The Prohibition of Alcohol Trade with Tribal Nations

Information has been received at this office of the frequent and growing violation of the various provisions of the Act of Congress regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes. The undersigned is unwilling to believe that such violations arise from wilfulness on the part of the numerous traders now operating in sections of the Territory hitherto and yet occupied by Indians, and in some instances upon the very land reserved to the Indians by Treaty stipulation. Notice is therefore hereby given that selling, disposing of, bartering or giving liquor to Indians in this Territory, or introducing or attempting to introduce the same into the Indian country, is a grave offence, punishable by fine and imprisonment. Agents have been instructed to exercise renewed vigilance in securing the faithful and vigorous execution of the laws, and in the event of their inability to stay the sale, manufacture, or introduction of ardent spirits, malt or intoxicating liquors, they are enjoined speedily to call upon the U. S. Troops within their reach to assist them.