Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-12-12


petty prosecutions involving . punish
ment, In cases of conviction, of only ,
slight fne, while the parties accused Ar
harassed by an enforced attendant,
upon courts held hundreds of mile.
from their homes Poor and friendleee
they are obliged to remain niail durin,
the months, perhaps, that must elaps.
before the decision of the court, and ar
finally brought to trial, surrounded By
strangers, with but little real opportun.
ity for defense.
In the meantime, frequently, thu
marshal has charged against the govern
ment, on his files for an arrest, tn,
transportation of the accused and til
expense of the same for summonin,
witnesses beforea commissioned, q grand
jury, and court. The witnesses hav'
been paid from the public fun,
large fees and travelling expenses, ant
the commissioner and district attorne,
have also made their charges against tn
government. This abuse in the admins
tration of our criminal law should b,
remedied and if the plan above suggest
ed is not practicable some other should
be devised.
THE INDIANS.
The report of the secretary of the in
terror, containing an account of thu
operations of that department, and much
interesting information, will be submitted
for your consideration. The most intri
cate and difficult subject in charge of this
department is the treatment and man
agement of the Indians. I am satisfied
that some progress may be noted in Their
condition, as result of q prudent admin.
istration of the present laws and regula.
tons for their control.
But it is submit d that there is lack
of q fixed purpose of policy On the sub
ject which should be supplied, or it is
useless to dilate upon the wrongs of the
Indians; and as useless to indulge in the
heartless belief that because their wrongs
are revenged in their own atrocious
manner, therefore they should be
exterminated. They are within the
care of our government, and their rights
should be protected from invasion by
the most solemn obligations. They are
properly enough called the wards of the
wards of the government, and it should
be borne in mind that this guardianship
involves on our part efforts for the i'm
provement of their condition and the
enforcement of their rights.
There seems to be general concur.
renee in the proposition that the ulti.
mate object of their treatment should be
their civilization and citizenship. Fitted
by these to keep pace in the march OF
pro yress with the advanced civilization
around them, they will readily assimilate
with the mass of our population, assum-
ing the responsibilities and receiving the
protection incident to this condition
The difficulty appears to be in the selec.
ton of the means to be at present en-
ployed to attain this result.
Our Indian population, exclusive OF
those in Alaska, is reported as number
ing 100000, nearly all being located on
lands set apart for their own use and
occupation, aggregating over 134, 100000
of acres. These lands are included in
the boundaries of seventeen reserva-
tons, of different dimensions, scattered
in twenty-one states and territories,
presenting great varieties in climates,
and in the kind and quality of their
soils. Among the Indians upon these
several reservations there exists the
most marked differences in national
traits and disposition, and in their
progress toward civilization.
While some are lazy, vicious and
stupid, Others are industrious, peaceful
and intelligent. While a portion of
them are self-supporting and independ-
ent, ard have so far advanced in civil
ization that they make their own laws
administered through officers of their
own choice, and educate their children
in schools of their own establishment
and maintenance, others still retain in
squallor and independence almost the
savagery of their nature.
The variation of their wants, growing
out of and connected with the character
of their several locations should be re-
garded. Some are upon reservations most
fit for grazing but without focks or
herds; and some On arabic land have no
agricultural implements. Some of the
reservations are double the size neces-
sary to maintain the number of Indians
now on them. In q 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 to do
with their condition and welfare.
The agent who perfunctionally per-
forms his duty, and slothfully neglects
all opportunity to improve their physi-
cal condition 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 burden of an important trust, and
has an interest in his work, will, by
consistent example, firm yet considerable
and well directed aid and
constantly lead those
under his charge, toward the light of
their enfranchisement.
The history of all progress which has
been made in the civilization of the
Indian will disclose the fact that the
beginning has been religious teaching,
followed by or accompanying secular
while the self-sacrifcing and
pious men and women who have aided
in the good work by their independent
endeavors have for their reward the
results of their labors and the
of Christian duty well
performed. Their valuable services
should be fully acknowledged by all
who, under the law, are charged with
the control and management of our
Indian wards.
What has been said indicates that in
the present condition of the Indians, no
attempt should be made to apply fixed
and unyielding plan of action to their
varied and varying needs and circum-
stances, yet there is great need of Gre
ating an instrumentality, auxiliary to
those already established for the care of
the Indians.
1 recommend the passage of q law
the appointment of six COM
three of whom shall be
detailed from the army, to be charged
with the duty of q careful inspection
. a.. FL l.