Olympia Official Warns Traders Violating Tribal Trade Laws
Superintendent Calvin H. Hale issues a stern warning that the illicit liquor trade on Indian reservations will be met with force and prosecution.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Office Superintendent Ind. Affairs, Olympia, W. T., June 25, 1862. 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. He rather believes that of the recent great influx of population, very many are ignorant that such laws are in force. Notice is therefore hereby given that the sale, or the attempt to sell, any spirituous or intoxicating 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, by the laws of the United States. Agents have been instructed by this office to renewed vigilance in securing the faithful and vigorous execution of the laws, and in bringing to punishment their violators. In the event of their inability to stay the sale, they are enjoined speedily to call upon the U.S. Troops within their reach to assist them in carrying out said instructions. CALVIN H. HALE, Supt. Ind. Affairs W. T.
“In the event of their inability to stay the sale... they are enjoined speedily to call upon the U.S. Troops within their reach to assist them.”
This proclamation illuminates the colonial control mechanisms of the mid-19th century, where federal agents used 'public safety' and prohibition as tools to exert authority over Indigenous lands during the rapid white settlement of Washington Territory.
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