Indian Territory they lost
a comparatively large number of their people by death, in
consequence of the change of climate, which is greatly to
be deplored; but their sanitary condition is now very much
improved. The death rate among them during the present year
has been very low, and the number of cases of sickness
is constantly decreasing. It is thought that they are now
sufficiently acclimated to be out of danger.

* * * * *

A committee of the Senate, after a very full investigation of the
subject, on the 31st of May, 1880, reported their conclusions to the
Senate, and both the majority and minority of the committee agreed
that "a great wrong had been done to the Ponca Indians." The majority
of the committee say:

* * * * *

Nothing can strengthen the Government in a just policy to the
Indians so much as a demonstration of its willingness to do
ample and complete justice whenever it can be shown that it
has inflicted a wrong upon a weak and trusting tribe. It is
impossible for the United States to hope for any confidence to
be reposed in them by the Indians until there shall be shown
on their part a readiness to do justice.

The minority report is equally explicit as to the duty of the
Government to repair the wrong done the Poncas. It says:

* * * * *

We should be more prompt and anxious because they are weak
and we are strong. In my judgment we should be liberal to the
verge of lavishness in the expenditure of our money to improve
their condition, so that they and all others may know that,
although, like all nations and all men, we may do wrong, we
are willing to make ample reparation.

The report of the commission appointed by me, of which General
Crook was chairman, and the testimony taken by them and their
investigations, add very little to what was already contained in the
official reports of the Secretary of the Interior and the report of
the Senate committee touching the injustice done to the Poncas by
their removal to the Indian Territory. Happily, however, the evidence
reported by the commission and their recommendations point out
conclusively the true measures of redress which the Government of the
United States ought now to adopt.

The commission in their conclusions omit to state the important facts
as to the present condition of the Poncas in the Indian T