Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1874-07-09
Investigation of Indian Affairs
in Nevada.

Nctdstds
Under date of June 81, Hons.
Stewart and Jones write to the En-
terprise, imparting the pleasing in
telligence that the Indian affairs OF
this State are to be Investigated.
Messrs. O'Connor and Vandever are
the Inspectors. Our Senators write
as follows on the subject:
The management of Indian affairs
i'll Nevada has long been unsatisfac-
tory to us, and, as you know, to
most of our citizens. We have re-
received large number of letters,
affidavits, petitions and memorials
reflecting on the system adopted as
applicable to our State, but more
particularly upon the management
by agents under that system. We
have laid the subject before the In
terror Department and requested
thorough examination of all matters
pertaining to Indian affairs in this
State. The Secretary of the Interior.
in view of all the facts, has ordered
two of the Indian Inspectors to visit
Nevada and make full report, as
will appear from the inclosed letter
of Instructions.
The object of this communication
is to call the attention of the people
to the fact that this Investigation is
to be made, in order that they may
have an opportunity to furnish such
information as they may possess,
and freely communicate their views
to the Commissioners. We believe
that the persons appointed to do this
duty are honorable and competent
men, who will make such report
as the case itself demands.
We have represented to the De-
partment that the situation of the
Indians in Nevada is different in
many respects from that of the wild
tribes on the prairies of the West;
that the Indians themselves are
more inclined to peaceable and in
dustrious habits than most other
tribes with which the Government is
required to deal.
From what we know of the In
dians in Nevada we are inclined to
believe that they do not desire to be
congregated ON large reservations,
but that they prefer to remain near
their old homes in small communi-
ties. We also believe that this de-
sire on the part of the Indians can
be accommodated with advantage to
them and without detriment othe
interests of our people. If few
| farms of moderate extent can be
maintained in different portions of
the State where Indians can at all
times find employment, and be pro-
tected to the fullest extent in the en-
| joyment of the fruits of their labor,
they would become civilized much
more rapidly than by the large reser-
walton system.
The Indians should be treated like
men, paid for their labor, and be at
( liberty to use their wages in such
manner as they may desire. If any
of them will cultivate land, they
| should have it set apart to them, and
should receive all the encouragement
possible from the Government and
our citizens.
1t Is also extremely desirable that
some scheme should be devised
whereby their children may receive
the benefits of education. We know
this is difficult problem; but our
people understand the situation, and
we have no doubt will be able to
suggest somo means that will be
effective in securing the attendance
of Indian children at schools estab-
lished for their benefit. -
AS the report of these gentlemen
will probably guide the policy of the
Government for many years to
come, it is of the first Importance
that the people of Nevada cooperate
in this investigation, so that cheap,
honest and humane system may be
adopted for the advancement and
civilization of the Indians.
WILLIAM NJ. STEWART.
JOHN =. JONES.