46 The Book of Woodcraft 



treaty apparently, as soon as some material benefit seemed 

 likely to accrue. 



Col. R. I. Dodge says: 



"The three principal causes of wars with the Indians are: 



"First, Non-fulfilment of treaties by the United States 

 Government. 



"Second, Frauds by the Indian agents. 



" Third, Encroachments by the whites. " (" Hunting-grounds 

 of the Great West," 1878, pp. XLIII-XLIV.) 



Captain John G. Bourke, who served under General 

 Crook in 1872, when the Apaches were crushed by over- 

 whelming numbers and robbed of their unquestioned heri- 

 tage, says: 



"It was an outrageous proceeding, one for which I should 

 still blush, had I not long since gotten over blushing for any- 

 thing that the United States Government did in Indian mat- 

 ters." ("On the Border with Crook," p. 217.) 



"The most shameful chapter of American history is that in 

 which is recorded the account of our dealings with the Indians, 

 The story of our Government's intercourse with this race is an 

 unbroken narrative of injustice, fraud and robbery." (Grin- 

 nell's "Blackfoot Lodge Tales," 1892, p. IX.) 



In brief, during our chief dealings with the Redman, our 

 manners were represented by the border outlaws, the vilest 

 criminals the world has known, absolute fiends; and our 

 Government by educated scoundrels of shameless, heartless, 

 continual greed and treachery. 



The great exception on American soil was that of 

 William Perm. He kept his word. He treated the Indians 

 fairly; they never wronged him to the extent of a penny, or 

 harmed him or his, or caused a day's anxiety; but con- 

 tinued his loyal and trusty defenders." (See Jackson's 

 ** Century of Dishonor.") 



