dollars and upward have been expended by Governor Ramsey, and one fear in advance of the time fixed by the treaty for their removal. This expenditure was made while he was getting them to sign the Senate amendments to the treaty of 1851, which they were very reluctant to do, and which not more than half the chiefs have signed. These Indians want the Government to confirm this reservation to them. I would recommend that this be done as the only means to satisfy them, and humanity demands it.”
Here is a picture of a helpless people! Forced to give up the “garden-spot of the State,” and accept in its stead an “insignificant tract, on the greater part of which there is not wood, or timber, or coal sufficient for civilization;” and then, before the ink of this treaty is dry, told that even from this insignificant tract they must promise to move at the end of five years. What words could characterize such a transaction between man and man? There is not a country, a people, a community in which it would be even attempted! Was it less base, or more, being between a strong government and a feeble race?
From the infamy of accomplishing this purpose the United States was saved. Remonstrances, and still more the resistance of the Indians, prevailed, and in 1854 we find the poor creatures expressing ‘much satisfaction” that the President has decreed that they are to remain permanently on their “insignificant tract.”
The Upper Missouri Sioux are still suffering and destitute; a few of them cultivating little patches of ground, depending chiefly on the chase, and on roots and wild berries; when these resources fail there is nothing left for them but to starve, or to commit depredations on white settlers. Some of the bands, nevertheless, have scrupulously observed the stipulations of the Fort Laramie treaty in 1851, show a “strong desire for improvement,” and are on the most friendly terms with the whites. These peaceable and friendly bands are much dis-
