Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1876.djvu/13

Rh upon which to locate them. The early settlement of this tribe in theIndian Territory is desirable.

Legislation by Congress is recommended authorizing the allotment to the La Pointe band of Chippewa Indians of some twenty-two sections of land known as the Red Cliff reservation, in order.to carry out the terms of the treaty made with them September 30, 1854.

A large portion of the Quapaws are living with the Osages in the Indian Territory and are desirous of consolidating with them. Their lands are desirable for the Poncas, of whose removal to the Territory I have spoken, and authority is asked to negotiate the sale of this reservation to the Poncas and the settlement of all the Quapaws with the Osages.

Stringent legislation is required to prohibit the sale of liquor to Indians off of their reservations, and it is recommended that it be made a penal offense to sell liquor to an Indian any where.

I would call attention to the claim of the Sioux for $25,000, for which they accepted the pledge of the Secreta ry of the Interior at the time of their visit here in May, 1875, that should they consent to the cession of their right to hunt in Nebraska, and such rights as they possessed in Nebraska south of the divide of the Niobrara River, which by the treaty of 1868 was to remain Indian territory, he would urge that such an appropriation be made for them. This pledge was looked upon by them as equivalent to a promise of the money, and the failure last session to provide it has been a source of embarrassment to the commission now engaged in securing the moving of portions of the Sioux to the Indian Territory. It has been regarded by the Indians as a breach of faith. The Commissioner recommends the favorable consideration ofthis claim.

I can report that the lands of the Eastern Cherokees of North Carolina,lately in litigation, have been secured to them, and they are now in a condition of comparative independence. It has been attempted to erect a quasi-tribal organization there, which is not only unnecessary but mischievous, and I recommend legislation dissolving any tribal organization and providing for a division of the land.

I have also to report the successful removal to the San Carlos reserve of the Apaches from the Chiricahua reservation, and its abolishment. The close proximity of these Indians to the Mexican border gave opportunity for frequent excursions into Sonora, and was a ceaseless source of trouble. The extremely broken, mountainous character of the country rendered it impossible to follow and punish these marauding parties; and, as the Indians had not been disarmed, and could so readily elude any force sent to compel their removal, the Indian Department may be congratulated upon its successful accomplishment.

The removal of the Pawnees from Kansas to the Indian Territory has been completed, and this tribe is now upon a valuable reservation ceded by the Cherokees. Three hundred and fifty acres have been put under cultivation, 28 buildings have been erected, and two schools established.