The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-12-09


prisons under its own control, the govern
ment could deal with the somewhat vexeS
question of convict labor, SO far as its con
victs were concerned, according to plan o
its own adoption, and with du'
regard to the rights and INTEREST
Of our laboring citizens instead of some
times aiding in the operation of a system
which causes among them irritation and dis
content. Upon consideration of this sub
3ect it might be thought wise to erect more
than one of these institutions, located in
such places as would best subserve the pur
poses of convenience and economy in trans
portation. The considerable cost of main
Institutions, would be saved by the adoption
of the plan proposed and by employing
them in the manufacture of such articles as
were needed for use by the government.
Quite large pecuniary benefit would be
realized in partial returns for our outlay.
again urge change in the federal ju-
dietary system to meet the wants of the peo-
pie and obviate the delays necessarily at
lending the present conditicr of affairs in
cur courts. All are agreed that something
should be done, and much favor is shown by
those we'll able to advise, to the plan sug-
gested by the Attorney General at the last ses-
sion of the Congress, and recommended in my
last annual message. This recommendation is
here renewed, together with another made
at the same time, touching change in the
manner of compensating District Attorneys
and Marshals, and the latter subject is COM
mended to Congress in the interest of econ
omy to the government, and humanity, fair
ness and justice to the people.
Department of the Interior.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior
presents 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 improvement of the SER
vice should receive your careful considera-
tion. The exhibit made of the condition of
eur Indian population and the progress of
The work for their enlightenment, notwith-
standing the many embarrassments which
hinder the better administration of this i'm
portant branch of the service, is
gratifying and hopeful one. The funds ap-
propriated for the Indian service for the
fiscal year just passed, with the available
Income from Indian land and trust moneys,
amounting in all to $3.50, 775.12, were am
Pile for the service under the conditions and
restrictions of laws regulating their expendi-
ture. There remained balance on hand on
June 30, 1886, of 81, 500, ,023.30, of which
u, S37 ,76S.21 are permanent funds for
the ful6llment of treaties and other like
purposes, and the remaining $322, 90 is
subject to be carried to the surplus fund as
required by law. The estimates presented
for appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year
amount to Sc, SOS, ,S73.64, or $40, ,3S6.20 less
than those laid before Congress last year.
The present system of agencies, while abso-
lutely necessary and well adapted for the
management of our Indian affairs and for
the ends in view when it was adopted, is, in
the present stage of Indian management, in
adequate, standing alone for the accomplish
ment of an object which has be-
come pressing in its importance
the more rapid transition from
tribal organizations to citizenship of such
portions of the Indians as are capable of
civilized life. When the existing system
was adopted the Indian race was outside of
the limits of organized States and Territories,
and beyond the immediate reach and opera
tion of civilization, and all efforts were
mainly directed to the maintenance of
friendly relations and the preservation of
peace and quiet on the frontier. All this
is now changed; There is no
Civilization, with busy hum of industry and
the influence of Christianity, surrounds
these people at every point. None of the
tribes are outside of the bounds of organized
government and society, except that the |
Territorial system has not been extended |
the Indian Territory. As a race the Indians |
are no longer hostile, but may beconsdered |
as submissive to the control of the |
government, as few of them only |
are troublesome. Except the fragments |
of several bands all are now gathered up on
reservations. 1t is no longer possible for
them to subsist by the chase and the sponta-
neous productions of the earth. With an
abundance of land, if furnished with the
means and implements for profitable hus-
bandry, their life of entire dependence upon
government rations from day to day is no
longer defensible. Their inclination, long
fostered by defective system of control, is
IL. 1. l..
Of their ancestors and struggle
with persistence against the change
of life which their altered CIR
cumstances press upon them. But bar
barism and civilization cannot live together.
1t is impossible that such incongruous con-
ditions should co-exist on the same soil.
They are a portion of our people, are under
the authority of our government, and have
. peculiar claim upon, and are entitled to
the fostering care and protection of the nation
The government cannot relieve itself of this
until they are so far trained
and civilized as to be able wholly to man.
age and care for themselves. The
paths in which they should walk
must be clearly mapped out for them, and
Ehey must be led or guided until they are
familiar with the way and competent to as
sume the responsibilities of our citizenship.
Progress in this great work will continue
anly at the present slow pace, and at great
expense, unless the system and methods OF
are improved to meet the
he service. The agents having
general charge and supervisor, in
many cases of more than five
thousand Indians, scattered over large reser-
Eations and burdened with the details of ac-
for funds and supplies, have
lime to look after the industrial training
Ind Improvement of few Indians only. The
nanV are neglected and ranoQin id Ia nd do. |
pendent, conditions not favorable for pro-
gression or civilization. The com pensation
Allowed these agents and the conditions of
he service are not calculated to secure for
he work kmen who are fitted by ability and ,
kill to properly plan and intelligently
irect the methods best adapted
o produce the most speedy
necessity for a supplement agency orsystem,
Erected to the end of promoting the general {
md more rapid transition of the tribes from ,
labits and ways of barbarism to the ways
d civilization, with an anxious desire to de-
Ilse some plan of operation by which to Sc
'ure the welfare of the Indians, and to re-
ieve the treasury as far as possible from the
airport of an idle and dependent popula-
ron. l recommended in my previous annu- s
i message the passage of law ;
authorizing the appointment of a
as an instrumentality, auxiliary
o those already established, for the care of /
he Indians. 1t was designed that this COM I
mission should be composed of six intelligent J
nd capable persons, these to be detailed {
he subject ofthe treatment of Indians, andin- G
crested in their welfare; and that it should be
harged, under the direction of the Secretary q
4 the Interior, with the management of such t
matters of detail as cannot, with the present t
rganizaton, be properly and successfully f