THE GEORGE CATLIN INDIAN GALLERY. 809 



tives present. This was found impracticable, so in March, 1784, the in- 

 structions were amended and treaties authorized with separate tribes and 

 States. The treaty system thus inaugurated by commissioners on behalf 

 of the United States in 1778 with Indian tribes as separate nations con- 

 tinued until 1869, resulting in about 360 treaties and almost endless con- 

 fusion. In 1870 Congress ordered such treaties stopped. The "ward " 

 idea then took the place of the "nation." 



An ordinance for the regulation of Indian affairs was passed by Con- 

 gress in 1785. A northern and southern district was provided each with 

 a superintendent, to act in connection with the authorities of the States. 



This act was in pursuance of the " ninth of the articles of confedera- 

 tion and perpetual union." 



All of the official transactions between these Indian superintendents 

 and the Indians were to be u held, transacted, and done at the outposts 

 occupied by the troops of the United States." The clause as to connec- 

 tion with "authorities of the States" was inserted because of fear of 

 trenching on States rights. The States, by an act passed in 1787, were 

 empowered to appoint commissioners for Indians. These State commis- 

 sioners and the Federal superintendents in some cases made Indian 

 treaties. The superintendents were placed under control of and reported 

 to the War Department, and obeyed the orders of the Secretary and also 

 communicated to Congress all matters respecting the Indian Depart- 

 ment. 



The War Department thus became in charge of the Indian. Annui- 

 ties were paid the Indians by Army officers, agents of the Department ; 

 in some few cases, however, civilians were employed to do this, but 

 under direction of the War Department. Two clerks in the War De- 

 partment did the work of the Indian service. 



From 1798 to 1834, Indian superintendents, agents, and traders were 

 appointed by the President. The act of 1818, however, ordered that 

 they be confirmed by the Senate. 



UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TRADE WITH THE INDIANS. THE 



FACTOR SYSTEM. 



The plan of a United States Government trade with the Indians 

 began in 1786, under authority of Congress. It embraced the supply- 

 ing of the physical wants of the Indians, without profit. Factories or 

 trade stations were established at points on the frontier, where factors, 

 clerks, and interpreters were stationed. The factors furnished goods of 

 all kinds to the Indians and. received from them in exchange furs and 

 peltries. There was an officer in charge of all these stations called the 

 " Superintendent of Indian Trade," appointed by the President. The 

 most conspicuous of these were Gen. John Mason and Col. Thos. L. 

 McKenney. His office was at Georgetown, District of Columbia, where 

 there were warehouses for the storage of goods. 



