The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1876-12-14
Report OF the Secretary of the In.
terror.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.
The report begins with consideration of In
dian affairs and says that the reports of Superin-
tcndcnt ard agents show progress and steady i'm
proyement giving most satisfactory evidence Of
the gradual advancement of the Indian in the
habits of, industry and development of agricul-
tural ability and disposition. Each year adds
greatly to the total number of acres cultivated by
Indian labor and most gratifying results in the in
creasing number of laborers and amount of pro-
ducts. Personal Industry, with its practical les
sons of the benefits and increased comforts it Sc
cures, and growing taste and desire for educa-
ton must be relied upon the great elements in
working out the problem of Indian civilization.
The Secretary declares that. no matter what
particular policy may be pursued in regard to the
Indian believe that the one feature of educating
him and making him sGlf-SCpportng, nearly
SO as possible, must always be steadily adhered
TO- The alternative cannot fail TO be gradual
tinCtiOn OF the race. If he is to be taught the
success must depend upon the teacher. and the
best material attainabe should be secured and
paid accordingly. The sooner he is taught to pro-
vide for his own support, the earlier the Govern
ment will be relieved thcrcirom."
In rela ion TO the Sioux he says: THE unchecked
course of this band was one the & egest draw
5acks to the success OF oar agents among the
naming Sioux and other bands IL Dakota and
Montana, and it became necessary to turn them
over to the War Department TO be brought in upon
the reservations. This is being rapidly done. and,
but for the disastrous and sad fate of Gen. Gus er
and his brave command, woal have been con-
summa ed, in all probability, with slight loss to our
forces
Commits ion recommends three principles OF pol
icy: The concentration of all the Indians upon
few rose vatlons, acceptance by them of lands in
seyeralty. and the extension ITEM of the
United States law and Jurisdiction OF the United
States courts, and consequent dissolution of tribal
Organization
LEGISLATION is asked for the Indian Territory
The report declares that the sooner the idea of con
sdering and treating the various tribes in the In
dian Territory us possessing sort OF independent
power and nationality is done away with the earlier
VIII we reach some practical solution of the en-
barlassmenfs which now surround the question OF
their government. Tie most of these people have
made great advancement in civilization and many
are iii 10 embrace the full advantages of citizen
ship. They are under the cHre Of tn. Government
ss mitch as any other portion of its
people, and il is rs responsible. and IN some re-
spccts more responsible FOR their welfare. There
Is no reason why he laws and jurisdiction OF the
courts shoukl not be extended over them and they
be treated the same as any other like portion of
our population. and some form of Territorial Gov
crnment devised which shall secure for them, as
guaranteed. the exclusive occupancy CT their Ter
rItory by Indians, and, while protectn" them from
the encroachmerts OF the whites. provide the nee
essary means for the protection and government
Of themselves"
The successful removal TO their reservations of
various tribes is commented on. and it is urged
that faith be kept with the Indians. and that strict
legislation lie 81 en- to the prohibition oil the sale
OF liquor 10 any Indian anywhere.
During the year II 500 5l7.25 acres OF public
lands were surveyed, ma ing, with the quantity
previously survc ed !te,o596l1.i7 acres, and leav
ing yet 10 be 8 rveyed 1877 665 24i.53 acres. The
q antity of land taken up under the homestead
and timber culture acts is 661 1860 acres greater
tban that reported last year. As these entries
generally by actual settlers the crease is at nee
gratifying and enco raging
The total sales for the fiscal year are pl 'ced at
652i;2536 acres, and cash receipts 81, 747,2l5.s5
The work OF the Patent Office shows crafty. |
ing increase in rcce pts and dec case in expend
lures with slight increase in the amount of la
Dor performed From Oct I, 1875, to Sept. 3 1876 |
the total receipts from all sources were $751; $50 10
an increase over the previous year Of $50 30 iSs |
During the same period the expenditures were |
1851 1916 Sf7 $3.50 less than those for the |
previous year. The number or applications for /
patents was PAD. an increase over the former |
year of $40. The number of patents issued in
Guiding reissues and designs, was 1911, au in
crease over former year Of l,ssl,