The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-12-06
THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
Zach Chandler Discourses of Indians,
Public Lands and Minor Matters.


synopsis of the annual report OF the secreta-
~ Of The interior on tho operations of the de-
partment for the year ended June ~, 1876:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
WAsIISGrOeS. ID. G., Oct. 81, 1876.
Sir-I have the honor TO submit the follow
Ing report of the operations of this department
during the past year, with such suggestions
and recommendations as In my Judgment
you'd promote the efficiency OF the public
service:
INDIANS
1. beg to call your attention te the accom-
Danying report OF the commissioned OF Indian
affairs, which, together with the reports OF the
superintendent and agents, shows progress
and steady Improvement, giving most satsfac-
the Indian In the habits OF industry and de-
yelopment OF agricultural ability and DISPOSE
zion. Each year adds greatly to the total
lumber of acres cultivated by Indian labor
and most gratifying results in the increasing
number OF laborers and amount of products.
Personal industry, with its practical lessons
the benefits and increased comforts it secures,
and q growing taste and desire for education.
must be relied upon as the great elements IN
working out the problem OF Indian ctviliza-
ton.
The evidence conveyed by careful perusal
OF the reports of the different agents Is most
menr is being made In this DR. ction.
Relying upon the sincerity of purpose and
integrity ofthe officers in charge OF the agen-
cieS. think that IL Is a matter for congratu-
iafion that, in view of the sacrifice of home
comforts and advantages which the agents
must make, enduring the hardships and sur
roundings OF a frontier life for the very inad-
eQuate salaries allowed, SO intelligent and
capable men have been secured For this re-
suit we are indebted TO the various Christian
ORGANIZATIONS OF the country, upon whose
commentator of fitness the appointments
IA ~ been made.
With the exception of the troubles in Dako-
"a, with the hostile Sioux, may say that,
practically, all OF the Indians are upon reser-
vatious entirely under the control of the de-
partment, and making CONNIE ndable i'm prove
ment. II is believed that by spring the trOu-
bic in Dakota will be ended and all Liability of
Isd.an wars in the future removed. Trouble
With the non treaty Indians, consisting prin-
cipally OF renegades from various tribes under
the leadership of Sitting Bull, had been fore
sen for long time, and the services of the
plilaging and outrages perpetrated By them
upon the white settlers and friendly Indians
In their vicinity. Reports have been received
showing that 70 white men had been Kill d
and half u million dollars worth
OF property destroyed by them, and
earabie The nncheckei eoorss Of rhPsS ha un
Eas one of the greatest drawbacks To the sue
cess OF our agents among the remaining Sioux
and other bands in Dakota and Montana
and IL became necessary to turn them over to
the wardepartment 70 be brought in upon the
reservations. Thisss being rapidly done and,
but Tor the disslstrC>,3 and sad fate of General
Custer and his brave command. would have
been consumated, In all probability, with
slight loss 10 our forces. The similar trouble
since, was successfully removed. and T tS.eiaS
the kiowas, Comanches and Apaches are fully
under control, and realize their better condi-
ton sufficiently TO make it entirely improbable
that any future difficulty will arise which can
noT readily be disposed Of by our civil officers.
For the general governmtnt of the Indians
the conmfssoner recommends three principles
OF policy, which he supports by able and con-
ylncing arguments and in which most hear
tliy'coneur: The concentration of all the In
dlans upon q few reservations, acceptance by
them OF lands In severalty, and the extension
over them Qf the United States law and juris-
dtction OF United States courts and consequent
dissolution OF tribal organization. For several
years the number of agencies has been de-
creased. as il has been found that their occu-
pants could be removed and consolidated with
other tribes upon one reserve or could be set
four years one superinfendency and
- agencies have been abolished
with corresponding reduction OF agents
and employees, and an annual saving In salaries
and wages amounting 10 over 10000. As q