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1871 Ann. Rep. Comm'r Off. Indian Aff. Sec'y Interior 1 (1871)

handle is hein.doi/annrepcom0034 and id is 1 raw text is: REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS, November 15, 1871. SIR: The duty of making the usual annual report of this Bureau hav- ing devolved upon me as Acting Commissioner, by reason of the resigna- tion of Qp_.' eral E. S. Parker in July last, and of the continued vacancy in the positi-orfn missi-ner of Indian Affairs up to the present time, I have the honor to present herein a summary of the affairs of this branch of the public service since the date of the last annual report. In accordance with what is so generally known as the Indian policy inaugurated by President Grant, it has been, during the past year, the aim of the Department to secure, in the administration of affairs under its charge, the greatest good and best results practicable. Much has been accomplished by intrusting to men of good standing and moral character the responsible offices of superintendents and agents;. by earnest endeavors, through conciliatory measures, rather than by force or threatenings, to promote order and the interests of peace with the more intractable and hostile-disposed tribes; by seeking to inspire the confidence of the Indians in the Govern'ment, by dealing fairly and lib- erally with them, and observing faithfully and promptly the treaty stip- ulations and provisions made by law for their benefit; and by encourag- ing every disposition and effort on their part to better their condition, by whatever means would tend to that end. As a result may be adduced the prevalence generally of peace with tribes who have hitherto beeu in: open hostility to the Government; the marked and gratifying change in the views and feelings of many of their members in regard to the neces- sity of abandoning their roving habits, and of establishing themselves upon reservations, where they can be properly cared for and civilized; the improved state of other tribes who have long been friendly; and the efficient and judicious management, except in a very few instances, by the officers of the Department of the trusts committed to them. This condition of affairs, it is submitted, will warrant the assertion that the conduct of-the service the past year has been wise, prudent, and meas- urably successful, and affords sufficient reason for indulging the hope of tb3 early accomplishment of the beneficent designs of the Government oward the Indian race. While, however, good order and peace have been maintained among most of the tribes, disturbances and outrages have occasionally occurred, which will probably be the case until the parties who originate them are brought under proper restraint and influence. A spirit of lawless- :'1ess, disaffection, and even of hostile intent, still exists among some of the. nomadic tribes, which, it is not unjustly apprehended, is engendered qd fostered often' by white persons or citizens from sinister motives, 1ci k

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