The following paragraph from the _Independent_ so fully expresses our view of the matter of the Ponca Indians, that we both copy and endorse it: The story which Secretary Schurz tells about the Ponca Indians, while it corrects some misapprehensions in regard to the case, nevertheless confesses that the Government has treated the Indians very unjustly. This the Secretary said in his first annual report. After securing to the Poncas 96,000 acres of land in South-eastern Dakota by the treaties of 1817, 1826 and 1858, the Government in 1868 granted this very land to the Sioux Indians, without any reference to the rights held therein by the Poncas, both by treaty and occupancy. The Sioux Indians were unfriendly to the Poncas, and the collision between these tribes made it necessary for the Government to seek the removal of the Poncas to the Indian Territory. All this was done before the present Administration came into power, and hence it has no responsibility for the wrong done. Secretary Schurz says that “no effort has been spared by the Executive branch of the Government to rectify all the wrongs that the Poncas have suffered, so far as these wrongs can be rectified.” He also says that “a bill for their relief, providing for payment for their lands in Dakota, and also providing for the payment for their new reservation, with an appropriation of $58,000 to reimburse them for their losses, has been sent to Congress by the Interior Department.” We are glad to learn from so good an authority that the Executive Department of the Government recognizes the wrong which has been done to these Indians, and shows a disposition to make an honorable _amende_ therefor. It is to be hoped that Congress will sustain and concur with its efforts. * * * * * THE FREEDMEN. REV. JOS. E. ROY, D.D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA. * * * * * NORTH AND SOUTH. Some Things in Common. In efforts to promote the spirit of Christian union, it is always advised that we look for the things that we hold in common—the things that make us Christians, rather than those which make us of this or that church party. In seeking to advance national good feeling, may we not wisely pursue something of the same course? If any persons can take up this line of talk without being accused of having been bulldozed by Southern blandishment, it may be those who were the early abolitionists, and especially those who endeavor to prove their faith by their works in going down among the lowly and despised ex-slaves to try to raise them up by the appliances of education and of the Gospel.