The Indian Dispossessed
too close scrutiny of the projects to which he gives his approval brings to the congressman a greater measure of support; in turn, if his supporters are equally accommodating, his own demands for governmental favors may safely assume questionable proportions. Every tendency within the system is reactively downward; constituencies, knowing little of methods, are quick to recognize success; and it is the natural tendency that only "successful" men are returned to Congress. With the strengthening of this class comes increased opportunity under the peculiar methods of the trading system.
Now, among these numerous favors at the disposal of Congress place the American Indian.
"But," you say, "harbors, and dry docks, and federal patronage are material things, reasonably to be trafficked in; with the Indian and his affairs you introduce the human element,—you place the welfare of human beings on a level with mere chattels in the political market."
That is just where the Indian has been for one hundred and twenty-five years,—a valuable asset in the general stock, to be manipulated and exchanged with as little regard for the human interests involved as though his lands and all things material to his welfare were no more than harbors and dry docks. A western district covets the best portion of an Indian reserve; the way to the Indian land lies through Congress, and the business is placed with the dis-
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