New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-17
hoTIYACCoRD WITH TIE PRESIDENT
trruop1sr snxIs1xRs pIsAprgovE OF THE GOV


EHNMENTs INDIAN EDUCATION POLICY.
Philadelphia, April 16 (SpcclaD.-The regular meet
Ing Of the Methodist ministers was held at Wesley
Hall to-day. at recent meeting q communication
was sent to President Cleveland asking that tho
Bible DO introduced into the schools in the Indian
reservations and the reply from the President read
to-day was the effect that the teaching OF English
prepares tho Indian for citizenship and that was all
that could be desired. Mcssrs. Swlndels and Cofn
were appointed to answer the Presidents communities
ton and tho following letter, drawn by them, was
unanimously ordered to DO sent to the Executive
Mansion:
"Sir: We, the ministers OF tho Methodist Episcopal
churches of the City of Philadelphia and vicinity have
carefully considered your Interpretation and modca-
tons of the original order issued by the Indian once
Of tho Department of the Interior, prohibiting the use
O. the vernacuar in all mission schools in the reser
vatlons We frankly admit and heartily commend the
wisdom OF the Governments policy In teaching the
Indians tho English language as preparation 1or
citizenship, and with those who deem such
teachings the paramount object of immediate effort.
We nevertheless hold and maihain that for tho Gov
eminent to interfere with schools and especially thec
logical instruction in schools which receive no financial
aid from the Government, and to forbid or restrict
the use of their native dialects in such schools to
transcend tho moral limits OF its power, Is an act
oppressive in Its nature a dangerous innovation
on the part OF the civil authorities and contrary to
our National traditions and usages.
eve therefore respectfully insist that, henceforth
tho churches be permitted, so long as thcy do not
come into conflict with tho proper exercise OF the
Governments authority, to carry on their mission
within tho reservations without interference or
hndrance from the agents of the Government ana
with the same freedom accorded them In all other
portions of the National domain
The Rev. DR.. WALKER Jackson, a retired Chaplain
OF the United States Army, said
81 am opposed to the Indian but / am In favor
OF Indian rights II the indians have been wronged
tho fault lies With tho Christian churches. We haven't
done wrat ought to. Most people think that the
ideal Indian is represented In the wooden signs In
front OF tobacco stores but they arc mistaken. The
Indian is dreaded In Arizona than cyclone or
a blizzard The march OF the Apache Is tracked In
blood and death. The county Inhabited by the
Indisns IS rich beyond description There arc $4,000
people in Philadelphia who would gladly tako their
places with tho good food, ETC., that provided them
The speaker said the Anarchists and Nhlllsts are
as dangerous tho Indians and concluded by saying
"The way to the Indians heart was In the line
Of the vernacular By sending your resolutions TO
Washington you slapped tho President In the face
The Rov. Or. William Coffin wound up the debate
by saying: "What right has President Cleveland, In
school drawing not cent OF support from the GOV,
crnment to step In and say what shall be taught
Some time ago committee representing tho Christian
churches visited tho President and scarcely got
hearing,