Report of the condition of the Chippewas of Minnesota

UC-NRLF

•*•*• n» 2:

^•n Cd*«B
IJtj

CASE

/-
REPORT

OF THE

CONDITION

OF THE

CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA,

BY C. A.. RTJFFEE.

JANUARY, 1875.

SAINT PAUL:
PIONEER COMPANY PRINT.

1875.

/

STATE OF MINNESOTA, ^

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

ST. PAUL, MAY 21st, 1874. )

CHARLES A. RUFFEE, ESQ,

Brainerd, Minn.

Under a concurrent resolution of the Legislature of this
State, adopted at the last session, the Governor was re
quested to take action in the manner therein indicated, in
regard to the Chippewa Indians, etc.

Knowing your intimate acquaintance with that tribe and
the high regard and confidence in which they hold you, I
request that you will undertake to make the inquiries in
dicated.

You will please embrace in your inquiries the following
topics :

First: What is their present condition ?

Second: Have the treaty stipulations been observed
by the United States ? If not, state in what particulars.
Under this head I particularly wish to be informed whether
the moneys which these treaties promise for the purpose
of breaking land, furnishing seed and agricultural imple
ments, building houses and generally to put in their hands
any instrumentalities which may facilitate their acquire
ment of the habits of civilization, have been faithfully
expended. If not, state in detail any delinquincy in any
respect — giving full information.

M218831

REPORT OF THE CONDITION

Third: What grievances, if any. exist and whether
they will in your judgment result in any disturbance ?
Under this head you are particularly instructed to inform
me respecting the contracts which are said to have been
made concerning the timber on the reservations, giving
me the version of the Indians as to these transactions.

Fourth: Your own views derived from your inquiries
as to the legislation necessary to aid and encourage them
in adopting the habits and industries of civilization with a
view to their remaining inhabitants and ultimately becom
ing citizens of this State.

In general you will inquire and report on all topics
fairly within the scope of the annexed resolution.

There is a further duty which I wisli you to undertake
in the same connection. It is to use your influence to
prevent the acts of personal violence and depredations
upon property, which in times past have cost the State
thousands of dollars in rewards, expenses of arrest and
prosecution, (often fruitless) military expeditions, special
agents for temporary purposes, etc.

I am satisfied that these can be prevented by the friendly
interposition and council of someone in whom the Indians
have confidence.

You will, of course, be careful to respect the laws of the
United States in regard to "talks" or council with these
people — in the sense in which they are prohibited by those
laws.

You will make full report to me by December 1st, 1874.

Your reasonable expenses and a reasonable compensa
tion for your services will be paid by the State. For this,
you will have to wait until the next session, as the Legis
lature did not last winter place any funds at my disposal
for these purposes.

You are not authorized to employ any assistants except
by special instructions from this department.

0. K. DAVIS,

Governor.

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 5

Mr. Ward offered the following concurrent resolution :

Resolved, By the Senate (the House concurring) : That
His Excellency the Governor of Minnesota be and is here
by requested to make or cause to be made an enquiry in
to the condition of the several bands of Ohippewa Indians
of Minnesota, to the end that he may recommend to the
Legislature at its next session such Legislation as shall ap
pear requisite or desirable for the aid and encouragement
of these Indians, in adopting the industries and habits of
civilization, with a view to their remaining as inhabitants
and ultimately becoming citizens of the State.

That the Governor be also requested to inquire into what
extent the white settlers, living on the frontier adjoining the
reservations of the different bands of Chippewa and Sioux
Indians, are endangered by the encroachment of said bands
upon the settlements of this State, by reason of the pre
sent state of affairs among said Indians, and report at an
early day of this session.

To His Excellency G. K. Davis, Governor of Minnesota.

In compliance with the instructions accompanying your
letter of date May 21st, 1874, requesting me to ascertain
and report concerning the condition of the Ohippewa In
dians of Minnesota, I have the honor to submit the follow
ing as the result of the inquiries made by me in that re
gard:

The several subjects of inquiry to which my attention
was especially directed by those instructions, embraced
matters vitally important to the Indian, and of grave mo
ment to the State, and I have endeavored to obtain such
facts as will enable you to form a correct opinion of the
present condition of their relation to the Commonwealth.
These several matters are herein referred to separately as
indicated in my instructions, viz :

6 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

FIRST.
" What is their present condition ? "

The total number of Chippewa Indians within this State
comprises about 12,000, located as follows : About 6,000
upon Lake Superior and waters tributary thereto. Upon
the Mississippi and its tributaries 4,000, and in Red River
Valley 2,000. The Territory set apart by Treaty between
the United States and Chippewa Indians as Reservations,
comprises about 16,000 square miles, and located in the
counties of Lake, St. Louis, Carlton, Mille Lacs, (J.ass,
Becker, Pembina, Polk and Beltrami.

Nine-tenths of this area is densely timbered with Pine,
Maple, Oak, Birch and Aspen, and other kinds of wood
found in that latitude. The soil may be generally charac
terized as a sandy loam, with clay or gravel sub soil, ex
cept a part of the White Earth and Red Lake Reservations,
which is a rich loam and capable of producing an abundant
growth of vegetables and cereals.

The Indians upon these several reservations, with the
exception of those at White Earth, live in wigwams, con
structed in the primitive manner so well known, affording
but poor protection from the elements, and none of the
conveniencies essential to a civilized life, and are clad
only with the blanket and breech-clout, and with the ex
ception above noted, I am unable to find any evidence of
an improved condition with these Indians of a social,
moral or industrial character, over that existing twenty
years ago. They depend entirely upon such annuities as
they receive from the general government and upon the
game and fish which abound upon and near their reserva
tions for their subsistence, while labor or the products of
systematic industry forms no part of their reliance for the
maintenance of themselves.

That this condition cannot be changed for the better, or
that these Indians are incapable of improvement, cannot
be maintained, for upon the White Earth reservation are

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 7

found several hundred, who six years ago were as repul
sive in all their habits and characteristics, and apparently
as intractable as any in the State, but who now live in com
fortable dwellings ; are clad in the habits of their civilized
neighbors ; own, possess and care for personal property ;
successfully cultivate with their own labor large tracts,
and produce by their own industry sufficient to supply
themselves with most of the necessities of civilized life.

When it is remembered that the Indians upon Leech
Lake, Mille Lac and White Oak Point reservations are, and
long have been, nominally the recipients of the same care
and beneficiaries under similar treaties with those now
upon White Earth reservation, the contrast in their pre
sent condition seems inexplicable to those wanting the op
portunity of personal observation, and the reason therefor
must be sought in other sources than the wisdom of exist
ing laws or their judicious administration.

That similar beneficent results would follow, were the
same or similar means used for the reformation of the
Indians outside the White Earth Reservation, as has been
so effective with them, there seems no good reason to
doubt ; and it must be confessed that the progress made
by the Indians upon the White Earth Reservation is
atributable to the wise counsels and kindly interest practi
cally manifested by benevolent and Christian associations,
to and for them, rather than to the fidelity with which the
government has executed its self imposed trusts through
its chosen agents. This is apparent from the fact
that in all matters pertaining to their moral or material
welfare, these Indians invariably seek counsel of the
representatives of those individuals and associations who
have by their acts demonstrated their disinterested friend
ship for and good will toward them, and by the earnest
efforts they make to profit by the counsels so considerately
given, while no practical benefits can be found resulting
from long years of official intercourse.

While at White Earth a laudable interest is manifested
by the Indians to obtain for their children the benefits of

8 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

schools, upon the other Reservations no disposition to avail
themselves of the provision made by the government for
education is exhibited. Among the former the rights of
property is generally respected, and with the latter little
or no ambition to acquire it for themselves by any legiti
mate means, or respect its ownership if found within their
reach.

The moral sentiment of the Indians, uninstructed by the
light of civilization, is of a low standard, and little or no
improvement is observable in that regard among the In
dians upon the several Reservations, except those at White
Earth, and their intercourse with the white race since they
became pensioners upon the Government seems to have
satisfied them but little, unless the contact has impressed
them with a wholesome fear of the white man's power and
superiority, and so restrained them in some degree from the
full exercise of their savage and barbarous instincts; but
in no manner are they better prepared for the duties and
responsibilities of citizenship than before they shared the
bounties of the Government.

They possess neither dwellings, clothing, household fur
niture, food or implements of labor; they live in wigwams
resting upon the naked earth, dependent upon such game
as they may chance to procure, for their sustenance, mak
ing no provision for the future. Covered with filthy
blankets, or destitute of all clothing, indolent and indiffer
ent to their own condition, hopeful only that the Great
Father will increase their annuities. Such is the present
condition of at least 10,000 of the 12,000 Indians in this
State, the exceptions being those already mentioned upon
the White Earth Reservation, and some members of the
Red Lake Bands.

OP THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. ^ 9

*

SECOND.

"Have the treaty stipulations been observed by the
United States ? If not state in what particulars. Under
this head I particularly wish to be informed whether the
money which these treaties promise for the purpose of
breaking lands, furnishing seed and agricultural imple
ments, building houses, and generally to put in their hands
any instrumentalities which may facilitate their acquire
ment of the habits of civilization, have been faithfully ex
pended. If not state in detail any delinquency in any re
spect — giving full information.1'

I have been unable to find any satisfactory data from
which to obtain the facts, necessary to a full answer to the
queries submitted in this instruction.

On application to the persons in charge at the several
agencies I was informed that no records, vouchers or ac
counts were kept at these agencies showing the disburse
ments made under the several treaties, nor the manner or
extent which the government had performed or discharged
its undertakings toward these Indians provided for by
treaty ! That each agent or person loyally representing
the government, upon leaving his position, took with him
all matters pertaining to his administration; that the
several accounts were none of them examined or audited
at the local agency, but were kept and adjusted exclusive
ly at the Department at Washington ; hence it was im
possible for me, with the limited time allowed, to make
that critical examination of the records and accounts at
Washington necessary to determine whether treaty stipula
tions had been faithfully kept and observed ; and my only
available source of information was that of personal ob
servation and the statement of persons presumed to have
knowledge of those matters; and to that end I have con
sulted different persons whose statements I deemed re-
2

10 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

|

liable, and whose opportunity for information I deemed
such as to render their knowledge important.

There are large numbers of mixed bloods connected by
blood with the Indians, who were a party to the Treaty of
May 7, 1864. A majority of these mixed bloods reside upon
the Reservations.

Article 11, of said Treaty, provides that " Whenever the
" services of laborers are required upon the Reservation,
" preference should be given to full or mixed bloods, if
" they shall be found competent to perform them."

These mixed bloods are poor and entirely dependent
upon their physical labor for the support of themselves
and families ; are able bodied and competent to perform
all the services ordinarily required of laborers, and mani
fest a willingness to work whenever they can. They gen
erally assert that employment under the provisions of the
Treaty above cited, is denied them ; that white laborers
are employed to their exclusion, and I am satisfied that
the Treaty has heretofore been almost wholly disregarded
in that respect.

It will readily occur to you that not only would its
observance be beneficial to the mixed bloods in affording
them employment and remuneration, but also that it is of
vital importance when it is considered that this class of
people are, by the, usages of society, isolated and excluded
from most opportunities of employment so accessible to
the white laborer.

From the best information within rny reach 1 find, that
during the six years last past, there has been appropriated
by the United States, and reported by its agents as ex-
pendeded for the Indians located upon the Mille Lacs,
White Oak Point, Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth
Reservations, the several total sums following, to-wit :

For dwelling houses, about, $11,000

For breaking and clearing land, about, 58,500

For Agricultural Implements, about, 5,000

For Cattle, about, 14,000

For Roads and Bridges, about, 18,500

For Schools, about, 50,000

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. f 11

Making the total amount nominally expended upon these
Reservations in the six years for the purposes above speci
fied, $157,000.

During this time there has been constructed for the In
dians upon these several Reservations by the United. States
twenty-four log houses, which competent mechanics esti
mated cost at the time they were built $200 each ; in this
time there has been cleared and broken 300 acres of land,
prairie, at an actual cost of $2500 ; the value of Agricul
tural Implements furnished by the United States to the
Indians, I am unable to ascertain ; nor the number or value
of cattle supplied.

There has been constructed MO miles of Road at an ac
tual cost of $18.500, including Bridges.

There has been annually employed two or more teach
ers engaged in superintending the schools upon the Reser
vations ; the amount actually disbursed for this purpose I
cannot ascertain.

This department of my inquiries has been, for the reas
ons indicated, a difficult one to determine, and the results
of my labors in that regard are not satisfactory to myself;
but I could not do more without access to and examination
of official records beyond my reach.

12 , REPORT OF THE CONDITION

THIRD.

aWhat grievances, if any, exist and whether they will in
your judgment result in any disturbance ? Under this
head you are particularly instructed to inform me respect
ing the contracts which are said to have been made con
cerning the timber on the reservations, giving me the ver
sion of the Indians as to these transactions."

To justly determine "what grievances exist" among these
Indians is a grave matter, and one upon which good men,
long familiar with them, would seriously differ. The In
dian is ever disposed to complain, and often times without
cause.

Why these Indians, who have been the proteges of the
Government for a score of years, and have been the recip
ients of liberal bounties, in grants and annuities, have been
the special objects of missionary and philanthropic efforts,
have been tutored in the elements of civilization by ex
perts chosen therefore, and have been largely in contact
with their civilized white neighbors, should still remain the
savage, ignorant, filthy and degraded beings they were
before these opportunities for improvement were afforded
them, is a question difficult to answer.

After a careful consideration of the matter, aided by
several years observation and a personal acquaintance
with the intercourse of the Government and the Indians,
I believe much force should be allowed to the general
accusation made by the Indians of a want of fidelity on the
part of those who have represented the Government in the
discharge of their trusts. It is claimed with great unan
imity by all the Indians upon and west of the Mississippi
river, that the Treaty undertakings have not been ob
served by the Government; that the money appropriated
had not been properly applied; that the annuity goods
and provisions have been deficient in quantity, and defec
tive in quality ; that buildings have not been erected

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OP MINNESOTA. 13

either in number or character as promised; that land has
not been prepared for cultivation as agreed ; that seed and
agricultural implements have not been furnished ; that
much of their substance is consumed, and their money ex
pended in supporting white persons upon their reservations,
nominally employees for the performance of duties they
could, and gladly would discharge, and that large sums of
money set apart by Treaty for their use and benefit has
never been applied in any manner to the promotion of
their interest, but has been stolen or misappropriated by
the Agents of the United States.

They also complain of the fact that they are never in
formed or allowed by the agents to know how and for what
purpose their money is disbursed.

It cannot be denied that many of these complaints, if
not all, are well founded, and that these Indians have long
been despoiled of their legitimate rights by those whose
duty it was especially to protect them ; and they have be
come so imbued with the conviction that they are regard
ed only as objects of prey, that they look with suspicion
upon all official propositions affecting their welfare, fear
ful lest they may be again victimized, and their condi
tion become more helpless and unendurable.

This spirit and feeling of distrust has been harbored
until, instead of looking upon the Government as a bene
factor and friend, they have come to regard it rather as
hostile to their interest, and seeking to take advantage of
their helplessness and necessities ; so that there exists no
feeling of confidence and trust between the Indians and
Agents.

A fair exposition of this feeling among the Indians is
expressed in a speech made by the Chief Wab-bon-o-quet,
to Inspector Daniels, at the White Earth Reservation,
May, 1874, a copy of which is hereto attached and marked
Exhibit "A," and which was fully discussed and approved
by the chiefs and head men of the nation in council, be
fore it was delivered, and is an authorized statement of
their grievances, upon the matters therein referred to.

14 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

As I have heretofore intimated, another cause of com-
plaint which I believe to be well founded, is, that the
United States agents neglect and refuse to employ as
laborers those persons connected with the Indians by
blood, as stipulated in the Treaty. Nearly all the manual
labor performed upon the Reservations requires but 1:
skill, and could be as well done by the mixed bloods as by
the white men employed for that purpose, and
paid from the funds of these Indians.

This refusal of employment tends to discourage
people and deprive them of the only source of earning
livelihood within their reach, as well as to tax them
with an unnecessary expense; leaving them in their id!
ness to acquire habits of vice and intemperance, and
become an element of discord and reproach.

It is also charged directly, and I believe it susceptible
of proof, that several of the buildings upon the White
Earth Reservation, built partly with the labor of nuxed-
bloods, and partly with public funds, for the use and
occupancy of the raixed-bloods who mainly built them,
were, by a late agent, now holding a high position un
der the government, charged to the persons who buili
them and pay demanded therefor by the agent ; that
bein" without money with which to satisfy the demand,
these" mixed-bloods, upon the urgent request of the
agent, delivered to him in payment of their houses, i
Lake 'Half-Breed scrip, issued to them under the Treaty
of April 12th, 1864. The Indians further complain that
goods and provisions which, by the Treaties, belonged
to them, have been made subjects of traffic by some of
the agents, and they required to pay exorbitant prices
for what was their own without price, thus not only rob
bing them, but making them pay for the theft.

It has been the practice during the last year for the
local agents, under instructions from the present Commis
sioner of Indian Affairs, to withhold a portion of the money
due the Indians as a part of their annuities under their
Treaties, and expend the amount so withheld for such pur-

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 15

poses as the agent in charge may deem to the interest of
the Indians, and this, too, without consulting or advising
with them.

The Indians complain that by the conditions of the
Treaties they are entitled to a specific sum in money,
and that the agent has no right, without their consent, to
appropaiate or dispose of this money otherwise than in the
manner required by the Treaty ; and tha/, the investment
of this money by the agent is an unauthorized assumption,
and to their prejudice; that they should be allowed to at
least direct how their money should be expended, and be
permitted to share the profits of the investment, if deprived
of the use of the principal.

In the matter of the so called "Pine Contracts" I have
made diligent inquiry, and have personally conversed with
the head chiefs representing the Indians interested, con
cerning the matter; and without exception they assert they
were never consulted in regard to the contracts; that they
never consented thereto, and never directly or indirectly
authorized any person or persons to represent them in any
way or manner ; and they all protest if such contracts
exist, they are no party to them, but that it is an attempt
to further rob them of what they deem to be their own
property.

I need not state that the Indians are jealous of what
they conceive to be their rights ; that within this State there
is little left them of available value except the pine forests
growing upon their reservations ; that they have been led
to believe that this could not be taken from them without
their consent ; that they believe they have a right to be
heard in the matter, and that to take possession. of their
forests without their consent, they consider a violation of
the obligations of tljye Government on the one part, and a
demonstration of their belief that the Government no
fonger seeks or desires to protect them in the possession of
that which has, by solemn Treaty, been set apart for their
use and benefit.

The amount of pine timber included in the so-called

16 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

Wilder contract, as estimated by persons who have ex
amined it, and are competent to judge, exceeds 1,000,000,00
feet It is located upon the Leech Lake Reservation, upon
waters tributary to the Mississippi River, and comprises
the largest body of pine timber within the State..

No transaction in a long series of years has elicited so
much feeling, and engendered so much ill will toward the
Government as the pine contracts, (and it is well known
to you that on several occasions violent and serious
culty in consequence thereof has only been averted by t
prudent interposition of persons disconnected with
Government, for whose counsel the Indians had more
an ordinary respect), and at the present time this matt
forms a leading topic in all their counsels, and is prolific
of earnest discussion and angry feeling. Whatever the
legal rights of the Indians may be in the premises, they
feel that a great wrong has been done them, which the
Government tacitly approves and refuses to redress.

Could a satisfactory explanation of this matters be made
to these Indians, one of the greatest causes of present com
plaint would be removed; for they look upon this as a
wholesale swindle, compared with which other official
elections are mere peccadillos.

You will see from what I have stated that the Indians
disclaim all knowledge of the contracts, until after they
were alleged to have been consumated ; and I believe such
to be the fact ; and what I have stated of the « Wilder Con
tracts " of Leech Lake, so far as the views of the Indian
are affected, is true of the contracts for the pine upon the
Red Lake ReBervation; though a less number of Indians
claim to be interested in the latter than in the former, am
less general excitement results in consequence
while the dissatisfaction is equally gre*t and the opposi
equally determined.

In my judgment this feeling of injury should be appeal
ed by candid and full explanation to the Indians of the
entire transaction, and such amend8 be made as equity and
fair dealing demand; believing, as I do that such a course

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 17

Would tend to quell the turbulent spirit now so dominant,
and greatly pacify the irritation resulting from this real
or imagined wrong, and peaceably avert impending trou
ble.

If this is not done, and no violence is committed in con
sequence, it will be rather through a fear of the greater
evils in the power of the government to inflict upon them,
than because they do not deem the provocation sufficient.

FOUKTH.

"Your own views, derived from your inquiries, as to the
legislation necessary to aid and encourage them in adopt
ing the habits and industries of civilization, with a view to
their remaining inhabitants and ultimately becoming citi
zens of this State."

"In general you will enquire and report on all topics fair-
ly within the scope of the annexed resolution."

The moral and material welfare of these Indians is, and
so long as they occupy so large a tract of territory will
continue to be, of grave moment to the State, aside from
all philanthropic considerations ; for 12,000 indigent peo
ple in the midst of any community is a serious incum-
brance, and few questions of more importance can be sug
gested, than that of how to devise means and measures for
the amelioration of their condition, so that their presence
among us will be productive of general good instead of a
source of increasing evil.

If the Indians are to remain within the State, most cer
tainly their future welfare is largely identified with the
citizen, and whatever tends to promote antagonisms and
cause ill-will between the races, is prejudicial alike to
both ; so that it would seem that any measures tending to
facilitate the civilization of the Indian on the one part, and
3-

18 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

to enlist a kindly interest in his well-being upon the other,
should receive the approbation of all good citizens.

It cannot be denied that the present policy pursued by
the general government toward these Indians, effectually
teaches them dependence rather than self-reliance, and
impresses them with the idea that they are regarded as
unworthy of the confidence of their white neighbors, and
incapable of forming or exercising an opinion concerning
their own aifairs ; while it has been practically demonstra
ted that, under the the patronage and with the aid of
counsel adapted to their condition, these same Indians are
capable of acquiring habits of industry and a knowledge
of and ability to discharge the duties of citizens.

This may be seen to-day upon the White Earth Reser
vation, among those Indians who have been permitted to
act, to a great degree, under the guidance of Bishop Whip-
pie ; and I can conceive no reason why, what has been
productive of so much good in the case of these few,
should not be equally effective with all.

Subject any class to arbitrary measures, imposed by
strangers ; exclude them from all voice in the administra
tion of their own affairs ; assume that they are rogues and
vagabonds, and treat them as such ; deprive them of all
opportunity of self-culture or independent action, and sub
ject them to the varying whims of some political partisan
or conceited bigot, whose only zeal is to promote that of
his patron or increase the perquisites of his office, and re
fuse them all means of legal redress, and the effect will be
found well illustrated in the present condition of the great
majority of the annuity Indians in this State.

What legislation will remedy existing evils, and tend to
aid and encourage these Indians in adopting the habits and
and industries of civilization, is, to a great extent, a mat
ter of speculation, and concerning which those who have
made it a subject of special study, seriously differ.

Viewed with such light as I have, I am of opinion that
existing laws administered as they now are, are wholly in
adequate to effect these desirable ends ; that as a rule the

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OP MINNESOTA. 19

representatives of the government manifest no interest in
these objects, and do nothing toward their accomplish
ment

If it is practicable to place these Indians under the con
trol of the authorities of the State, and bring them into
more intimate relations with the law making power, ex
tending by legislative enactments the protection of the law,
and establishing police regulations adapted to their wants
and condition, so as to afford them the assurance that they
are alike protected by and amenable to the law, I believe
it would be conducive of much good ; in that it would
make them the subjects of legislative care in common with
other denizens of the State ; would allow the local govern
ment to determine the policy to be pursued toward those
within its territorial limits, and place in the power of those
immediately interested, to provide by suitable legislation
such measures as. the necessities of the case might demand,
as well as to give the execution of such measures to those
who were locally identified with the general welfare.

These Indians, as they are now situated, are fully con
scious of their isolated condition, and realize that they are
ostracized and regarded as having no legal rights or poli
tical status whatever, and feel little incentive toward im
provement while they are held in social and political bon
dage ; they also, and I think with some reason, consider
themselves esteemed by the Government as legitimate ob
jects of spoil; for during long years of mal-administration,
and in utter disregard of their protests and prayers, not a
single person representing the Government has been call
ed to an account, nor have they once been vouchsafed a
hearing upon the subject of their numerous grievances.
If they -were objects of the care and supervision of the
State, these things could not pass unheeded, for injustice to
the Indian would then be a violation of a home obligation,
and public sentiment would then insist upon a remedy in
its own interest.

If these Indians are to remain within the State, I am of
Opinion that the State should have control of their affairs,

20 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

not only as regards their material interests, but also their
political and social status ; and so far as I can learn the
Indians themselves desire that they should be exclusively
in charge of the local government which they inhabit.

If this should be done, it would doubtless result in some
mode of representation through which the Indians could
be heard, and lead to a better knowledge and understand
ing of their wants and the interest of the public in that re
gard.

I am of the further opinion that these Indians should be
subject to one and the same general policy of government,
and so far as practicable, should be concentrated in one
community ; that no discrimination should be made ; that
reasonable requirements should be insisted upon, and of
fenders properly punished. In my judgment the Indians
now in the Valley of the Mississippi should be removed to
the White Earth Reservation, a tract well adapted to their
use, rich in all the elements of agricultural wealth, and
sufficiently extensive to support 30,000 souls.

Under proper influences such removal could be effected
without serious opposition from the Indians.

If the course I have indicated could be adopted toward
these Indians, I am of opinion their condition would rap
idly improve in all respects, and in a short time they would
become fitted for the duties of citizens, for of their capacity
I have no doubt ; and I am equally positive that the State
cannot reasonably expect any advancement so long as the
present policy controls their management.

In general these Indians possess an inate respect for
the moral virtues, and in their own savage code are found
abundant evidences of their intuitive perceptions of right
and wrong as applied to their intercourse with each other.

In their domestic relations infidelity is rare, and no peo
ple entertain stronger affection for their offspring, or are
more firmly attached by the ties of blood than the Chip-
pewas. In their relations with each other they are gener
ous and candid, and fraudulent practices among them are
unknown. Physically they possess stalwart, hardy frames,
and are capable of great endurance.

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 21

As a people they are easily attracted by the forms and
ceremonies of Sectarian Keligion, and often times formally
accept the creed of some zealous Missionary without under
standing the obligations they so assume ; hence nominal
conversions ' to Christianity are not always attended with
those lasting results desired.

If fairly dealt with I believe there is no danger of vio
lence from these Indians toward the white settlers ; and
most of the outrages attributed to them in the last few
years, if ferrited out, will be found not to have originated
altogether with them.

They feel that they have been deeply injured and out
raged by the treatment they have received from some of
their agents, and that the government does them an injus
tice in refusing to give their complaints a hearing, but I
have been unable to discover any general disposition to
revenge their wrongs upon the settlers. Occasionally some
turbulent spirit among them threatens to take summary
vengeance, but the excitement so created is ordiriarly
quelled by prudent counsel.

For several years the Indians upon Leech Lake and
White Earth Keservations have persistently argued that a
large sum of money was unaccounted for to them, but
which was due under the Treaties, and the silence of their
Agents has confirmed them in the belief that they have
been wilfully defrauded.

This amount is asserted by them to exceed the sum of
$75,000, and if it has been- properly expended it is but a
simple matter to show the fact, and so set at rest forever
one of the most palpable causes of complaint. From such
information as I have^been able to obtain, without the aid
of official records, I conclude their claim is not wholly
unfounded.

During this year no depredations of importance have
been committed by the Chippewas, though on one or more
occasions serious trouble has seemed imminent in conse
quence of the dissatisfaction felt on account of the sale of
their pine ; and was only averted by the interposition of
citizens whose counsel was respected.

22 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

It has always been customary with these Indians to seek
game and fur-bearing animals upon territory not included
in their reservations, and until within a few years, little or
no complaint has been made of it ; but lately the settlers
manifest alarm whenever the Indian is discovered near,
and in consequence the Indians have been more strictly
confined to their reservations, so that they are now seldom
met outside of {the prescribed limits ; and whenever I have
heard of Indians upon ceded lands, I have taken oppor
tunity to prevail upon them to return home. In thjs mat
ter the United States Agents have been very watchful,
and done much in keeping those inclined to wander away,
at their respective agencies.

I have not been able to visit personally this year the
Indians of the Lake Superior Agency, and what have
said of them has been from data obtained from such
sources as were accessible, and from previous observation.
I desire here to acknowledge the uniform courtesy 1
have received at the hands of all those officially connected
with the Indians with whom I have come in contact while
prosecuting my inquiries in this matter, and to add that
the absence of all records and accounts hereinbefore re
ferred to, is not chargeable to any default of those in whose
custody they might be presumed, but is in accordance
with a recognized usage of the Indian Department.

In conclusion, permit me to say that I am fully conscious
this report is unsatisfactory in its meagre exhibits of 6
tistical matter, but the defect could not be supplied with-
out recourse to data beyond my reach; that in other
respects I have endeavored to present plain facts as I have
obtained them; that the suggestions that I have made are
derived from my observations, and much to the approval .
others more competent, perhaps, to properly advise than

myself.

I have the honor to be,

Your obedient servant,

C. A. EUFFEE.
Pec. 1, 1874,

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 23

9

EXHIBIT "A."

We saw you yesterday and you told us who you were
and what was the object of your visit. It was with pleas
ure your words were heard about our future. I thought
the day had come when a man was sent who pitied and
would listen to us. I will now review the past and tell
how the Chippewas have been treated. I will go back to
the old time. Then before the whites came we were a
happy people. Since the whites came everything has
drifted away from us, From the time we ceded the first
land we have drifted to poverty, starvation and death.
Poverty still follows us. The name of Christian is power
ful, and there is nothing our Great Father cannot do. You
represent the Great Father, and we see in you all his
strength. Compare yourself with me. You have intelli
gence and learning; what have I? Nothing except what I
learn through my ears and eyes. When our Great Father
gets us together we cede land — give all into his hands
depending on him to find us our provisions and get us our
annuities. From the ceding of lands poverty has been
chasing us and is still chasing us. I fear that when the
Great Father has taken away everything, then he will
chastise us and send us to the Bad Lands. This fear is
a stumbling block in our way and we can go no further.
When I look at the power of my Great Father and then
look at our poverty and the poverty of our children, though
the name of Christian is powerful, it seems as if the power
of Religious Association could not drive it away. Now
vou have come to see us as we are — you have found what
you wished. Many letters have been written, but it can
not be put in black and white as well as you can see with
your eyes, how our funds have been expended. You have

24 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

come just at the right time to see what must give us a
living here after farming. We wish you to have positive
proof and whatever we say we will point out the proofs.
Mr. Warren was in Washington with us when stipula
tions were made as to carrying on the reservation. We
were told there would be $6,000 a year to help such as
would work.

What you told us yesterday you had done among the
Sioux is what we wanted here but could not get, $25,000
was received for allowing Otter Tail Indians upon our reser
vation. Have tried to advise about spending it. Have never
been allowed to counsel about expenditure. Last year re
ceived $25,000 for Pembina tract. We wanted voice in
disposition of it, but were not listened to. Seeing how our
young men were going to work we tried to have a fund of
$5,000 set aside to help them or for an emergency. We
wanted it put in the hands of the Bishop, but it was not
allowed, and we have nothing now. There are many of
our young men who have not adopted the white men's
ways yet, and we wanted to advise with them, and asked
for a council house to meet in, but could not get it. We
want to' start in agriculture.

We know what it is to be our own independence. They
gave us small cattle and no plows and then told us to go
to work. Last fall there was much grain sold. Our cattle
were too small ; the horses were disposed of, and when we
wanted plowing done this spring, we got the same answer.
I must have misunderstood in Washington because we
cannot get the $6,000 set aside. If they would listen to
us it would be better ; but they never take our advice but
go ahead as they think proper. When we saw we had no
resources we asked help from our annuity. We are not at
a loss to work. We know how to plow, and to drive and
hoe. If more confidence was placed in us we could live
better. No wonder I cannot turn my face to our friends
because our progress is so slow. We have not the things
to do with. I have told you why our progress is so slow,
and now another thing I want to mention. We wish to

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 25

ask if any wheat raised here from agricultural fund does
not belong to us ? If so why should we take it to our credit ?
Our father went to buy flour — here is a sample of flour.
Our Father bought it below cost — nine dollars — some say
not nine dollar flour. Have to pay $30 per barrel for
pork. When we take from traders they sell cheaper. Per
haps Great Father wants to get rich sooner than trader.

We lay no blame, only state what is transpiring. We
wish you to know exactly how we are. Generally our
Great Father sends big men. They come up— find condi
tion of Indians. Make many papers for benefit of Indians.
Then see agent, and he puts pieces of green paper in
their eyes, and when they go back papers never come up.
The flour raised here was issued to us ; our agent got flour to
replace it. Whom does it belong to ? Little while after
we heard that the timber was sold we were keeping for
our children. I alluded to our Great Father stripping us.
When we heard our Great Father was taking the timber
without asking us it frightened us ; we are frightened yet.
We fear he wishes us to be unruly so as to send us off. It
is worth asking for if it is worth buying. It is right to
ask us before selling anything that belongs to us. I never
ceded land and tried to take it back. The Great Father
always has asked and should have done it this time. We
have had talks with Pillagers to see if they have had talks
about selling pine. None of them have *ver sold the pine.
That is what we feared. We are not pleased to have it
sold without permission. We want to keep it as a fund
for our young men. Now we wish you could see the Pil
lagers and hear them say just what we say here to-day.

Should you ever hear that the pine was sold with the
consent of the Indians it was done in a corner, and not in
open council. Think it was wrong for agent to have dis
posed of our horses. Have been trying to have done for
us as you did for Sioux. If any encouragement was given
to those who work all would work.

We know your time is precious, that you are in a hurry
on account of your dinner ; we are not anxious having no
4

26 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

dinner. You know we have not the knowledge to read
and write as white men. Be always lenient with us, be
cause on account of our ignorance we can make no memor
andums and are, therefore, liable to mistakes. I have ask-
ed about the $25,000 from Pembina, and the $25,000 from
Otter Tail, $50,000 in all. The reason I ask about that
money is that when inquiries are made by my people I can
not explain to them. When I have asked about that fund
I did so because I wanted to help the Indians who have
never known how much was left of it, or anything about
it. What troubles us, we do not know how our affairs are
managed, and cannot make amount of work done and mon
ey meet. We always feel thankful when our Great Father
extends a helping hand to us, but we want to know how it
is expended. We know our wants better than strangers.

If all the work has been done with the $6,000, then the
$25,000 is yet unexpended. Perhaps it has gone back to
the big box of the Great Father. We have signed many
vouchers and will sign no more until we know about the
$25,000. You have taught us to come to business, and
business is business ; when we touch the pen we must know
what it is for. You see how blind we are. We thought
the teams were to be fed from the harvest. Where did the
oats go to ? About the $6,000, we know that it is a small
matter. We wish to say to you that we were glad to hear
that the beloved Bishop was to take charge of as. We
will work hard and strive hard not to disappoint him in
any way. You can see at yonder church what he has
done for our spiritual welfare, and what progress we have
made. Not satisfied with that he is now striving for our
temporal welfare. Who can return what has been done for
us by our beloved Bishop? He has brought us from dark
ness to light. Our faults have never discouraged him.
When hungry he has fed us, and when in trouble advised
us, and no tongue can express what we feel for him. That
in his being put over us, there has been some dispensation
of Providence, none can question. His hand has always
been stretched out for us. May the Great Spirit long

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 27

spare him to us. You can see how he has helped us.
Though we were trying to help ourselves he was not satis
fied, but sent us plows, oxens, cows, hoes, seeds and many
necessary things. Who but a father would have done all
this? He built us a church and then a hospital. No one
knows or can see the end, for his hand still keeps pushing
us on. We are not blind to what is done for us. You will
visit many places in your travels. Notice Leech Lake
where the kindness of the Bishop has not reached. They
have had many missionaries and much money, but nothing
is done where he is not. They all say that when the Bish
op's influence comes among them they will be as we are.
The power of that saving influence has not reached many
of them. Let the government be lenient until the same
influence that has been with us has been with all. Pity
our needs. Pity our kindred. To find fault with us will
always be in place here, for we have been tried and have
been given opportunities. Those that have not been
tried do not judge too harshly. Pity them if they leave
their reservation and get into trouble. They cannot sub
sist without game, and there is no game on their reser
vation; always bear in mind that they have had no such
start as we. We are all sinking and dwindling away.
From the time of first cession dates the loss of our chieftian-
ship. Then wasted from our hands all power. We ask
now for pity, and aid to help the good desired. Can you ques
tion the respect we have for the Great Father and the whites?
Do you know my idea and the ideas of those about me ?
It is that the Great Father cannot be ignorant of these
things, and we expect that he will help us to support our
children. When cessions were made we used to have a
consideration given us. We did not know the Master of
Life, nor the many customs that we now do, but money
was kept in trust for our benefit. In putting this money
that was held in trust, in the hands of persons or agents
to care for us, there have been many made rich by collu
sion and measures of dishonesty. From many getting rich
on the mere pittance of $1,500 a year, we have been led to

28 REPORT OF THE CONDITION

believe that we have been tampered with, and that un
mercifully. When our Great Father found he could not
obtain proper men for our agents, he made up his mind to
try religious societies. You cannot imagine what feelings
of surprise it caused us that after a clergyman was ap
pointed our agent, we found our property being taken
away without even our consent being asked. When the
first agent of a religious society was sent to us we had an
idea that something was wrong. The next was a minister.
He found a great deal of help to begin with. $20,000,
from Government. Same time he found $ 57,000 removal
money. After the last amount named they found a band
of Indians at Otter Tail Lake not included in Treaty who
had no reservation, and no means of living except by fish
ing. To make a home for them on this reservation $25,000
was given us. We were then advancing a little toward
our present life, and we thought by taking some of our
lands for the Otter Tails and receiving a fund it would be
for the greater benefit of all. But we wanted a voice in
the expending of that money. Some time after we were
asked to allow the Fembina Indians a home on this reser
vation, and another sum of $25,000 was given. The first
money received for the home of the Otter Tails had
taught us a lesson. No voice had been allowed us
in the expenditure of it, and we thought should
ever a similar case come around we would remem
ber it. That same $50,000 of money has gone, and we
cannot tell where it has gone to. That is exactly what we
want to know, and we want to see all the papers in regard
to it. You remember the last agent said he had expended
but the $6,000 ; I am without prejudice, but make this de
mand to know how the money has been expended. I
should be very much surprised to hear that this money
had gone back into the Treasury. Then again this matter
of the pine sale. When we heard our pine had been sold
without consulting us, I cried and prayed it might not be
wrested from us without our consent. It is a great point
with us. Let it go and what have we left us Chippewa

OF THE CHIPPEWAS OF MINNESOTA. 29

Indians ? Nothing. The pine sold is as much ours as this
reservation ; that is why we should have been consulted.
When we came on this reservation we were told by the
Great Father that when land belonged to us it could not
be taken from us unless we were willing to part with it.
We consider no bargain valid unless we have had a voice
in the matter ; not good unless we have consented.
We ask you to see that this matter is redressed for us.
Will you blame me if I had the thought that a minister
should be above fraud. Here stands the minister of God,
says he comes here to take care of the Indians. Who is
his God ? Is he a greenback ? That is what I am led to
believe in my ignorance. Instead of worshiping God ;
worshiping a greenback. I know the man who has led us
to life. When I look right I can see before me always the
man who leads, and that man is the Bishop. He leads us
to life. He has done all we think.

As for myself, as I look through that* window, I see those
white clouds ; I am named White Cloud, and I pray God to
keep my heart as white as those clouds to help those
under me.

I pray that never may any temptation take me from the
duty I owe my tribe and all men.

M

Vt*

FOURTEEN DAY USE

RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED

LOAN DEPT.

This book is due on the last date stamped below, or

on the date to which renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.

LIBRARY USE
1111 I 1 IQ^R

JUL -L -i 1300

jyj

*

FEB

23198769

*T'

F£824

LOAN

JJ rtfll

,

-12PM

LD 21-100m-2,'55
(B139s22)476

General Library

University of California

Berkeley

•>