301 - Oklahoma State University - Library

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12 Ind. C1. Corn, 301
In 1831 Lane's successor, Anton Dart, reported that the Klikitats
cLaised a "ciistrict of country" north of the Columbia; the Palus occupied
a "distric: of cozntry" north of the Nez Perces, and spoke the Walla Walla
language (Sahaptin); the Yakimas, including the bznd at Priest's rapids,
"own the tract of country" drained by the Yakima River and spoke the
Walla Walla language.
12 1852 E. A. Starling, tke Indian Agent for Pcget Sound District,
reported the Klikitats inhabited the country east of the Cascade Range
but, in the spring would go into the arsa west of the mountains to trade
and gainble with different tribes.
In 1853 3021 Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon
Territory, reported the Klikitats to be roaming through the Willamette
a3d Umpqua Valleys for a few years past. He recomended that they be
removed to tSeir proper conntry north of the Columbia. In 1854 he
described the Palus as inhabiting the country in the fork of the Snake
and Columbia Rivers.
33. By the Act of March 3, 1853, (10 Stat. 226) the President was
authorized to enter into negotiations with Indian tribes west of the
states of Missouri and Iowa to extinguish the title of such tribes to
their lands. In May, 1853, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs instructed
Isaac I. Stevens, Governor of the Washington Territory, to collect as
much information as possible with respect to the nlrmber and localities of
the Indians within the territory. Governor Stevens had also been
appointed to direct an exploration and survey of a northern route for
the proposed railroad to the Pacific. Stevens made several long trips