Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1872-01-18

i've to individual effort. On each one
of large number of the allotments
few acres of ground have been broken,
in order to prepare them for cultiva-
ton next year.
These Indians have, within the last
two years, shown an increasing desire
to improve their home comforts; being |
no longer content to sleep or to sit upon
the floor, many of them have procured
Dedsteads, chairs, and tables. About |
one hundred bed-quiIts have been
made by the women; large portion of
the tribe wear citizens clothing, and
they pay increasing attention to the
clothing of their children.
There are two Mission Schools at this
Agency, one, of them supported and
conducted by the Episcopalians, and
the other by the American Board of
Missions. These schools are attended
by large proportion of the children
and youth ofboth sexes, many of whom
have learned to read and write In the
Dakota language, which is spoken by
all the Sioux. Most of the Santee
Sioux are members either of the Epis-
eopal or of the Presbyterian Church;
their worship is conducted in the
Dakota language, and several of them
oficiate as ministers. In both schools
the pupilsare taught to read in English
as well as in Dakota; but very few of
them speak or write English. concur
with the Agents in thinking that an
Industrial Boarding School would
greatly benefit the tribe, by encouraging
among them the use of the English
Language, and instructing both sexes in
the arts that minister to the subsist-
ence and comfort of. civilized commu-
mites. d
Within the last two years steam
saw-mill operated by water-power,
has been erected at this Agency.
The Winnebago Tribe of Indians, as
reported by Agent Howard White,
have, during the last year, increased in
population, indicating an improvement
lin their moral and sanitary condition.
They have been building houses on
their allotments of land; eight miles of
wire fence have been constructed,
principally around lots cultivated by
Indians, and four acres Of the prairie
lsod have been broken this year on each
lof eighty allotments, making over one
hundred Indian farms on which some
breaking has been done. A large num-
lber of pIoughs, wagons, sets or harness,
land cooking-stoyes have been pur-
chased aud distributed among the
tribe. The men are improving in hab-
its of industry, and many of them are
employed in agricultural and mechan-
icaI labor.
In the summer of 1870 we found ii
expedient to depose all the chiefs OF
this tribe, and to appoint others, who
were working men and advocates oi
civilization. The chance was sanction.
ed by i vote of the tribe, and at the
end of year popular election was
held for Chiefs, twelve in number, who
each receive a small salary. The elec
ton was conducted in an orderly man
ner, and resulted in the selection of mer
who were mostly suitable for the posi-
ton. This measure consider decided
ly beneficial, as IL has a tendency K
weaken the old tribal relations, with
tall its superstitious ideas and customs
and to prepare the people for self-gov
ernment. "a
Some of the half-breed Winnebagoe
have expressed desire to become citi
zens of the United States; but larg'
majority of the tribe are fully conscious
that they are not yet prepared for citi
zenship, and they prefer to remain a
: wards of the Government until furthe
advanced in civilization. To admit tt
citizenship a part, or the whole of th'
tribe, in their present condition. viii
the power to sell their lands to whit
y settlers, would be disastrous to the In
dians. Certificates from the U. s. Lane
; Office, securing to them and their heir
the possession of their several allot
e ments, have been promised, and will
y doubtless, be furnished.
n Agent White recommends that al
+ Industrial Boarding School should b.
l. established for the tribe, and ] hearth.
# concur with him. They have ampl'
+ means for its erection and support
+ they are desirous of Its establishment
land they ask that portion of thei
( funds invested in Government securi
# ties may. by Act of Congress, be ap
< propriated to this and other beneicia
, objects.
If at this Agency three day-school
d have been supported and well ATTENDED
:, First-day schools have also been kept
s and meetings for divine worship occa
:, sionally held by friends and others
s The tribes now consists of 6S5 male
e and 7l2 females; total 1,400.
e The Omahas are wei disposed ani
u improving people, who bear goot
:; character among their white neighbors
g In the Third month last they received
> certificates for their allotments Of land
securing 10 them and their heirs theil
T their several portions without the
y power of sale or transfer to any except
7 members of their own tribe, or to the
d United States. These certificates have
b given them fresh assurance that they
; will notagain be removed, and have