Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical SketchDenig, Edwin Thompson
History
Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical Sketch
Denig, Edwin Thompson
Assiniboine Indians; Indians of North America -- Missouri River Valley
We do not think that the display of military force on treaty grounds
is either necessary or politic. If to inspire a feeling of fear be the
object, it would require the presence of three or four thousand men
to effect it with the Blackfeet, and even then, there would be great
danger of collision with the troops who would endeavor to enforce
military regulations when they can not be understood and are not
required. Neither would Indians be induced to assemble when such a
body of armed men are brought without their consent, or if they did,
it would be with hostile feelings, and they could give no assistance
to the commissioners. A lesser force, or one inadequate to present the
idea of coercion, would incur their contempt, as they would necessarily
conclude that the Government had sent all the men they could raise, and
the few present would be imposed upon.
Indians do not like to be forced into measures, the utility of
which has yet to be made apparent. Besides, the spirit of treaty is
compromise, not force, as would be implied by these proceedings.
It must be a voluntary act on the part of the Indians, for and in
consideration of a certain sum, to obtain the stipulations. Again it
is entirely on the present state of the Indian and their government to
carry out this treaty we depend after the military force be withdrawn.
Their organization as pointed out in these pages shows them capable
of preserving order among themselves on these occasions, and a few
good, patient commissioners and sensible traders and interpreters
would secure what is necessary when force or appearance of it would
fail. If anything more was added it might be a few military officers
in full uniform and a good band of music. After satisfaction the
treaty would operate in detail as has been mentioned, and the next
best thing would be to take deputations of the principal men of each
nation to Washington, where they could council with their Great Father
(the President), and at this time the power and disposition of the
Government could be exhibited without giving offense, which in their
return among their people would be made public and the proper feeling
instilled. But Indians should never be treated with at the seat of
Government for many reasons.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account