Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/357



THE ROGUE RIVER WARS. 339

best lands on the south side of the Yakima river. In each case there was the express provision that all the lands not included in the reservations were open to settlement from thenceforward, excepting those improved by the Indians who were to receive pay for such. Mills, schools, mechanic arts, and all the usual aids to civilization were assured. A year was allowed in which to remove to the reservation, and accustom themselves to their new conditions. In short, the treaty as a treaty was irreproachable, although those concerned in framing it had been at so much trouble to secure its acceptance.

The demeanor of the chiefs after signing was cordial, many of them expressing their thankfulness that the nego tiations had ended so happily. The goods intended for presents were distributed; agents were appointed, R. R. Thompson to the Umatilla; W. H. Tappan to the Nez Percé; and A. J. Bolan to the Yakima reservation.

On the sixteenth of June, Stevens proceeded northward to treat with the Spokanes, Coeur d Alenes, and other tribes in Washington territory, while Palmer returned to The Dalles, making treaties with the tribes between Powder river and the Cascade range, purchasing all the land in eastern Oregon north of the forty-fourth parallel, and as signing the Indians to a reservation including the Tyghe valley, and some warm springs, from which it took its name of Warm Springs reservation.

After accomplishing all this really arduous work, Palmer returned home, well pleased to have succeeded so well and entirely unaware that he, with all his party and the troops, had barely escaped massacre at the council grounds in the Walla Walla valley through the refusal of Lawyer to con sent to the treachery. Such, the Nez Percés afterwards de clared was the truth, and the demeanor of the Cayuses and Yakimas certainly sustained the charge.

It has since been alleged in palliation that the treaties were forced upon the Indians; that their objections were not regarded ; that a general council furnished the oppor-