The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-12-18
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The report OF the secretary Of the interior,
containing an account OF the operations Of this
important department and much interesting
information. will be submitted for your con-
siderGtion. The most intricate and difficult
subject in charge of this department is the
treatment and management OF the Indians. I
am satisfied that some progress may be noted in
their condition as a result of a prudent admin
~is:ration of the present laws and regulations on
their control. But it is submitted that there
is lack OF a fixed purpose of policy on this sub
jcc5 which should be supplied. II is useless to
diiatc upon the wrongs OF the Indians, and as
useless to indulge in the hcartlcss belief that,
because their wrongs are revcuEcd in their own
atrocious manner, therefore they should be ex-
terminated. They are within care of our gov
eminent. and Their rights are. or should be, pro-
tccted from invasion by the most solemn obi
Cations. They are properly cncngh called the
wards of the government. and 1t should be borne
in the mind that this guardianship involves on
our part efforts for the Improvement of their
condition and the enforcement of their rights.
There seems to be general concurrence in the
proposition that the ultimate object of their
treatment snonlu be their civilization and citi-
zensttp, fitted by these to keep pace with the
Ela-cl. of progress. With tho advanced civi1iza-
ton about them they will readily Gssimilate
with the mass of our population, assuming the
responsibilities and receiving the protection
incident to this condition. The difficulty APP
pears to be in the selection of the means to be
at present employed toward the attainment Of
this result.
CUR INDIAN POPULATION, .
exclusive of those in Alaska, is reported as num-
boring 100000, nearly all being located on
lands set apart tor their use and occupation, az
gregatiug over 1874, 000, 900 of acres. These
lands are included IN the boundaries OF III res
ervatious of different dimensions scattered in
twenty-ore states and territories, presenting
great variations in the climate and the kind and
quality of the soil. Among the Indians on these
several reservations there exists the most
marked difference in natural traits and DISPOSE
tons and in their progress toward civilization.
While some are lazy, vicious and stupid, others
nre iDIuStrjDlJu neacpfDl and jNta)liu.pt, Whila
q portion OF them are selt-supporting and indie
pendent and have so far advanced in civilization
that they make their own laws. which are ad-
miristered through officers of their own choice,
and educate their children in schools OF their
own establishment and maintenance, others
remain in sqralor and dependence, almost the
savagery of their natural STATE. In dealing with
this question, the desires manifested by tho
Indians should not be ignored. Here, again. we
find n great diversity. With some the tribal
relation is cherished with the utmost tenacity,
while Its hold upon others is considerably re-
Taxed: The love OF home is strong with all. and
yet there are those whose attachment to y par
Aicular locality is by no means unyielding. Tho
ownership of their lands in severaltv is much
desired by some, while by Others, and some
times again the most civilized, such a distribu-
tion would be bitterly opposed. The variation
of their wants, growing out Of aud connected
with the character OF their several locations,
should be regarded. Some are upon reservations
most fit FOR grazing, but without flocks or herds,
and some on arabic lands have no agricultural
implements, while some of the reservations are
ul:Di ltlt slLc HcCcoSalN W uiuillidll lHS uuul-
Der OF Indians now upon them. In n few years.
perhaps, they should be enlarged. Add to ali
this the difference IN the administration OF the
agencies, while the same duties are devolved
upon all, the disposition OF the agents and the
manner Of their contact with the Indians have
much to do with their
CONDITION N wEIFARE.
The agent who pcrfunctorily performs his duty
and slothfully n~eg,ects all opportunity to ad-
vance their moral and physical improvement.
and fails TO inspire them with a desire for better
things. will accomplish nothing In the direction
of their civilization: while he who feels the bur-
den of an important trust, and has an interest in
his work, will, by consistent example, firm yet
considerate treatment. ant well directed aid and
encouragement. continually lead those under his
charge toward tho light of civilization.
The history Of NIL the progress which has been
made In the civilization OF the Indian. I think.
will disclose the fact that the beginning has been
religious teaching, followed by OF company
ing secular education, while the self-sacriticing
and pious men and women who have aided in
this good work bv their independent cndcavors
have for their reward the beneticsnt results of
their labor, and the ccnSc!ousness of Christian
duty well performed. Their valuable services
should be fully acknowledged by all who, under
the laws, are CHARGED with the control and man
agelnent OF our Indian wards. What has been
said indicates that in the present condition OF
the indians no attempt should be made to apply
varied and VARYING needs and circumstances.
The Indian bureau, burdcned as 1t is with their
general oversight and with the details OF the es-
tablishmcut, cnn hardly possess itself Of the
minute particulars Of cases needing treatment,
and thus the propriety OF creating an instru-
mentality auxiliary to those already established
for tho care of the Indians suggests itself.
PROPOSED COMMISSION.
I recommend the passage OF a law authorizing
the appointment OF six commissioner, three of
whom shall be detailed from the army, to be
charged with the duty Of a careful inspection
from time to time of all the Indians upon our
reservations or subjec. to the care and control
OF the government, with n view of discovering
their exact condition aud needs, and deter
mining what steps shall be taken on behalf OF
the government to improve their situation in
the direction of their sclr-support and complete
civilization; that they ascertain from such
inspection what. If any. OF the reservations may
be reduced In aren, and in such case what part,
not needed for Indian occupation, may be pur-
chased by the government from the Indians and
disposed of for their benefit: what, II nnr,
Indians may, with their consent. be removed to
other reservations with a view OF their concen-