The social and political
relations that have existed and still
continue between the Government of the
United States and the several Indian tribes
occupying territory within its geographical
limits are, in many respects, peculiar.
The unprecedentedly rapid increase and
expansion of the white population of the
country, bringing into action corresponding
necessities for the acquisition and
subjection of additional territory, have
maintained a constant straggle between
civilization and barbarism. Involved as a
factor in this social conflict, was the
legal title to the land occupied by Indians.
The questions raised were whether in law or
equity the Indians were vested with any
stronger title than that of mere tenants at
will, subject to be dispossessed at the
pleasure or convenience of their more
civilized white neighbors, and, if so, what
was the nature and extent of such stronger
title?
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