The necessity for means of communication between the Pacific and the Mississippi, across the continent, is becoming more apparent and pressing every year. The only mode by which this can be accomplished is a grant of the character above alluded to. No State can do it; it has not the power to go beyond its own limits. The work is too vast for private enterprize, and too important for further delay. Should the land system be crippled, this work, and all others of like character, will be rendered impracticable. If the object sought in the passage of the graduation act was to get rid of the lands as soon as practicable, there is but little doubt that object will be attained by it. If, on the contrary, the supposition was that the lands would not sell for more, the foregoing, I think, will satisfactorily show that supposition to be erroneous. The sales have always been equal to the demand; the supply far, very far, beyond it. The demand at the reduced prices will be increased, but chiefly for purposes of speculation; and the hardy and enterprizing settler, instead of dealing with a kind paternal government in the purchase of his land, and securing a perfect title, will have to look to the wealthy monopolist and trust to his tender mercies, with the risk that his title is encumbered by prior liens or mortgages.

With these views, the natural suggestion is, that the graduation law be radically amended, if it be the pleasure of Congress to ingraft it permanently on the land system; and in that event it is further suggested that the twelve-and-a-halfcent class be abolished, or rather donated to the States respectively in which they lie, as the profit will scarcely defray the expenses of disposing of them.

The materials to answer the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 4th of August last cannot be prepared in time to be laid before that body at the commencement of the next session. That resolution requires "that the Secretary of the Interior cause to be prepared for the use of the House of Representatives, during the recess of Congress, a statement of the time the public lands may have been in market, as well as the quantity, classified according to the act graduating and reducing the price of the public lands, passed 4th August, 1854." The statistics now on hand cannot aid in preparing an answer to this resolution, even if they could be relied on.

The classification of the lands is progressing as rapidly as possible; and when completed, it will be necessary to ascertain the amount in each township that remains vacant, as well as the time of offering, that the classifications required

by the act may from time to time be made. This work is tedious and slow, and requires the services of those who are familiar with the land system. To obtain a starting-point, it was necessary to post all sales, locations, and selections up to 1st July last. This is mostly done, and every effort consistent with a due regard to correctness will be made to prepare the answer to the resolution at the earliest day practicable.

All of which, with the accompanying documents, is most respectfully submitted.

Your most obedient servant,

JOHN WILSON,

Commissioner.

VIII. INDIAN AFFAIRS.

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN

AFFAIRS.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Office Indian Affairs, Nov. 25, 1854.

SIR: I submit for your consideration, the usual annual report from this branch of the public service, referring to the accompanying reports of the different superintendents, agents, sub-agents, and other communications, for detailed information respecting the operations of the department and the condition of the various Indian tribes.

The remnants of the "Six Nations," remaining in the State of New York, present the interesting spectacle of one of the most renowned portions of the aboriginal race of this continent, still adhering, with traditional tenacity and veneration, to the homes of their forefathers. Subjected to many trying and adverse vicissitudes, by which their numbers and territorial possessions have been greatly diminished, this once barbarous and heathen people, devoted only to war and the chase, have undergone one gratifying change, and now generally acknowledge, and partially practise, the more ennobling and beneficial principles and pursuits of Christianity and civilization. Înternal dissensions, alluded to in former reports, have materially interfered with their advancement and welfare; but these it is hoped will all soon cease, and never hereafter be renewed.

The peculiar and unfortunate situation of the Indians in the State of Michigan, consisting, mainly, of the confederated bands of Ottowas and Chippewas, was fully stated last year, and the measure deemed best for their preservation and welfare suggested. It is requisite that there be new conventional arrangements with them, providing for material changes in their affairs, and in their relations with the United States and the State of Michigan. Such arrangements could not be effected without more or less expense; and, on the application of the department, the sum of ten thousand dollars was appropriated therefor by Congress. But, in consequence of the late period at which the

appropriation was made, and other circumstances, it has been deemed advisable to postpone further proceedings until the next year.

By the convention with the Menomonees of the 12th of May last, they relinquish their right to a large tract of country in Minnesota, west of the Mississippi river, set apart for their permanent home by the treaty of 1848, but which, proving to be unsuitable for that purpose, was therefore unacceptable to them. In exchange therefor they were confirmed in the possession of a portion of the tract on the Wolf and Oconto rivers, in Wisconsin, which, with the assent of the authorities of that State, had been assigned for their use, and to which they had removed. The tract granted them by the treaty of 1848 was guarantied to contain not less than six hundred thousand acres; that secured to them by the convention of May last, embraces only two hundred and seventy-six thousand four hundred and eighty acres, and is deemed to be more than ample for their comfortable accommodation. The lands retroceded by them, though not suitable for their purposes will be equally valuable to the government, if not more so than those granted in exchange.

In consideration of the great difference in the quantities of the lands thus exchanged, and because it was believed that the consideration stipulated for the lands they had been induced to cede by the treaty of 1848 was inadequate, in addition to the pecuniary and other beneficial provisions of that treaty, which were continued to them, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars was stipulated to be paid in fifteen annual instalments, commencing with the year 1867, when the payments in fulfilment of the treaty of 1848 will expire. This consideration was increased by the Senate, in the additional sum of ninety-two thousand six hundred and eighty-six dollars; making the aggregate amount of two hundred and forty-two thousand six hundred and eighty-six dollars. Having thus been permanently and most liberally provided for, and all causes of discontent removed, it is hoped and believed that in a few years the Menomonees will exhibit some evidence of moral and social advancement.

The department has been perplexed and embarrassed by the refusal of that portion of the Stockbridge Indians of Wisconsin, parties to the treaty of 1848, to accept the tract of land selected for them in accordance with that treaty, and to which selection they at one time gave their assent. They are, or pretend to be, anxious to remain where they now

are, at Lake Winnebago; and individual members of the band have repeatedly visited this city to urge an arrangement to that effect. For reasons stated in my special report to you of the 25th ultimo, their application could not be granted. The only alternative seems to be to find them a suitable home within the limits of Wisconsin; and as they require but a very small tract, this can be accomplished without prejudice to the interests of the white population of the State. It should not be done, however, without making provision for all belonging to the band-those parties to the treaty of 1848, and those who were not; including also their brethren the Munsees, whose rights and interests were entirely disregarded in that treaty. It is much to be regretted that such an arrangement has not heretofore been effected; as the distracted condition of these Indians, and the uncertainty as to their future destination, have been of serious injury to them. A recent personal visit disclosed manifest evidences of a former state of advancement and prosperity far beyond what they now enjoy.

The only other Indians having territorial rights in Wisconsin are the band of Oneidas, who occupy a small reservation near Green Bay, and are so far advanced in civilization as to justify the presumption that, like the Brothertons, they will at no distant day, dissolve their tribal organization and become citizens.

There are, however, within the limits of Wisconsin, and also within the northern peninsula of Michigan, a few small bands of the Chippewas of Lake Superior, who still occupy their former locations on lands ceded by the treaties of 1837 and 1842. It has not, thus far, been found necessary or practicable to remove them. They are very unwilling to relinquish their present residences, as are all the other bands of the same Indians; and it may be necessary to permit them all to remain, in order to acquire a cession of the large tract of country they still own east of the Mississippi, which, on account of its great mineral resources, it is an object of material importance to obtain. They would require but small reservations; and thus permanently settled, the efforts made for their improvement will be rendered more effectual.

The Chippewas who reside in Minnesota, west of the Mississippi, are not, it is understood, desirous of ceding any portion of their country west of that river; nor is such a cession at this time deemed absolutely necessary, so far as the wants of our citizens are immediately concerned; yet, in view of the rapid spread of population in that direction, and of the