iency and usefulness. In my judgment, confirm. by the experience of others, the it enor = — has eye ar “og of the in- uw upon too lar; scale. In consequence ofthe her vy expenditures required to establish and maintain they are necessarily limited in number, and so wide apart as to be at am inconve- nient distance from great majority: of those whose are in . Hence the a and benefits of the achools are confined almost entirely to the neighborhoods within which they are respectively iocated; for the Indians at a | distarce, being naturally averse children taken so far from their semen an have retained ion of their original sescions, and saeietathe perils of eae Fae tact with a white population fast thickening arouud them, are those remaining in the State of New York, & mere remnant of the once Bumerous and powerful Iroquois, or ‘Six Nations.” After 'y diminishing for many years, they seem at th to have reached the lowest point in fortunes. Having been placed, by the humane legislation of the State, in a situation similar to that of our colouized tribes, they present the intere: spectacle of a once barbarous people in a state of rapid transition to civilization and ity. A striking indication of their progress 8 the i change they have made ia their Fok polity. P seed vise the Aland pntazes ¢ ei irresponsil oligarc! ical form of it, and its tendency to retard their ad- vancemeat, a ity succeeded, in 1848, in ebeeting a entire revolution. Having formally assem! in convention, they adopted a republican constitution, and their government and affairs are now well conducted, on principles similar to those on which ours are administered. There are still, t, individuals among them, whe, from their connection with the old system, are to the new order of things; but, as the object of these malcontents is to regain their lost power, rather CR nyt the poe good, Le CA couragemen| been given to either State of New York or fe algorerament, It is much to be that no was made at the last session of C: for ating treaties with the wild tribes of the great west- ern yretiee, . These Indians have leng undig- pute ion of this extensive region; and, it as their own, they consider t! emeelves entitled fo compensation, not only for the right of way through t! territory, but for the great and injurious destruction timber, of grass, committed by our tel og oe emigrants. They have hitherto been kept quiet and peaceable by re- iterated jises that the government wi act generously towards them; and considerations of economy, justice and heer rexwize that these promises should be promptly full led. They would, ibtlees, be contented with a yoy moderate re- muneration. which should be made in goods, stock salmsls, agricultural implements, and other useful Asa further measure for securing the friendship and good conduct of these Indians, it is earnestly recommended that a delegation of their principal and oe oe ae ment be ogee verse pur- pose some of our larger cities and more densely lated portions of country. These dele- gates would thus be impressed with an idea of the great superiority of our strength, which, being im- parted to their people, would have a powerful and most salutary influence upon them. Our information in regard to the Indians in Ore- gon and California 1s extremely limited ; but the deficiency, it is hoped, will shortly be supplied b; the agents and joners provide: lest session of . Copies of the it given to these officers are herewith su gether with a report from General Lane, | nor and acting superintendent of Indian i Oregon, containing the latest official informatioaia on commisei: diane in New Mexico, represented tobe numerous, and liberal appropriations will have to be mado for tion required for their proper management, | re- etfully refer to the Soak ade 38) from the Hoa, H. N. the from agent Cathoun. We know but little of the Indians in Utah beyond the fact that they are general ceable in their siepaction.. and easily contrelled; but further and full information as to their peculiar condition and wants may soon be ¢ from the agent receatly sent among them. I therefore refrain for the pre- eet from making any recommendation in regard to them, except that our trade and intercourse laws be extended over them. ipa Our Indian relations in Texas remain in the awk- ward and em! state set forth in the anaual reports from thie office for the last five years, and rticularly in that of my immediate predecessor. Whe laws providing for the lation of trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes are not in force in Texas, nor can they, 1 apprehend, be exteaded there without the coneent of that State. Thus, while an unfortunate state of things exists in Texas eimilar to that in New Mexico, and moreiring, in general, the same remedial measures, we have not the power to put them in full and com- plete operation. The constitution, it is true, gives te Congress the power to regulate commerce with the Indian tribes ; but that it can be rightfully ex- ercised in such manner as to punish the citizens of that State for tre: jing on lands occupied by the Indians, or trading with them unless licensed by the government, is a proposition that may well be controverted. What is required in regard tothe Indians in Texas, is full and absolute authority to —— to them a suitable country, remote from the whit lation, for their exclusive occupancy and use, wi we can make our own arrangements for regulating trade and intercourse with them, and adopt other measures for their ual civilization and improvement. With this view, I respectfully suggest that a commissioner or commissioners be appointed to confer with the proper authorities of Texas on this important subject, for the purpose of effecting the conventional arrangements indispensa- ble to a satisfactory adjustment of our Indian affairs in that State. 4 ‘ This measure, I submit, would be fully justified, if recommended alone, by the consideration that it would probably result in curtailing the immense and comparatively useless expense to which the jovernment is now subjected, in maintaining the large military force deemed necessary for the pro- tection and nce of the citizens of Texas The arrangements ado; last year for the re- moval of the Seminole Indians in Florida to the country occupied by their brethren west of the Missiseippi, failed of entire success; only a portion were removed, anda number still remain within the district temporarily aasigned to them, on the julf side of the peninsula. These continue as faeoke in charge of the military, and this de- partment has no control or jurisdiction over them. Notwithstanding the e' that have been made and the heavy expense incurred dui the removal of the Choctaws remaining in Mississippi; a considerable number still remain indisposed to migrate to the country provided for the tribe west of the State of Arkansas. Anxiety is felt that the State of Mississippi shall be speedily relieved of this in- cumbrance, and the Indians transferred to more com- fortable homes among their {brethren, where they would be comparatively prosperous and happv. view of past results, it is evident that more ¢{igient Measures are necessary to accomplish their remo- val. These, itis hoped, may be devised and put into sueceseful operation at an early da: Conceding the general wisdom and j policy adopted in 1845, of paying the the Indians on the per capita princip! meat there are material objections possession of the effice respeoting the Indians in that far distant region, and maeited too late to ac- compere, the annual report of last year. After the three nts authorized by Congress for the Indians in Cal were meneeae was found that no appropriation had been made for their salaries, and the necessary expenses of their agen- cies. Their functions as agente were therefore sus- pended : but, as there was an iation for ne- ‘otiating treaties with the In in that State, y were constituted commissioners for that pur- pose. They will thus have an opportunity of aw quiring information useful to them as agents, asd be on the spot to enter upon their duties in that ea- ity bog the requisite appropriations shall have en made. eae ee have also _ a for the ly important purpose of negotiating treaties ith the various Indian tribes adjacent to the line between the United States Mgxico. "They are expected to sccompany the © undary commis sion, and are chai with the duty of collecting all such statistical and ether information concerni those Indians, as may aid the department in adopt- ing the proper policy and measures for their go- yernment, and to carry out in good faith the stipu- Tafiena of our recent treaty with the Mexican re- public. % . The ruinous condition of our Indian affairs in New aeuien dementia ee ievmediante attention of Congress In no section count Lng ow oom and efficient measures for cuameielag tee Indians more ily required than in this territory, where an extraordinary state of things exists, which, 80 long as it continues, will be a reproach to the government. _ There are over thirty thousand Indians within its limits, the greater portion of whom, having never been sub; to any salutary restraint, are extremely wild and intractable. For maay years they have been in the constant habit of making ex- tensive forays, not only within the territory itself, but in the adjoining provinces of Mexico, plunder- ing and murdering the inhabitants, and carrying large quantities of stcck, besides numerous cap- tives, whom they have subjected to slavery, and treated with great barbarity and cruelty. Humani- ty shudders in view of the horrible fate of such of their female captives as possess qualities to excite their fiendish and brutal passions. Our citizens have suffered eee from their outr within the two years, of which, their at jast fall y tr. White’s party, while travelling to Santa e, is one of many instances They murder- ed the whole party, nine or ten in number, except his wife, child, and servant, whom they carried off. Our only Indian agent in the territory, who 18 stationed at Santa le, on heering of the lamentable occurrence, promptly made every effort in his power to rescue the enp- tives, and bring the Indiane to punishment. The Poe officers in the territory also made com- mendable exertions for the same purpose, but, un- fortunately, withfno other result than the discovery ofsthe dead body of Mrs. White, which was found by a mulitary party in pursuit of some Ladi sup- pored to have her in their possession. It was evi- dent that she had just been murdered, as the body was still warm. The sad ~~ of interring the corpee was performed by the military with becom- ing decency and respect. ver efforts have been continued to rescue the child and servant, but as yet without succes. Renewed instructions have | oenty been given directing a lerge reward to be offered, whten 4; is hoped will lead to a favorable result. But their atro¢ttes aud aggressions are committed, not only upon oUt éttren%, but upon the Pueblo I nians, an interesting sémi- civilized ple, living in towns or villages called pueblos, whence they derive their name.— Before the country came into our session, they were in the habit of of repairing the injuries they sustained by retaliation and reprisals upon their enemies; but from this they are now required to desist; and thus the duty is more strongly imposed spon us of affording them adequate protection.— he interference of the government is required aleo to secure them a; t violations of their rights of pereon and pro; by unprincipled white men, from whese cupldity and lawlessness they are continually subject to grievous annoyance and oppression. _To prevent serious disputes between these la- dions and the white inhabitants, it is essentially ne- cessary that commissioners be appointed to ascer- tain and define the boundaries of their lands,which they claim to hold under grants from Spain and Mexico, and tomegotiate treaties with them, for the purpoee of establishing prope’ relations between them and the government and citizens of the United States. It is believed that by pursuing a wise and liberal policy towards them, which their peculiar situation indicates and invitee, they will ina few yenrs be fiited to become citizens; and being indus triour, moral ana exemplary in their habits, will constitute a valuable portion of the population of the territory. For a brief period, however, they will require agents to regulate their intercourse and manage their relations with the other Indians end the whites. same commissioners could be charged with the further duty of entering into the necessary conventional arrangements with the wild tribes of the te To manage these In- diens properly, they aleo must have agents; and, in order to break up their practice of committing depredations and taking captives, they should be placed in tuations where a proper vigilance and control can be exercised over them. Their forays into the Mexican territory can only be prevented by locating them at a considerable distance from the boundary line, and the establishment of military posts so rarest them from crossing it. The boun- denies of the country allotted to the several tribes reepectively should be clearly defined, and they should aot be allowed to vo beyond them witheut special permission. Thus situatedand restrained, a portion of them would need the aesistance of the A Ag Ai until brought to ly themeeives to usbandry for the means of subsistence, instead of depending apon plunder end the chase. lop- tion of this or some other efficient lem of mea- sures would involve an ¢x, «nse far less than the amount for which the government will otherwise become liable on account citizens and those of Mex for spoliations com- mitted by these Indians; while it would obviate the pop that Lye result oyohy settlement and improvement of the country greatly ree tarded. An obligation of the highest character rests upon vs to redeem the captives among the Ia- in which it bas been practically app! gulation on this subject provides that a portien of Le erg may be set apart by the Indians for nai and charitablepurposes. These purposes, however, have never been eolonedy defined ; are not prescribed for determining the amounts tw, be provided for them, nv: have measures been taken to encourage the Iudians to make 90 wiee beneficial 9 disposition of their f"* 4g, They naturally desire to receive in4‘jiduatly the full amount of their TespeCliv® snares, and, conse- quently, their entiro annuities have been distributed equally among them. However fair and equit- able this mode of payment may appear, tt is t altogether just to the chiefs, nor consist: t with sound policy. It is through ths ‘medium of the chiefs that the government holda intercourse and dealings with the tribes in the traneaction of their more important business; and it is not unreasonadie that they should expect more from the government than the common In- dians receive, in consideration of their station, and the services they perform. But, according to the present mode of paying their annuities, the Indians are all and alike placed on ommon level; and, as po diccrimination is mad favor of the chiefs, their influence is not only dim d, but a feeli of contempt for goveromental aut! is extensively inspired. Evils of no ry . nitude are thus juced, which, it is believed, may be remedied by a tT exercise of the dis- cretionary power over this subject vested in the Prericent, and the Secretary of the faterior. | The st difficulty which the government and individuals have to contend with, in their ef- forts to ameliorate the condition of the Indian: their strong and uncontrollable appetite for ardeat spirite, and the facility with which they can still be procured, notwithstanding the stringency of our is efforts of the agents and poe prevent its wtroduction among them leplorable fact, that there are many persons engaged in tre villainous business of smugzling liquor into the Indian country, while others, less but ly depraved, are stationed near rders the purpose of carrying on an un- holy traflic with them. The States withia which these miscreants take refuge should be invoked to put an effectual stop to their abominations he work of collecting and digesting statistical and other information, illustrative of the history, condition, and future prospects of the Indian tribes, has been unremittingly proeecuted, and the resulta, it is believed, will not only be of much general in- terest, but highly useful to the department in the administration of our ladian affairs. The first rt of these investigations is in press, and will be laid before Congress at an early period of the en- suing seseion A striking disparity exists between the financial estimates of this office, submitted to Congress at the commencement of the last session, and those prepared for submismon at the commencement of the next. The latter exceed the former by a very large amount; and, to prevent misconception, & brief explanation may be necessary. Estimates are divided into two classes, techai- cally called regular and special. The first class relates exclusively to objects of fixed and perma- nent character, and to appropriations therefor,to be expended within the current as well ns the fiscal year. Heretofore the practice has been to submit the regular estimates alone at the opening of Con- gree and the special estimates from time to time during the progress of the session. But in prepar- img the estimates for the present year, care hag been taken, Pursc2nt to your instructions, to make them so full and comptehens.¢ a8 to embrace both clasees in one general estimate, thereby, a8 far aa practicable,placing before Congrese,at asingle view, and at the commencement of the session, every object, of whatever character, for which an appro- priation may be required. Hence, the estimates of the present year, thus aggregated and combined, exceed the regular estimates of the last $1,423,- 083 49; and yet they fall short of the actual appro- priations at the recent session, on Indian ac- count, some $18,000, while the regular estimates of last year exceed the corresponding class in the ae pee general estimate, $4,390; the Fitference be- i occasioned by the omission of sundry items and the reduction of others. Great care has also been taken to make the ex- planatory remarks accompanying the estimates conformable to law. They succinctly but clearly exhibit the grounds on which the several items are Eee founded ; and although the aggregate is large, it cannot, in my judgment, be mate- rially diminished without detriment to the public eervice. The present force of this office is les#Ithan in former years, and inadequate to the prompt dis- chorge of its greatly augmented and increasing duties. An additional number of clerks and a thorough reorganization of the department are in- dispensably necesaary. But as a full and satis factory exposition of the measures required in this connexion would involve elaborate detail, they will form the subject of a "special commuuication. Respectfully submitted, L Lea, Commissioner Hon. A. H. H. Sivart, Secretary of the Interior Axoruen Rattnoan Riot.—A riot occurred on the night of the 23d ult., in the town of Alfred, in this county, between some Irishmen engaged uy, the New York and Erie Railroad, which resulted in the death of two of the rioters, the wounding of a third, and the cruel mutilation of a foreman named Kent. It appears that a number were on & strike for higher wages, and who repaired to the shanty of a laborer, late at night, and commenced stoning it, and finally went in and threatened the inmates with death. Kent hearing the noise, re- paired to the shanty, and on his opening the door was seized and drawn inside. The lights were 1m- mediately cntaguhed oad the report of firearms ensued. Kept was armed with a revolver, and fired twice before being rendered insensibie by blows. Order being finally restored by the inter. ference of others, two Irishmen were dead upon the shot through the heart and the other through the lights. A third had his hand badly ehot to pieces. Kent was found insensible and bruised. It is not known whether the two fell by shots from Kent's revolver, or from the han friends, who were fighting at rendom in the dark.—Angelica, V. ¥., Advocate, December 5. In | | mails are regularly carried. The Howland and | found, meking a sum total of $300. TERRITO wee To the People of FEuiow Crnzens :— The object of this brief circular is to make you acquainted, in the fewest words , With the most extraordinary iaducemeuis held out to ¢ ni- grants to Oregon, and with the several modes of reaching that country. The cloud of obstructions, so long lomseing Somme over that Territory, was completely dispersed by Congress, at its late session, and the uncertaiaties heretofore existing asto the removal of the Indians, and the titles to land, have been removed, by the enactment of Jaws for that purpose. i A law was passed at the late session, providin for the extinguishment of the Indian title to al that part of Oregon lying west of the summit of the Ci le Mountains, and for the removal of the Indians inhabiting it to some point east of those mountains. A Board of Commissioners have been appointed, under that law, to treat with the Indians west of those mountains, for their lands, aod with the Indians east of the same mountains, for other lands to which to remove the Indians first named. A Superintendent of Indian affairs has been appoint- ed, whose duty it is, under the protection of the military force stationed in the country, to occupy bis whole time in attending to the duties of this department; and under him are placed three Indian agents and three sub-agents, for the more efficient menegement of the affairs in this department. Heavy; pes rig pom have been made, to be fol- lowed by still larger ones, to enable the officers appointed to prosecute successfully the objects of the law. All people, therefore, everywhere, may rest fully assured tha! there is not the slightest er of trouble with the Indians hereafter. I would a'so state that there is no danger from Indians in goi: to Oregon, overland, nor after you have reache the country. On the heel of this law, another one was d, at the last session of Congress, giving to all men, over eighteen years of age, arriving and settling in Oxegen previous to Dec. 1860, 320 acres of land, if single, and if married, 640 acres. The bill then rovides that if those single men marry in one year rom the firstof Dec. 1850, they shall receive 610 acres. In all cases the wife is to receive one half ofthe above en in her ownright. Four years residence and cultivation, to be completed either before the date of the law, or after, is required be- fore the final title is made from the government, though the title is good to all intents and purposes, a8 against every body but the erent from the moment the claim is taken. Ifthe maa or woman, or both, die after taking the claim, and before the four years expire, the same goes to the survivor and heirs, so that it cannot be lost by this casualty. The bill next provides that all white males over twenty-one, ve. ey >t to the country and settling there, between the first day of Dec. 1860, and the RY OF OREGON. the United States, first day of Dec. 1853, shall receive 160 acres of Jand, i ingle man, and if married, then acres. But there is a provision here, that if single men marry in one year after arriving in the Territory, they then receive 320 acres. All male minors wh> go to the country, and settle, and become twenty- one before Dec. 1863, will receive 160 acres of land, absolutely, and if they Lael 4 in one year after ar- riving at jority, they will receive 320. AU fo- teigners, by filing their intentions of becoming American citizens, are treated like native born American citize and they are only required to complete that naturalization before they get a final title. Of course this would have to be done in the chorieet ume or they would lose their land. The sume residence and cultivation are required as be- fore, and, as before, the woman receives, as her own property, one half of the land granted. In all cages the person is allowed to pick his land where he pleases, if not previously occupied. e I would wish it to be well understood,that this land is among the richest lands in the world,that it is no where surpsseed in productiveness, and,in all kinds of grains,no where has itanequal. The climate of Oregen is no where equalled for its healthfulness, and as health is one of the greatest induéements in going to tny country, I would wish *o be fully un- derstood, when I say, emph~ tically, that there is not a region gf CovP'?y on the North American continent, not excepting New England, so widely farreg for its health, 20 healthy as Oregon. Aside from this, and the preductiveness of its soil, it is no where sur; for ite water power, no where equalled for the goodness of its water, or for the quality of its lumber, or for the fish that swim in its streams, or the game in its forests, and prairies, or for the uniformity of its climate. Beside this, we have mines of coal, of iron, of marble, of gra- nite, of salt, and probably mines of gold. We are 80 located also, that any man ing in Oregon, may mount his horse, and in a very few days, with- out a dollar's expense on the way, visit the various mines in California, work as Jong as he pl » and by the same conveyance, return at his plea- sure. In Oregon you will find ready employ ment at from five to fifteen dollars per day, according to your trade, corresponding wages by the month or year, and for all you can raise you will get, to quote from the prices currentin the Oregon Specta- tor, of Sept. Sih, 1850, as follows :—beef, 15 to 20 cts. per Ib.;, pork, 16 to 20 per 1b.; butter, $1 per Ib.; cheese, 624; wheat, A per bushel; oats, $3 per Bughel; to 75 cis. Ret dozea lard cts. pep lb, and lumbar $50 10 $60 per M. This is a country where you can raise stock to any amouut without ever cutting any hay or fodder for them, or feeding them, or housing them for the entire year. For your oxen you can get wie yoke, tor your American horses from $159 to $2 or $300, for good cows $50, and other stock ia pro- bee m, and these prices are likely to continue. here is comparative!y 90 end to the money, and all w man needs to make it, is indusiry, an te Jay it up,economy. Here, too, you will find goou ; schools, and the people alive to education; good churches, denomic«tions and preachers, and the people moral and iatelligent, and anxious to hear. Our mail routes bave been established, aad our Aspinwall line of steamere extends to Portland in Oregon, and there is a regular semi-monthly mail | between that city and other parts of the territory and New York. Beside this, we have a line of river steemers plying between Astoria and Oregon city, end Oregon city and Cascade city and inter: mediate porte, and two steamers, Whose machinery has been long on the bys ae, soon be placed on the Willamettee river shove Oregon city, running He that beautiful valley from 100 to 150 miles. Here you see all things are ready and waiting for the coming emigrant. I have no hesitancy in say- ing, upon my ret ponsibility as the representative of | that territory, that such inducements never were offered before to emigrants vince the organizstion of the government. Nor do | hesitate to say, that, to any industrious and economical man, five years in that country, with the inducements actually of- fered there, are worth us much in point of property as twenty years enst of the Rocky Mountains The only question, then, which remains to be con- sidered, f2, “How ean you get there |" There are three ways to get to Oregon—one round Cape Horn, time, six months from New | York ; another across the Isthmus, by steamboat, | time forty to forty-five days from New York; and | t the third «cross, by the overland route, time from the Missouri ;.ver, from two and a half to five months, cecording (© the nature of your teams, and your expedition on the way, The expense round the Horn will be from $200 | to $306 for each grown person, and boarded, with smaller prices tor children, depending on age. By thig row'@ you can get any amount of freight carried yon pley ee, By the isthmus route, there are two rates of fare. Viret fare, from New York to Chagres, $100; acrose the isthmus, from $30 to $50, and from Pa- | nama to Portland, Oregon, $300, and found, mak- ing atum total, eay, of Second fare, from New York to Chagres, } across the Isthmus, as before, and from Penasma to Portland, $200, and By this route ‘ou can purchase of the Howlend & Aspinwall’s | ine through tickets to Portland, Oregon, and have | the guarantee of thet responsible firm against any delay by the way. As many inquiries have been made of me about thoee delays on the Isthmus, to persons having through tickets, I will take this | occasion to eay, that if you purchase your tickets | of Howland & Aspinwali’s line, you will meet with no detention whatever. You may rely upon whatI tellyou. All persons going to Oregon by the Isthmus route, should go by this line, if they do not wish to be detained at San Francisco, as this is the enly company having a through line. Their office is 54 South street, New York | By the overland route, every person should be at the following points on the Migsouri river :—In- dependence er St. Joseph in Missouri, or Kanes- ville in Iowa, ready to leave just ag quick as the rase is cufficient to drive on, which is the case rom the first of April to the frat of ~~ ( accord- ing to the nature of the spring. He will chose a team of oxen, mules or horsea, or if] without a family, he may peek through, by riding one horae or mule, and packing his provisiona, &c., on one or two more. This is the quickest mode Male or horee teame, with light loads, the next in point of expedition; oxen the last, but quite as sure either. The cost by this route, in the end, will be but small, as the following calculation will show. Persons from Ohio, Michigan, or Wisconsin, and at all points west of these States, usually start with their teems from home. Those farther east or routh, first find their way into some State west of those named, as Iilinoia, Missouri, or lowa, and there purchase their teams. Any one who pleases can go to Independence, St. Joseph, or Kanesville, by way of the Missouri river, and then go back into the interior, and purchase their teams. Each man should buy from three to five yokes of oxen ty to Inst ugh, to ene oe ofucont cney, and start with as ta lond as possible, ng no time, either Sun- 6 or week days,u = fait ie absolutely neces Be careful not = fret yout teams, ou will have 1 o trouble. The route is a hy one, and | * shall to know and at emigrants on the Oregon trail meet with none thove disasters for want of water and grass 3¢. ERs a= | which have beem so destructive to the emigrants. I making the sum . Your provisi be 200 rounds of flour, and 100 pounds often te every person. there would be coffee, tea, sugar, as dried fruit, lard, honey, a oul juantit Indian meal, some bread, A ome i you with milk and but- ter by the way. We willestimate your cows would furnish n provisions and via-ictas to cost $100, which added to fthe for- mer sum, would make $525. After you start you will rarely have an occasion, and more rarely achance, to spend a dollar. With prudence you will be very ney to get all the stock ou start with. But let us make all due allowances for losees by the way, which we will suppose to be one yoke of oxen, and then let us reckon up ater you ‘are through, without peying anything of the magnificent farm you are forthwith of. Your four yoke of oxen will be worth at least , your wagon $100, your American mare 50, and your cow $100. These prices are low estims upon the whole. The amount is But yeu have paid out but $525, so that you have made $225 by the journey. This may be taken as a fair illustration for all. T have thus, fellow-citizens, presented vou the case fairly, and without exaggeration. What de you think of it? I took my own family to the coun- try in 1847, and by the overland route I have never regretted it, and were I back here wit ced family, and know what I now know, | wou! ther slumber nor sleep till 1 had determined to nor would I slacken my exertions till I had there. The inducements are unprecedented, and the advantages are certain. The country is an ia- viting one, point of locality, health, '. richness and potition. Her rich prairies and pu! ic domain—free of charge to the settler—invite you; her overflowing coffers are running over for your reception, and her wide fields urge you to en- sererion You can come us and enjoy life and health to an unprecedented degree; you cam make fortunes for yourselves, and your posterity after you; and when you have finished your you will leave your children in a land that flows with milk and honey—in a land of education and morals, of industry and enterpiise, and in the gar- den of the Pacific, where, looking out on her pla- cid waters, they may inhale her breezes, and learn to measure the extent of their improvements enterprises, by the vastness of that mighty oceaa. here have to request, as I most earnestly do, all papers throughout the United States to do Ore- gon and her people the especial fevor to publish this cireul nd [ also solicit all pereons who feel an interest hat country to request their favorite paper todo so. And for this act of generesity om the part of the conductors of the press, and ea the part of those who request it to be done, | herewith return, for myself, and for that hardy and noble peopie I agra Paid sincere thanks. ery truly, your fellow-citizen, wie Samvet R. Tuurston, Delegate from Oregon, Common Counell, BOARD OF ALDERMEN, Dec. 7.—Morgan Mergans in the chair, PETITIONS REFERRED Of Peter Clarkson, for relief of asseesment for lot of ground on 23d street, west of $4 avenue; ef sundry owners of tty for the extension of East street te the north of Rivington street. REPORTS ADOPTED. Of committee on wharves piers, and slips, In favor of building up the gap in bulkhead on East river, be- tween 26th and 26th streets; also to build « pier st the foot of 26th stroet, Kast river; also in favor of building 8 pier at the foot of Rivington street, Kast river; else in tavor of building w pier at the {foot of 2étm North river; of committee on assessments, askiag te be discharged from further consideration of the peti- tion or F. W Geisenheimer as th t has already been ; also, ig saps | Crolius may be referred to the Finance committee, they discharged from its consideration; also, upom the petition of Mr. Dougherty asking to defer confirmation Of assesement list for regrading South street from Catharine to Pike street, requesting to be discharged, as the subject has already been confirmed; alse ad- verre to petition of F. Grass, asking to have refunded him the amount paid for ret 34 avenue be- twecm 30th id 4ith streets; of the oot ittee on Fire rtment upon petition of Engine d Hose Company 25, of Committee om Public Buildings om Biackwell’s Island, in relation to the billa of D and O'Connor; of Committes on Sewers, in favor of cower in Chirty-ninth street, from Madison avenne to # point 100 feet weet of Fifth avenue; of the Com~- f ot placing two aptist church in , in favor an nS on pro W. W. Janeway} of the Committee on Fire De; , Upon petition of Engine Oo. No. 1, for a new ene ® ef the Committee on the Law Department re- lating to the sessions of the Common Council, under the amended charter; of the Committee on Wharves, Piers and Blips, in relation to lire ot extension of Pier 28 Kast River; of the Committee on Fire Department, sin favor of purchatiys ® lot of ground eet. port to this boerd standing or uncoll balances on the following va- rious accounts, due in December, 1849, with the names of the perrons and corporations owning the same, the emousts since paid, and the amounts stilldue The ‘¢'—Ground rent, house r Lg nd rent, dock and slip re nd mark 1 to the corporation be requested to memorialize the Legislature to repeal the third section of the amended charter of 1849, 6 pinth section of oft That the curb an necersary 5 twern said points, be flagged. under the direetion of the Street Commissioner. Referred to the Committee on Btreete fo! ly ie feet trom the First on Bireeta. Whereas, then ecossary arrangements for the World's Pair, to bs held ‘> thi ay, ty 1862. ill necessarily envy © the oltizens add wuthorittes: of this city, therefor Resolved, That ¥ be instructed ach arra' ogo ‘een this city aad 1° profits derived 4 that no permis- 7 oh extraordinary profits will be secured by pr 4 individual epe- culation Referred to Committees on Ferries The Board then adjourned until five o'clook-on Mon- Gay evening . Referred BOARD OF ASSISTANT ALDERMEN. Dec. 6—The Board met this evening. Present, the | President in the chelr, and « quorum of members ia their places Several petitions Among them one to horee market. and Third aven 8 oF COMMIT TERS The Finan mmitteer reported in favor of rex mitting personal tax in several instances, aad correst- ing erromeous tax In other instances RAOLU TIONS feet wide be ‘treet, between reritions were presented and referred. the nut corner of Thirty-seventh street te avedin iret av That ali the public wharves and piers in th y of fork be hereafter leased by public auction, Ro- That ane street. from West to Fourth street, be lighted with gas, Adopted “That Bim stort, from Reade street, be lighted with mr" Adopted. ‘That gas pipes be laid in Seventh street, from Avenue Btol street Adopted fon to furniah each engine, hose and hook jer company with @ may ing the new fire Resolution, that the grade of Bighty-seoond street, between the Third and Fourth svenues, be altered. betwece, the bird and *. be regulated and grade: jerre: Fitesotation ito raise the ealary of Nicholas M Sildeul, |, from $600 to $600 per Sergeant-at Armes of this B annum Adop'ed PAPERS FROM THE POARD OF ALDRRWER, tiom recently ordered Conourred in. Marine Affairs, Laven or Curren Suite Stace Horns —Thie beautitul ship wes launched at noon today, from the ship yard of Mr. Donald M’Kay, at East Bow She measures 207 feet on the keel, 126 feet over al), has 21 feet hold, and 40 feet beam. is the largest and sharbest clipper ship no — end ey yay may Wy = proud her. She is o' y Sampeon al George B. Upton, Esq.—Boston Travel Dee