Our Indian Affairs [pp. 5-22]

OUR INDIAN AFFAIRS.
sory right to the land. Such right was important to them, when
they depended on the chase for subsistence, but it is of little
value when the buffalo or the deer no longer rewards their skill.
On the method of supporting themselves by industry, which they
must henceforth adopt, a few hundred good acres are worth
more to their owner than hundreds of square miles held as a
hunting ground.
The setting apart of land in reserve for the Indians will of
necessity have to be continued. The Government, having the
right of eminent domain, and acting as public guardian in this
case, should make the selection of these reserves so as to secure
homes for the Indians on land capable of yielding them a support, and so placed as make the intervention of military force
if need be readily practicable. No more mistakes should be
made, as in placing the Winnebagoes at Crow Creek and the
Navajoes at the Bosque PRedondo-costing the country millions
of dollars and the Indians great suffering and discouragement,
and ending in their removal at great expense to new reservesall attributable to the want of intelligent consideration by the
Government officials, if not to less creditable reasons. Almost
equally to be shunned is the mistake of making the reservation
too large, giving to a few thousand Indians a district as large
as the State of New Jersey. These reserves should be chosen,
not only for the benefit of the Indians, but also with reference to
military operations, which will be indispensable for a time in
the government of wild tribes, and the protection of the peaceful Indians. A carefully considered line of policy should be
adopted in this matter, at the earliest day; the hasty though
well meant action of "Commissioners," Agents, or military
officers, does not meet the exigencies of the case. Their action
may still be of much use under the direction of the Government,
but it should be conformed to the requirements of a wise and
comprehensive policy, and not sporadic, partial, embarrassing
in the future, often doing great harm, as in the Bosque Redondo
case already mentioned. The reserved land should be allotted
to Indian families in severalty, a suitable tract to each, with title
inalienable unless by the consent of the Government. Then should
follow'the encouragement of farming, stock raising, &c., the
fostering of schools, and especially the encouragement of the
religious and benevolent agencies of our Missionary Boards.
1874.]
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