The Writings of Carl Schurz/From Alonzo Bell, August 5th, 1881
FROM ALONZO BELL[1]
Washington, Aug. 5, 1881.
Personal.
I was greatly rejoiced on my return from a sea-trip to find
that the Ponca war was at last ended, that Bright Eyes had capitulated to Tibbles, and that Tibbles had surrendered to
Bright Eyes. I very much fear, however, that this last act
of the pale-face is in the line of other wrongs perpetrated upon
this most unfortunate band of Indians, and that the confiding
Indian maiden will some day feel that the fate of Big Snake
was preferable to the unhappy one which she has chosen.
Will Dawes hold the Department responsible for this? Will Governor Long add it to his long list of indictments? Let us hope that both may take a rose-colored view of the union between the dusky daughter of the forest and the gay professional philanthropist who buried all the wrongs of her race in a greater one upon herself. I fear poor Bright Eyes has made a mistake, but I am willing to forgive her if the act has effectually disposed of Tibbles. Even so great a sacrifice may be rare economy if it gives the Nation a rest from the vexatious borings of the Tibbles school of philanthropy.
I should like much to see you and talk over affairs connected with public interests. Our Indian policy is substantially yours. In fact, I see no desire anywhere to depart from the wise plans laid down by you. Mr. Kirkwood shows an earnest desire to do the best possible in all branches of the service. If his Administration is as successful as yours both the country and himself will have reason to be well satisfied. With grateful remembrance of your leadership, I remain,
As ever truly,
A. Bell.
- ↑ Assistant Secretary of the Interior under Secretaries Schurz and Kirkwood.