The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-11-27
THE INTERIOR.
AN IMPORTANT DEPARTMENT

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-
sideration. The most intricate and difficult
subject in charge of this department is the
treatment and management of the Indians. /
am satisfied that some progress may be noted in
their condition AZ n result OF 4 prudent admin
i%stration of the present laws and regulations on
their control. But IL is submitted that there
is lack of n fixed purpose OF policy on this sub
ject which should be supplied. IL is useless to
dilate upon the wrongs OF the Indians, and as
useless to indulge in the h~eartless belief that,
because their wrongs are revenged In their own
atrocious manner, therefore they should be eX-
terminated. They are within care OF our gov
crnment, and their rights are, or should be, pro-
tected from invasion by the most solemn obli-
cations. They are properly enough 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 bc general concurrence in the
proposition that the ultimate object of their
treatment should be their civilization and citi-
Zenship, fitted by these to keep pace with the
march of progress. With the advanced ~civiliza-
ton about them they will readily ssimilate
with the mass OF our population, assuming the
responsibilities and receiving the protection
incident to this condition. Tho difficulty APP
pears to be in the selection of the means TO be
at present employed toward tho attainment Of
this result.
CUR INDIAN POPULATION,
exclusive of those in Alaska, is reported as num-
bering 2SO. DOC, nearly all being located on
lands set apart for their use and occupation, az
grcgating over 1:l, 900, 600 of acres. These
lands are included III the boundaries of III res
crvations OF different dimensions scattered In
twenty-one states and territories, presenting
great variations in the climate and the Lind and
quality of the soil. Among the Indians on these
several reservations there exists the most
marked difference in natural traits and dispose
lions and in their progress toward clvliiZation.
While some are lazy, vicious and stupid. others
are Industrious, peaceful and Intelligent. While
a portion of them are self supporting and indie
pendent and have so far advanced in civilization
that they make their own laws, which are adj
ministercd through officers of their own choice,
and educate their children in schools of their
own establishment and maintenance. others
remain i'm sonaIor and dependence. almost the
sayagery of their natural state. In dealing with
this question, the desires manifested by the
Indians should not be ignored. Here. again. we
find n great diversity. With some the tribal
relation is cherished with the utmost tenacity.
while it's hold upon others is considerably re-
Taxed. The love of home Is strong with ALL and
vet there are those whose attachment to a par
ticular locality is by no means unyiclding. The
ownership of their lands in seveialty is much
desired by some, while by others, and some
times again the most civilized. such n distribu-
ton would be bitterly opposed. The variation
OF their wants, growing out of and connected
with the character of their several locations,
should be regarded. Some are upon reservations
most fit for grazing. but without fiocks or herds,
and some on arabic lands have no agricultural
iunle,nents while some of the reservations are
double the size necessary to maintain the num-
her of Indians now upon them. In a few wears.
perhaps. they should be enlarged. Add to ali
this the difference in the administration OF the
AGENCIES while the same duties are deyolyed
uDon all the disposition of the agents and the
manner of their contact with tho Indians have
much to do with their
CONDITION AND WELFARE.
The agent Who perfunctorily performs his duty
and slothfuI,y neglccts all opportmity to adj
vance rhcjr moral and physical improvemeut.
aud fails RI insnirc them with n desire for better
tbings will nccnmnIis, nothing In the direction
M their civilization. while he who feels the bur
den ~ an imnoriant trnst, and has an interest in
his ,york will Inv consistent examnic firm vet
considerate treatment. and we'll directed aid and
encourayemant' continualIy lead those under his
CHARGE toward the light of civilization.
Tho history of NIL tho progress which has been
made i'm tho civilizntion of The Indian I think
will diecIose tho fact Thai tho beDinnin" has been
reIiyinus trachipS foilowed NV q, accompanv-