-
WRITINGS OF 5AM, HOUSTON, 1860
481
with them is expensive; and the consequence to the border people is dreadful to contemplate. I am satisfied that many of the evils which afflict our frontier arise from the fact that the Indians do not recognize or know any treaty stipulations which forbid their incursions upon Texas. In their opinion no responsibility attaches to their forays upon our settlements, because Texas has had no hand in making Treaties with them nor do they believe that Texas is included in the Treaties. All their relationships are with Arkansas. They re- ceive their annuities through Arkansas agencies. Their treaties are made through commissioners acting on that border. Trading houses exist on that line and that of Kansas, where a continual exchange is going on between these tribes and those who buy property stolen from the citizens of Texas. · Their yearly visits to these agencies are preceded by the plunder of our settlements and immense herds of stock are driven off. No check exists upon these villains and as the trade is profitable to both the Indians and to the white traders, it is encouraged and with it the idea that their annuities do not depend upon their good behaviour in this respect. The government has from its inception recognized the utility of bringing to bear upon the Indian a moral influence. The good effect of such a policy is too apparent to need even an illustration to prove it. If such a policy is correct, the best mode of ac- complishing the end desired is to be sought and adopted. Surely the Indian mind can best be brought to bear upon the importance of maintaining f:riendly relations with the people contiguous to them, by showing them that upon their good behaviour towards those people depends their existence and the continued favor of the government. When all their duties are confined to a far-off border and to a people whom the Indians know were once foreign to Texas, it cannot be expected that they will be faithful to any but that people. I would therefore, urge the necessity of holding a treaty with all the tribes upon the Texas border at some point on the Witchita River, by commissioners, who will impress upon them the connection which Texas has with the United States and otherwise represent to them the duty which they owe to Texas, also the establishment of a Texas agency and the payment of annuities and the distribution of presents through the same. A course like this will save many lives and millions of money. It will, I solemnly believe, influence these tribes in such manner that they will maintain peace with our people and then the few
Powered by FlippingBook