432 INDIANS. 



table) Christianity alone will save no one. The man who 

 would steal as a layman, will steal as a Christian. 

 Human nature is very weak in its pocket ; and honest, 

 perfect administration is hardly to be expected of men 

 who risk their lives on low salaries and uncertain tenure 

 of office. 



The Government makes three vital mistakes in 

 dealing with Indians 



1. In not enforcing its treaty obligations. 



2. In dealing with Indians through two different 



Departments. 



3. In yielding too much to the sentimental humani- 



tarian element of the country. 



1. Not enforcing its treaty obligations. 



The treaty system is, in my opinion, entirely a wrong 

 one. The Indians should be treated as wards of the 

 Government, and as such protected, defended, held 

 accountable for misdemeanours, and made to behave 

 themselves. The admirable result of such a system is 

 seen in Canada. The very Indians who raid, and steal, 

 and murder on our northern frontier are well behaved 

 and innoxious just over the line. 



The habit of regarding and treating the tribes of 

 nomads who roam about our wide west as independent 

 nations with whom our intercourse must be regulated by 

 treaties, while exceedingly absurd, is now so engrafted 

 upon us that a change is most difficult and can only be 

 made gradually. Let us note what that system is, point 

 out its defects, and try to suggest remedies. 



The Government, by Commissioners duly appointed 

 and accredited, make a treaty with an Indian tribe. The 

 Government agrees to pay certain fixed annuities in pro- 

 visions and goods ; to preserve to the Indians the lands 

 inside the limits agreed upon, and to prevent impositions 

 upon them. The Indians agree to give up certain por- 



