Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-12-05
THE INDIAN QUESTION.
Favorable Progress of the Work of En-
tightening the Red Man.

Favorable Progress of the Work of En-
tightening the Red Man.
The condition of our Indian population con-
tinues to improve and the proofs multiply that
the transforming change so much to be desired
which shall substitute for barbarism enlighten-
ment and education is in favorable progress.
Our relations with these people during the year
have been disturbed by no serious disorder, but
rather marked by better realization of their
true interests and increasing confidence and
good will. These conditions testify to the value
of the higher tone of consideration and human
ity which has governed the latter methods Of
dealing with them and commend its continued
observance.
Allotments in severalty have been made on
some reservations until all those entitled to fand
thereon have had their shares assigned and the
work is still continued In directing the execu-
ton of this duty have not aimed so much at
rapid dispatch as to secure just and fair arrange
ments which shall best conduce to the objects of
the Jaw, by producing satisfaction with the re-
suits of the allotments made. No measure of
general effect has ever been entered on from
which more may be fairly hoped, if il shall be
discIeetly administered II prefers oppor,
spirit and life which the Indian peculiarities
need while at the same time the inal1enabillty
of title affords security against the risks his in
experience of affrirs weakness of character
may expose him to in dealing with Others
Whenever begun upon any reservation, it should
be made complete, 80 tpat all are brought to the
same condition and soon possible COM
munity in lands should cease by opening such as
remain unallotted by settlement. Contact with
the ways of industrious and successful farmers
will perhaps add healthy emulation which Will
both Instruct and stimulate.
But no agency for the ameliOration of this peo-
pie appears to me SO promising as the extension
urged by th7 secretary OF such complete tacili-
ties or education as shall at the earliest possible
day embrace all tcachable Indian youths
OF both sexes, and retain them with kindly and
beneticent hold until their Characters are
formed and their faculties and dispositions
trained to the sure pu' suit OF some form of USE
tul industry. The capacity OF the Indian no
longer needs demonstration. 1t is established
and it rema ms to make the most OF it and when
that shall be done the curse will be lifted: the
indian race saved and the sin of their oppression
red emed The time of it's accomplishment de-
ponds upon the spirit and justice with which it
shall be prosecuted. 1t rannot be too soon for
the Indian nor for the interest and good name
of the nation.
The average attendance of Indian pupils in the
schools increased by over 800 during the year.
and the total enrolment reached 1922. The
cost OF maintenance was not materially raised
The number of eachable Indian youth is now
estimated at 40,005, or nearly three times the en-
rollment of the schools. 1t is believed the oh :
stacles in the way of instructing all are sur
mountable and that the necessary expenditure
would be a measure OF economy.
The Sioux tribes on the great reservation of
Dakota refused to assent to the act 4ssed by the
Congress at its last session Tor opening portion
of their lands to their settlement, notwithstand-
ing modification of the terms was suggested
which net most of their objections. Their de-
n and is for immediate payment OF the full price
of 81 Is per acre for the entire body of land the
occupancy of which they are asked to reIinquish.
The manner of submission insured their fair un-
derstanding of the law and their action I'M
doubleday as thoroughly intelligent as their
capacity admitted 1t is at least gratifying that
no reproach of overreacning can in any manner
be against the government. however advisable
the favorable completion of the negotiation may
have been esteemed. l concur in the sugges-
tons of the secretary regarding the Tuttle
Mountain Indians. the two reservations in Cali
fornia and the Crees. They should in my
opinion receive immediate attention.