Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/44



52 C. P. COAN

statements are consequently regarded with confidence by the Indians. The beneficial influence of this sentiment among them was manifest in the late treaty with the Rogue River Tribes ; the Chiefs the more readily acceding to terms which they regarded as having his approbation and sanction.

The practice now so general of making presents to indians has I believe rather an injurious tendency than otherwise, as it has created the impression extensively among the indians, that the Government is bound to continue the practice as long as they remain among us, and while thus supplied they are less inclined to treat for the sale of their lands and submit to removal. It also tends to foster indolent habits, as they are not inclined to industry and economy while their wants can be otherwise supplied.

Presents in some instances appear necessary and proper to conciliate the good will of the Indian, reward his good con- duct, or incline him to peace; but the practice has evidently been much abused, and is at best of little utility.

In the selection of a district of country for the colonization of the various bands and tribes of Indians who inhabit the country contiguous to the coast attention is required to their mode of subsistence. They may properly be termed fish- eaters, and to assign them a country destitute of this this to them indispensable article of food, would be disasterous to their existence as a people.

The country between the Killamook and the Umpqua has already been suggested as among the most desirable locations for the settlement of the indians of the Willamette and lower Columbia. Those of the Umpqua may also be added; but it is somewhat doubtful whether the country is sufficiently ex- tensive for the settlement of the Coast Indians inhabiting the country south of the Umpqua. The designation of an addi- tional tract may consequently be necessary for the settle- ment of the Coast Indians, and two or more tracts east of the Cascade Mountains for the tribes inhabiting the interior.

I regard it as highly important to the successful mainten- ance of friendly relations with the Indians that in addition to the Agencies of Rogue River and the Utilla there be an agency established for the tribes East of the Cascade Mountains to include the Klamaths, Diggers, or Sho sho nes, the Snakes residing in this territory, and the Bonaks residing along the Lewis fork of the Columbia and Boise river; and untill the extinction of the Indian title to the country and the removal of the Indians, it is important that in addition to the Sub Agencies of the Willamette Valley Clatsop Plains and Port Orford there