The Nez Perce Treaty Funds Scandal

Col. Rector, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon, remained at the Agency one week, waiting for Mr. Hale, of Washington Territory, to make his appearance. He has failed to show himself, thus far, and Mr. Rector has returned to his duties in Salem. We copy the above paragraph from the Lewiston Age. The manifest design of the editor is to create the impression that the failure to negotiate a treaty with the Nez Perce Indians is attributable to the neglect of Mr. Hale. We understand that no day had been designated because not a dollar of the thirty thousand appropriated by Congress had been placed at his disposal. It is well understood that neither supplies, money, or transportation can now be had, because Mr. Hale's predecessor, Superintendent Kendall, refused to pay vouchers until they found their way into the hands of bankers at thirty to fifty per cent discount, and refused to turn over $35,000 in gold to his successor. It is a clear case of embezzlement; we think the facts justify the District Attorney in ordering his arrest without further delay.