The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1880-12-25
Secretary Schurz' Annual Report.
WASHINGTON, December

Secretary Schurz' Annual Report.
WASHINGTON, Dccember1.
In his report the Secretary Of the Interior
gives review not only Of the operations OF
the past year but Of the four years of his ad.
ministration. The larger part Of the report is
devoted tO Indian affairs. In his opening
chapter upon this subject the Secretary gives
an explanation of the important change
which has taken place with regard to the res
crvution system. He says that, although ut
first accepting, rs he found it, tho reservation
policy which had so long been followed by the
Indian Office, more extensive observation and
study Of the matter gradually convinced him
that this was mistaken policy: that it would
he better for the Indians, ana more in accord
ance with justice as well as wise cxpediency,
to respect their home attachments; to leave
them upon the lands they occupied, provided
such lands were capable Of yielding them sus-
tenancc by agriculture or pastoral pursuits,
and to begin and follow up the practice of in
Producing among them the habits and occupl-
tions Of civilized life on ground they nhab-
tied. In view OF the fact, also, that the main
tenance Of the system of large reservations
against the pressure of white immigration
and settlement would, in course Of time, be-
come impracticabie, different policy has
been followed, having for its object the settle
ment of the Indians upon lands in sevcralty,
and the disposal for their benefit Of their lands
not required for this purpose, and gradually to
prepare the way for their final incorporation
into body polite rs independent and self
relying men, invested with all the rights which
the other inhabitants Of the country possess.
The results already accomplished in pursuance
of this policy and the promising outlook in the
same direction are described in general terms,
and illustrated by specific accounts OF the
progress made by the individualtribes.
The Secretary does not make any recon-
mendation Of Importance in regard to land.
grant railroads, but recapitulates their last
annual report, and states, US the result Of in
vcstigatiOn made by the Government Auditor,
that their property IL in good condition; that
their earnings have largely increased; and
That, although rates both for freight and pas
sengers have been reduced, it is believed there
will be. with the filling up of the country west
Of the Missouri, a rclnunerutive business for
each ono of them.
During the present Administration tho ag-
riculiura labor Of the Indians has been more
than doubled in quantity and value. Figures
show that the civilized and uncivlizcd tribes
together cultivated last year 4s2,73s acres Of
land, or about one and three-fourths acres Of
land to each man, woman and chill, upon an
estimate that the total Indian population of
the country is $500.
Secretary Schurz expresses the firm belief
that the agricultural industry of the Indians
would be greatly stimulated and its product
much increased il assurance were given to
them that they will he secure in the possession
Of their lands. 1885,.
Tie Secretary, in a subsequent part of his
report, calls especial attention to 4 bill al
ready submitted by him to Congress, which
provides for division Of farm tracts among
the Indians in sevcralty on their respective
reservations, the Issuance of patents to them
individually, and their investment with fec.
simple title to their farm, and hopes 1t wllre-
cefve the early consideration OF Congress.
The Secretary continues: IL desire also to
call attention once more to the bill repeatedly
introduced in Congress extending over the IN.
dian reservations the jurisdiction of the Courts
Of the States or Territories in which such rcser-
VatiOns are located, giving the Indians stand
ing in such Courts, and securing to them the
full benefit Of the laws. l venture to express
the hope that Congress may not adjourn again
without having taken action upon these i'm
pOrtant measures, 50 essential to the progress
and security Of our Indian wards"
Continuing his account Of tho civilizfng
agencies employed by the present Admins
tration, the Secretary mentions next to agri-
cultural pursuifs) the Introduction Of freight
Ing and mechanical pursuits among the In
dams. He says lust years experiment of en-.
plcying Indians as freighters, with their own
ponies, has proved to I've one Of the most be-
neflcent innovations ever made In Indian man.
agement. Nearly 1900 freight wagons have
been in use by the Indians this year, with the
result Of saving considerable money to the
Government, compared with the amounts
paid for the same transportation (of
supplies, ETC., to the Agcncies), besides fur
nishing a civilizing and welcome employ.
ment to large number of otherwise restless
Indians.
Thenumber of Indian youths learning trades
In workshops at the Agencies has increased
from lS5 lust autumn to SIS this year. The
policy of employing Indians as wOrkmen, and
even as fOremen and machiHists. ut the Agen-
cies has been continued and extended with
great success. Brickmakine has been begun.
Houses for the Indians arc now almost cxclu.
sively built BY the Indians themselves. The
aptitude shown BY the Indians for mechanical
work has In many cases been surprising, and
Is considered deserving of every possible en-.
Expressions of anxious desire
On the part Of Indians belonging to the 90
called Wild tribes to have their children In.
in the ways of civilized life have, 1t Is
stated, grown 20 numerous and urgent that
The inadequacy Of the means placed At the dis
posal Of the Department for this purpose has
become particularly painful. The desire and
purpose Of the Department IL to largely in !
croaso the present email number OF Industrial
schools for Indian youths, O. the day. !
schools 1t the Agencies do not withdraw the
pupils from the influences of home surround. |
lngs sufficiently to facilitate change In their !
habits Of daily life.
The report next mentions - another Inn |
portant civilising agency, largely introduced !
under the present Administration, the organi. !
sation OF police force consisting Of Indians, |
which has been put in operation ct forty !
Agencies. The force now consists Of les on. !
cers and 6S3 privatea. IL benefits. both q q !
means Of maintaining good order and ~ Z |
moral influence upon The Indian tribes among |
whom 1t has been established, are Get forth ~ |
worthy Of special notice.
Looking at the present condition Of things, |
tmay be said without exaggeration that, on
he whole, tho Indian situation 10 nov more
hopeful than ever before. Tie desireof the In.
lians to maintain friendly relations With their