New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-12-07
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE


a. ,ho, ,hcss things are forthcoming But
this duty can scarcely be discharged wi,uou. 'oIe
absolute control aud direction 'n"" 70 po''''o VI"
snv ~ onr GOOD citizens have interested them
,.ros with he most beneficial results 10 the ques-
hnnS he IN a SITUATION since there must be United
Sfates prisoners to furn sh important AID in this
movement and should be able To iliusi rate what
nav be practically done IN the direction or this re-
form and 10 present an example IN the treat nent
and Improvement of ITS prisoners worthy OF imita-
lion.
With prisons under it's own control. the Govern
ment could deal with the somew hat vexed question
Of convict labor so far as Its convcts were con-
eerned, according 10 plan OF ITS own ADOPTION
and with due regard 10 The nights aud interests on
our laboring citizens, instead of sometimes AIDING
IN the operation of system which causes among
them irritation and discomfort
non consideration If this subject II might be
thought erect more than one OF these insti-
tnfions. located In snch places ms would best sub
serve tie purposes of convenience and economy In
transportation. The considerable cost OF maintain-
ing these convics ms at present. In state
would I've saved by the adoption of the plan pro-
posed and by employing them IN the manufactu
Of such articles were needed Tor use by the ov-
srument quite large Decuniarv benefit would De
realized IN partial return for our outlay.
again urge charge IN the Federal iudicia sys-
TEN to meet he wants of the people and 0bvIate
the delays necessarily attending the present condl-
ton of affairs in courts. All are agreed that
someth hing should be done. and much favor Is shown
by those well able TO advise to the plan Suggested
by the Attorney General ut the last session Of the
Congress and recommended In my Last annual mes
sage This recommendation IS here renewed, 70
getber with another made at the same time, tonch-
tug a change In the manner of compe1 satlng
district attorneys and marshais; aud the latter
subject commended To the Congress for Its action
In the interest of economy TO the Government, and
humanity, fairness and Justice to our people.
ISDIAS AFFAIRS.
The report of the Secretary Of the Interior pre-
sents comprehensive summary of the work of the
various branches of the public service connected
with his department; and the suggestions and
recommendations which it contains for the i'm
provement OF the service should receive your care
iul consideration.
The EXHIBIT made of the condition OF onr Indian
population and the progress of the work for their
enlightenment, notwithstanding the many embar-
easements which hinder the better administration
this mportan branch of the service, Is crafty
ing aud hopeful one.
The funds appropriated for the Ind an service for
the fiscal year jast passed. with the available To-
come from Indian land and trust moneys. amount
ing in all 10 81, $50. 775 ~ were ample for the
service under the conditions and restrictions OF
laws regulating their expenditure. here re-
named . balance on hand on june 80, 1856 of
ST. $50. O23 80 of which 81 1897, 76s u are perna-
nent funds for fulflment of treaties and other
like purposes, and the remainder. t32Z.ZZo W,
Is subject to be Carried to the surplus fand as re-
CURED by law.
1 he estima es presented for APPROXIMATIONS FOR
the ensuing ti-cal year amount to S5.60S.s73 81.
$50 20 less than those laid before the Con-
gress ast year
The present system of agencies, while absolutely
necessary aud well adapted for the management of
ludian affairs and tor the ends In view when II
manocement nodeonate standing alone for the
accomplishment of an object which has l,ecome
pressing IN ITS lmportance-fhe more RAPID trans.
tion fro m tribal organizations to citizenship of
such portions of the indians as are capable OF civil
tied life.
When the existing system was adopted the Indian
race was outside of the limits of organized states
ana Territories. and beyond the immediate reach
and operation of civilization; and ali Ell 'rIs were
mainly directed 10 the maintenance of friendly re-
laft adfh M npQ
the frontier. All tins IS now changed. There is no
such thing as the lndiin frontier. CivIiIzato on.
with the busy hum of Industry and the Influences
of Christianity, surrounds these people a, every
point None of the tribes are outside of the bounds
of organized government and s6ciety excep! that
The territorial system has not been extended over
that portion OF the country knewn rs the Indian
Territory. AS a race the Indians no longer hos
tile but may be considered submissive to tue
control Of the Government; few of them only are
Troublesome. Except the fragments of several
bands all are now gathered upon reservations.
IL Is no longer possible for them TO suDsst by the
chase and the spontaneous productions Of earth
With an abundance of land. if furnished with The
means and implements for profitable husbandry.
their life of entire dependence upon Government
rations from day TO day is no longer defensIbie.
Their inclination long tostered BY defective sys-
tenn Of control IS to ching the habits and customs
of their ancestors and struggle wi persistence
against the change OF life which their altered cir
c1mstances press upon them. But baIbarlsm and
civilization cannot live together. IL rs impossible
that such lneongruous conditions should coexlst Oh
the same soil.
They are portion of our people, are under the
authority of our Government, aud have Decu-
Lar claim upon and are eDtIGed TO- the fostering
care and protection of the Nation. The Govern-
ment cannot reeve itself of this respOnsb lIty
I'll they are trained and civilized 10 be able
wholly TO manage and care for thease yes. he
paths in which they snonld walk must be clearly
MAJ ked out for them and they must be led or guided
until thew familiar with the wav and competent
to assume the duties and responsibilities of our
citizenship
Progress IN this great work will continue only at
the present slow pace and at great expense, unless
the system and methods of management i'm
proved TO meet the changed conditions and urgent
demands of the service.
The agents having general charge and supervls-
ION in many cases of more han 5000 Indians scat
tered over large reservations, and burdened with
the details nntabity for funds aud supplies,
have time 10 look afer the industrial training and
Improvement OF few Indians only; the many are
neglected and remain Idle and dependent-condl-
tons not favorable for progress III civilization:
The compensation allowed these agent and the
conditions OF the service are not calculated 10
secure for the work men who fitted by ability
and skill to properly plan and feihaently GIrect
the methods best adapted to VI ,duce the most
speedy results aud permanent benefits.
Hence the necessity for a supplemental agency or
system, directed TO the end of promoting tue gen.
eral and more rapid transition or the tribes from
habits and customs OF barbarian to the ways OF
ovIllZstion.
With an anxious desire TO devise some pan of
oper .tion bv which to secure the welfare OF the
Indians, and to relieve the Treasury as far as
tossible from the support OF an IDLE ana
dependent population. l recommended IN my
previous annual lnessdSt tnt pdbS'tSc VI d law
az. borlzi z the appointment of commission as
an iDsrumeutailty auxiliary TO those areadv es-
I bished for the care of he Indians Ii was de-
signed that this commission should be composed OF
SIX inIe llgent and capable personsthree 70 be de-
tailed fIom the Army-haylug practical ideas upon
the subject Of the treatment of Indians. and inter
ested IN their welfare; and that it should be
charged under tue direction OF the secretary OF
the Interior. with the management of such matters
of detail as cannot with the present ORGANIZATION
be properly aud successfully conducted and which
present different phases as the Indians themselves
differ in their progress needs, disposition and ca
pacIty for imprOv enenJ Immediate self support
BY the ala of such commission mucU unwise and
use ess expenditure OF money, waste OF materials.
and unayallIng efforts ight be avoided and il is
hoped that this or some measure when the wisdom
of Congress may be ter devise to supply the def
cheney of the present system, may receive your
consideration. and the appropriate legislation be
provided.
The time Is ripe for the work of such an agency.
There IL less Opposition TO the education aud ira n