—“It is a singular non sequitur to refer to the discovery of frauds made by the Interior Department, as proofs of its inefficiency and unsuitableness to conduct the service, when, in fact, they are proofs of exactly the opposite.”—Independent.
—The following resolutions, written by men who have worked in Oregon and Washington for thirty years, and who ought to know something about this question, were unanimously adopted by the Oregon Congregational Association:
“Resolved, That the Association affirm its faith in the redemption of the Indian from barbarism.
“Resolved, That we deplore the policy that tends to his extermination.
“Resolved, That the provisions of the Constitution, and the acts of Congress, and the pledges of treaties, furnish a strong motive for effort on the part of the friends of the Indian to secure him a homestead and citizenship as the best way to secure his rights in law, and promote his manhood and his welfare permanently, and
“Whereas, There is now a proposition in Congress to consolidate the various reservations in Oregon and Washington Territory, without regard to the previous labor and rights of the Indians, and without their consent, and
“Whereas, We believe such consolidation would be unjust to the Indians, dangerous to the surrounding settlers, and, in the end, of vast expense to the government, as well as a great hindrance to the civilization of the Indians physically, mentally and morally, therefore,
“Resolved, That before any consolidation takes place, we earnestly urge upon Congress the necessity of now, by positive act, granting to the Indians of industrious habits, on the reservations, homestead titles to their lands in severalty.
“Resolved, That the recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior, that boarding schools be established among Indians for the better training of their children, meets our convictions of what is needed.
“Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the Secretary of the Interior.”