Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-12-04

commence and go0d. IheSe c0ndluOnS
testify to the value of the higher tone of
consideration and humanity which has
governed the later methods of dealing with
them, and l commend its continued observ-
ance.
Allotmentsin severalty have been made on
some reservations until all those entitled
to land thereon have had their shares as
signed, and the work is still continued. In
directing the execution of this duty, l have
not aimed so much at rapid dispatch as TO
secure just and fair arrangements which
shall be conducive to the objects of the law,
producing satisfaction with the results of
the allotments made. No measure of gen.
eral effect has ever been entered on from
which more may be fairly hoped, if it shall
be discreetly administered. 1t proffers an
opportunity for that independence of spirit
and life which the Indian peculiarities
need, while at the same time the inaliena-
bility of title affords security against the
risks which his ineXperience of affairs or
weakness of character may expose him tO
in dealing with others. Whenever begun
upon any reservation, il should be made
complete, so that all are brought 10 the
same condition, and as soon as possible
community in lands should cease by OPEN
ing such as remain unallotted to settle
ment. Contact with the ways of industri-
Gus and successful farmers will perhaps
add healthy emulation, which will both
instruct and stimulate.
INDIAN SCHOOLS.
But no agency for the amelioration of
this people appears to me so promising as
the extension urged by the Secretary of
such complete facilities of education as shall
at the earliest possible day embrace ali
teachable Indian youths of both sexes, and
retain them with kindly and benefcent
| hold until their characters are formed and
their faculties and dispositions trained to
pursuits in some form of useful indust-v.
The capacity of the Indian no longer needs
demonstration. 1t is established. 1t re-
mains 10 make the most of IT, and when
that shall be done the curse will be lifted,
the Indian race saved the sin of their op-
preston redeemed. The time of its ac-
complishment depends upon the spirit and
justice with which it shall be prosecuted.
1t cannot be too soon for the Indian nor
for the interest and good name of the ma
ton.
The average attendance of Indian pupils
in the schools increased by over 900 during
the year, and the total enrolment reached
,591. The cost of maintenance was not
materially raised. The number Of teacha-
bic Indian youth is now 40005, or nearly
three times the enrolment of the schools.
1t is believed the obstacles in the way of
lnstructing all are surmountable, and that
the necessary expenditure would be meas
ure of economy.
THE SIOUX.
The Sioux tribes on the great reservation
of Dakota refused to accept the Act passed
by the Congress at its last session for open
ing portion of their lands to their settle
ment, notwithstanding a modification of
the terms was suggested which met most of
| the objections. Their demand is for the
| immediate payment of the full price
of 81 25 per acre for the en-
tire body of land, the occupancy
of which they are asked to relinquish. The
manner of submission insured them a fair
understanding of the law, and their action
was undoubtedly as thoroughly intelligent
as their capacity admitted. 1t is at least
gratifying that no 1eproach of over-reach-
ing can in any manner be made against the
Government, however advisable the favor
able completio of the negotiation may have
been esteemen.
concur in the, suggestion of the Secre-
| tary regarding the Turtle Mountain In
| dians, the two reservations in California
and the Crees. They should, in my opinion,
receive immediate attention.
THE PENSION BUREAU.
The number of pensions added to the
rolls during the fiscal year, ended June so,
1888, is GO, 252, and increases of pensions
were granted in Is, 716 cases. The names
of 1879 persons were dropped from the
rolls during the,year for various causes, and
at the close of the year the number of per-
sons of all classes receiving pensions was
452, ,557. Of these there were SOC survivors
of the war of 1872 lO,787 widows of these
who served in that war; $1,000 soldiers of
,J<D,x i
| soldiers. There are 102 different rates of
| pensions to be paid to benehcaries, rang
ing from 81 to S416 66 ri per month. The
amount paid for pensions during the fiscal
year was SIS, ,775, SCI 80, being an increase
over the preceding year of S., ,30S, $50 D.
| The expense attending the maintenance
and operation of the Pension Bureau dur
ing that period was So, 1862 524 81, making
the entire expenditure of the Bureau SS2,-
03S,3 81, being 214 per cent. of the total
| expenditures of the Government during
the year.
TOO MANY PENSIONERS.
am thoroughly convinced that our gen.
eral pension lists should be revised and sd-
justed to meet, as far as possible and in the
light of our experience, all meritorious
cases. The fact that 102 different rates of
pensions are paid cannot, in my opinion,
be made consistent with justice to the
pensioner or to the Government, and the
numerous private. pension bills that are
passed, predicated upon the imperfection of
the general laws, while they increase in
many cases the existing inequality and in
Justice, lend additional force to the recon-
mendation for a revision of the general
laws on this subject. The laxity of ideas
prevailing among large number of our
people regarding pensions is becoming
every day more marked. The principles
upon which they should be granted are in
| danger OF being altogether ignored, and al
ready pensions are often claimed because
the applicants are as much entitled as other
successful applicants, rather than upon any
disability reasonably attributable to mill
| tary service. If the establishment
| of various precedents be continued,
the granting of pensions be not divorced
from partisan and other unworthy and
irrelevant considerations, and if the honor
able name of veteran unfairly becomes by
these means but another term for one who
constantly clamors for the aid of the Gov
ernment, there is danger that injury will be
| done to the fame and patriotism of many
whom our citizens delight to honor, and
that prejudice will be aroused unjust to
meritorious applicants for pensions.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
The Department of Agriculture has con-
tinued, with good measure of success, its
efforts to develop the processes, enlarge the
results and augment the profits of Ameri-
can husbandry. 1t has collected and dis
! tributed practical information, introduced
and tested new plants, checked the spread
of contagious diseases of farm animals, re-
| sisted the advance of noxious insects and
destructive fungus growths, and sought to
secure to agricultural labor the highest re-
wards of effort and the fullest immunity
! from its loss. Its records of the year show
that the season of 1888 has been one of me-
dunn productions. A generous supply of
the demands of consumption has been as.
sured and a surplus for expectation, mod
crate in certain products and bountiful in
others, will prove benefit alike to buyer
and grower.
THE CATTLE DISEASE.
-Four years ago II was found that the great