Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1885-12-25
The Presidents Message.

The great length of Mr.. Clevs-
lands first message having precluded
its transmission entire to this Coast,
the omitted portions now at hand
have renewed public interest in that
docnne The omitted topics of
general importance are as follows:
TIE INDIANS.
| | ain satisfied that some progress
may be Lo,ed in their condition as a
result of a prudent administration of
the present laws and regulations for
their coutrol, but it is submitted
that there is lack of a fixed purpose
of policy on this subject which
which should be supplied. 1t is
useless to dilate upon the wrongs of
the Indians, and as useless 20 in
dulge in the heartlsss belief that
because their wrongs are revenged
in their own atrocious manner,
therefore they should be exterminat.
ed.
They are within the care Of our
Government, and their rights are, or
should be, protected from invasion
bv the most solemn obligations.
They are properly enough called the
wards of the Government, and it
should be borne in mind that this
guardianship involves on our part
efforts for the improvement of their
condition and the enforcement of
their rights.
There seems 10 he general con.
currence in the proposition that the
ultimate object of their treatment
should be their civilization and citi-
zenship. Fitted by these to keep
pace in the march of progress with
the advanced civilization about them,
they will readily assimilate with the
mass of our population, assuming
the responsibilities and receiving the
protection incident to this condition.
The difficulty appears to be in the
selection of the means to be ut pre-
sent employed toward the attain
ment of this result.
Our Indian population, exclusive
of those in Alaska, is reported as
numbering 260, 900, nearly all being
located on lands set apart for their
use and occupation, aggresating
over 124 900. 900 of acres. These
lands are included in boundaries Of
seventeen reservations of different
dimensions, scattered in twenty-one
States and Territories, presenting
great variations in climate and in the
kird and quality of their soils.
Among Indians upon these several
reservations there exists the most
marked differences in natural traits
and disposition, and in their prog
ress. While some are lazy, vicious
and stupid, others are industrious,
peaceful and intelligent. While a
portion of them are self-supporting
and independent and have so far ad-
vanced in civilization that they make
their own laws, administered through
officers Of their own choice, and edu-
cate their children in schools of
their own establishment and main
tenance, others still remain in squal-
or and dependence, almost the saw
agery of their natural state. In
dealing with this question the de-
sires manifested by the Indians
should not be ignored. Here again
we find great diversity. With
some the tribal relation is cherished
with the utmost tenacity, while its
hold upon others is considerably re.
laxed. The love of homo is strong
with all, and yet there are those
whose attachment to particular To-
cality is by no means unyielding.
The ownership of their lands in sew.
erality is much desired by some,
while by others and sometimes the
most civilized, such o distribution
would be bitterly opposed. The var
iation of their wants growing out
of and connected with the character
of their several locations, should be
regarded. Some are upon reserva-
tions most fit for grazing, but with
out flocks or herds, aud some on ar
able land have no agricultural inn
plements, while some of the reserva-
tions are double the size necessary
to maintain the number of Indians
now upon them. In a few cases.
perhaps, they should be enlarged.
Add to all 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 con-
tact with the Indians have much 10
do with their condition and welfare.
The agent who perfunctorily per-
forms his duty and slothfully neg
lects all opportunities to advance
their moral and physical improve
ment, and fails to inspire them with
a desire for better things, will &C.
complish nothing in the direction of
their civilization, while he who feels
the burden of an important trust and
has taken an interest in his work
will, by consistent example, firm,
yet considerate treatment, and we'll
directed aid and encouragement, con-
stantly lead those under his charge
toward the light of tn, ir enfranchise-
ment. The history of all the pro-
gress which has been made in the
civilization of the Indian, think,
will disclose the fact that the be-
ginning has been the religious teach
ing followed by or accompanying
secular education, while the self.
sacrificing and pious men and women
who have aided in this good work
by their Independent endeavors,
have for their reward the bene6cen'
results of their labor and conscious
ness of Christian duty we'll per-
formed. Their valuable services
should be fully acknowledged by all
who, under the law, are charged
| with thu control and MANAGEMENT o!