If this should be the case, the fault clearly would not be with the policy of the administration, but with
its enemies, who by their mischievous interference have induced the Indians to leave.
I think the facts will bear me out in the statement that if the only contact of the Indians with the whites had been with true Christian men, there never would have been any, or, at least, very little trouble with them.
The cases are not wanting where men of high moral and Christian character have succeeded admirably in controlling Indians, by showing decision and firmness where it was needed, leniency and favor where it was appreciated, and dealing honestly and honorably in all things.
The results shown, where the contact was between them and such men, even though it did not continue for any great length of time, indicate clearly enough what might have been the present condition of these “wards of the nation” if none but good influences had been brought to bear upon them. We should have heard fewer details of revolting massacres, there would have been fewer costly wars and campaigns, that now go to fill up the pages of U. S. history; and it is no idle fancy, but a logical deduction, to presume that they might at present be self-supporting, instead of at the expense they now are, and must be for some time to come; if indeed they were not able to contribute something to the support of the Government. Very much might be said on this subject, but as you probably prefer facts to theories, incidents to deductions, I will not intrude mine upon you.
Hoping that your work may be successful in assisting to lead people to form just and correct conclusions
and ideas in regard to the Indian question,
I remain,
Yours respectfully,
JOHN SMITH,
U. S. Indian Agent at Warm Springs, Oregon.
Here is a man talking of a subject who knows whereof he writes; so far at least as relates to his own experience and observation.