The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-12-12
Report OF the Secretary OF the Int.
riOr.

The Secretary Of the Interior In his annual re-
port, refers to his recommendation Of last year in
regard to the Indians and proceeds to say:
"The consolidation Of a number Of agencies has
been undertaken with u view to better location
Of the Indians, which will at the time render
more efficient the supervision and possibly reduce
opportunities for fraud and REGULATION. As far as
the appropriations made by Congress would per-
nit, agricultural implements and domestic cattle
have been furnished to the Indian tribes to aet the
Indians to work for their own support, and to en-
courage industrious habits. An Indian police has
been organized at twenty-five agencies. and from
all Of them favorable reports as to the working of
the new system have been received.
:" lnstnctione have been given to discriminate
p the distribution Of supplies aud annuities which
are not actual necessaries against individual In
dams who show no disposition to work, thus dis
cOuraging idlcness. Permission to send out hunt
Ing parties has been given, for without hunting
IAN allotment Of land among the Indians on the
several reservations has been ordered and il in
progress: The facilities Of education have been
extended NJ much as possible, and proper dircc-
tions have been given for the instruction Of Indian
children in practical pursuits,
THE Indian Service has been rcOrganiZcd in
several Of its branches. 1t was found necessary TO-
remove II number Of Agents on account Of improper
practices or lack Of business efficiency, and great
care has been taken in filling their places with
men, Where mistakes were found to have been
made in the selections, they have been promptly
rcctifcd.
Important changes have been made in the con.
NV ""' 'AS ucIIiOus VI
An aetivs Supervision has been exercised by in
spect0rs and special agents. The detection Of
fraud has been followed BY vigorous prosecution,
and ON the whole feel enabled to say that the
Character of the service has been raised In point of
integrity and efficiency.
II am, however, far from pretending that the
present condition of Indian affairs is what it ought to
be. The experience gained In the earnest effort to
overcome difficulties and to correct abuses has en-
:abcd lAe to appreciate more clearly the task still
TO be accomplished. In my last annual report I
sisted t1nkly,. and have to repeat now, that in
pursuing policy eyer 60 wise. and with ma
wo1t 0h IN sS energetic and wed
81. An entirely satisfaetoV state ofthings can be
brought about only under circumstances which
ARE not and cmnot b. under the control Of the
Indian Service Alone. II the recurrence Of trouble
and disturbance is to be avoided, the appropria-
tons made by Congress for the support Of the In
dians who are not selfeupportipg must be liberal
enough to Be sAf5cieatfor that purpose, and they
must be made early enough in the veal. to render
'2 The Indian Service should have at its disposal
suf6ctent fund to be used, with proper accounta-
Uiity, q discretion III unforeseen emergencies.
=. Citixens u the Western States and Terrific
ncs muet DC made to understand that If the In
0lans are to Geese to be troublesome paupcrs and
v4gAponde, arc to become orderly and sclf.sup-
Porting. they must have lands 1t for agriculture
AUG pasture; thatou such lands they must hu per.
mlHy9 20 reign and establish permanent hoRlos.
aua wat such . result cannot DO obtained II tho
i wssso pvoe !asss npoa t4ktng from thoM W