The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1879-12-04
Report Of the Commissioner Of Indian
Affairs.
WASHINGTON, November

WASHINGTON, November ~.
The annual report of the Commissioner OF
Indian Affairs has been submitted. 1t shows
that during the past year there has been
among the Indians in general steady advance
previous year. In this the Ogalalla and Brule
Sioux have taken the lead, and their
progress during the last eighteen months
longer lon T|G question aPs whether the Indians
will work - those who are anxious
to do so are now largely in the
tribes in Indian Territory, there is a call for
lands in scvcralty. There is a largely-incrcased
desire for houseSand agricultural implements,
wagons, etc., and also for citizens clothing.
The following table shows the substantial
results of Indian labor during the year. They
are much larger than ever before, and but for
and among the Navajoes, the increase in
crops would have been much greater, espe-
ciaily IN the corn crop, which is less than that
BY Indians, exclusive of the five civilized
tribes of Indian Territory, in 1879:
Number of acres brokcn... .............. q, ~
Bushels of wheat raisod --............ ..3:e,G.7
Corn, Du.... ....................... ~ i,.St
Oats and barley, bu. ..ls9,O54
Vegetables, bu. .SNO,6!8
by the five civilized tribes: . '''' ''''
Acres cultivated. Observation-Disclosures. $4,000
bushels OF wheat raised. ............... 565, 400
Oats and barley, INSTRUMENTATION. 20 0O
Nexetaoles, pu......... I6UU9
The only sure way to make the Indians nd.
vance in civilization under the best condition
to promote their welfare is to give each head
of family 100 acres of land, and to each UNI
married adult eighty acres, and to issue pat
ents for the same.
THE UTE OUTBREAK.
The history of the Ute outbreak is given in
detail without disclosing any new facts. In
reference to the removal of the Utes to some
other location, the Commissioner suggests
that II commission be appointed to visit the
tribe and obtain its consent to remove from
the State upon payment of the full value of
lands now occupied. The advantages to be OBJ
tanned by removing them to the Indian Terri
tory are: !. An abundant supply of arabic
land and cultivation. 2 Immunity from white
encroachipent; and, 3. Better security for
keeping Indians peaceful. as the country is
where offers open fields for use of artillery
and all the appliances of civilized warfare,
SO that whatever be the disposition of the
it could be made effective in the interests of
peace.
The Commissioner considers the enactment
of the bill extending the criminal laws of re-
spective States or Territories over Indian
reservations of vital importance. The Indian
policemen have shown the utmost fidelity to
rested even friends and relatives with absolute
impartiality. Several instances are cited in
proof of their fidelity. There is but one draw
back which should be removed by Congress.
fixed at IS per month. The Commissioner
recommends that it be increased to SIS per
month.
NOVEL RECOMMENDATION.
The following novel recommendation Is
made: I" A penal settlement for the cOnfine-
ment and reformation of the more turbulent
and troublesome individuals among the vari.
GUS indian tribes Is pressing want. For
murderers and the worst class Of refractory
Indians, one settlement should be in Florida,
which is far enough from the Indian reserva.
IN
Another settlement should be at some point in
the Northwest where considerable land can be
found upon which imprisoned Indians may be
settlements should be guarded By suficient
force to exercise perfect discipline, and trades,
as well as agriculture, should be taught, and
when the time arrived for them to be returned
vanced stage of civilization"
THE SALE OF FIREARMS.
outside the Indian reservations men are
everywhere found driving thrifty business
in selling the latest and best patterns of arms
and fixed ammunition to nOn-civilized In
dams. The sales thus made are limited in
purchase. Previous to the late outbreak In
dams were amply supplied with Winchester
and Spencer rifles and fixed ammunition, OBJ
tions. There is no statute against this crime,
and the Commissioner recommends that
legislation be specially directed against such
penalty, the sale of both firearms and fixed
ammunition, and further legislation requiring
nOn-civilized Indians to be disarmed, are the
only cOmmOn-sense and practical methods Of
putting an end to this dangerous traffic.
THE PONCAS.
The POncas are reported as doing well on
in ways of civilization. The progress of the
youths trained in the Indian schools is of the
most hopeful character. Exclusive of the
nve civilized tribes of the Indian Territory
taught at the agency schools. The five civ
flized tribes have 1850 children at school.
INDIAN MARRIAGES.
Among the other recommendations of the
report is one for the enactment of a law to
prevent polygamy, and provide for legal
marriages among the Indians. For this pur-
pose it is proposed to make civil magistrates
of Indian agents.