Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-05-11
Indian Education.

Gen. Armstrong, of the Hampton,
Va. Institute for the education OF In.
dians, by appointment, addressed the
President and other distinguished off.
cials. including Senators and members
Of Congress, few days ago on the
method and results Of Indian education
at tho Hampton Institute. In the
course of his remarks lie referred TO the
recent Indian outbreak in Arizona, and
quoted from official reports received
showing that there were but 3GO Indians
on the war-path, 2GO of whom were wo.
men and children, leaving but 100 fight.
ing men. He then stated that there
were 1000 United States troops occupy.
ing twelve forts at an annual cost to the
Government OF about $2,0OO,O0O, who
did not properly protect settlers or pre-
vent Indian raids. He said that Agent
Tiffany, in charge of the San Carlos
Agency in Arizona, had offered 10 make
himself personally responsible for the
protection af settlers, and for the sup.
preston OF the hostile Indians. provided
he should receive authority TO employ
300 Indians to act in the capacity Of
policemen Rt - each per month and
rations, which II allowed would cost the
Government lcss than $4,000 per
annum. lie then referred to the order.
ly conduct OF the Sioux Indians in
Dakota, aud said that there are 1900
Of these Indians at the Pine Ridge and
Rosebud agencies, fifty miles from any
troops, who are guarded by fifty Indian
policemen at each agency.
After citing these facts for the pur.
pose OF showing the advantage OF em.
ploying Indians as policemen, Gen,
Armstrong gave 1t as his opinion that
there Is needless extrayagancc and the
greatest folly in the present manage
ment OF Indian affairs. He claimed
that Indians could be employed TO take
care Of their race at much less cost than
the Government ~ now paying for that
service. He asserted that the Govern.
mcnt IL now exPcnding about 500. 90
per year for Indian education that The
Hampton aud Carlisle schools, together
teaching 400 Indian youths to be teach.
eIs and examples to their race at an
average cost OF $32j each per annum
that the pupils are taught the simple
English branches, but that they devote
the most of their time TO farm labor and
mechanical pursuits. Last October. he
said, the Hampton school sent back to
their homes thirty educated Indians,
seven ot whom are nov school tcachers,
and the rest farmers and mechanics.
each earning Slj to so per month, aud
giving general satisfaction. lIc said
that the Indians Rt the Hampton aud
Carlisle schools are making a large part
Of the shoes, harness. and tinwaTe
needed 10y the Indian Department for
shipment to the Indian country. lie
referred 10 the Sioux children Of both
sexes As being exceedingly apt in their
studies, quick to learn trades. neat in
their hauIts, and very earnest to learn
the white mans ways." He main.
tanned that no Indian would fight the
Government that is educating his child.
In conclusion, Gen. Armstrong strongly
urged the importance OF extending In.
dian education. and said hundreds Of
Indian children are eagcr 10 come
Esst for an education. but cannot be
accommodated. Bringing them East
gives them the best lesson in civiliza-
tion, which they can understand only
hy seeing IT,