Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-08-22

Very respectfully,
A. II. ELDER.
We have long been satisfied that great i'm
provements were being effected in the condi-
ton of the Indians of this Territory, but we
had formed no adequate idea Of the amount Of
produce being raised by them until we re-
ceived the above statement from Mr.. Elder,
and much information derived from those con.
nected with other agencies. Large sums Of
money have been expended, many years past,
upon the various Indian reservations, with but
little benefit to the Indians, almost nothing
having been raised for their subsistence until
the present year.
1t will be remembered that our present eff
Client and judicious Superintendent, Mr.. Hale
did not take charge until late in the season,
Of last year, and then under very embarrass-
ing circumstances and consequently very lit
tie was done in the way of farming for the
year 1862 on any of the reservations, except
the one at Simcoe, east of the mountains, and
but little there compared with what is now
being done. We learn from various sources
that the Agencies under the control Of Messrs.
Howe and Webster are in most prosperous
condition, and that an abundance will be
raised for the comfortable subsistence of the
indians during the year, and leave surplus to
be exchanged for clothing and other necessa-
pies. Enough has been accomplished within
the past year to demonstrate the practicability
sfraising this degraded and hitherto neglected
race to high degree Of civilization, if the
right instrumentalities are used. 1t is be-
isved the system which has been adopted by
the present head Of the Indian Department at
Washington, aud which is now being so sue
ssssfully carried into practical operation by
eur Superintendent through the able and zeal
GUS cooperation of the Agents in charge of
the different reservations, will soon realize the
hopes and expectations Of American philan.
'thropista,, who have for so many years been
doomed to disappointment.
We attribute much Of the benefit now being
occurred to the Indians Of our Territory to the
important fact that the employees generally
shave mind to tho work." 1t is. likewise,
MISTER Of graduation with the friends of the
Administration. that the utmost harmony and
good will nowexists among the officers in the
Indian service. from the Commissioner at
Washington to the loves. subordinate upon
the reservations. Mr.. Dole has exhibited
great energy and. ability in the management
Of the Indian Department. reaecting much
credit upon the Administration Of President
Lincoln.
The financial department Of the service.
heretofore so much dennged and below par,
is working very satisfactorily. Indian vouch-
ers are now worth their face valuation in treas.
ury drafts ON our streets and throughout the
Territory. Mr.. Hale is now in San Francis.
so.purchssing goods for distribution among
the Indians this Fall. in accordance with
treaty stipulations. Under former Admins
trations, these good shave been bought in the
Eastern'cities. at very extravagant prices con-
sidering the kind and quality Of the goods,
moro for the benefit of Democratic merchants
than the Indians, as waa VIGOROUSLY the case
under Ruchanans Administration. Indeed it
is matter of official record that preceding the
Presidential canvass Of 1860, the annuity
fund that had been placed at the disposal Of
Superintendent Geary for the purchase Of
goods for the Indians Of Oregon and Wash
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