New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-12-12

cogenrly taught by reason and BIZ example nor
for the allowance of pretexts which have some
times exposed our lands to colossal greed Laws
which open the door to fraudulent acquisition
OF an administration which permits favor Co the
rapacious seizure by a favored few of expanded
areas that many should enjoy are accessory to
offenses against our tional welfare and hunan-
itv NOT 70 be too severely condemned or pun
ished- It is gratifying to know that something
has been done at last to redress the injuries to
our people and check the perilous tendency OF
the reckless waste of national domain: that over
eighty million acres have been wrested from
Illegal usurpers, 1mproyldent grants and fraud
ulent entries and claims to be taken for the
HoMEsTEADS OF HONEST INDUSTRY.
although less than the greater areas thus un-
Justly less lost, must afford profound gratifl-s
cation TO right feeling citzens AS it is a re-
compense for the labors and struggles for the
recovery, cur dear experience ought sufficiently
to urge rhe speedy enactment of measures of
legislation which will confine the future dIspo-
sition of our remaining agricultural lands to the
uses OF actual husbandry and general homes.
Nor should our vast tracts of So-called desert
lands be yieldedup to the monopoly of corpor-
atoms or grasping individuals, as appears TO be
much the tendency under the existing statutes.
These lands req dire but the supply of water to
become fertile and productive. It is a problem
of great moment how most wisely for the pub
lie good that factors shall be furnished. 4 cannot
but think it peri1ous to suffer either these lands
or the sources of their irrigation to fall into the
hands of monopoiies which, by such means,
may exercise lordships over areas dependent on
their treatment for producGlYeness. Already
steps have been taken to secure accurate and
scien tifc information of the conditions " hich is
the prime basis of T. he Intelligent action. Until
this shalbe gained the course of wisdom appears
clearly to be in a suspension of further disposal,
which only promises to create rights antagonistic
10 Inc common interest," No harm can follow
this cautionary conduct. The land will remain
and the public good presents no demand for
hasty dlspossession OF national ownership and
control L commend also the recommendations
that appropriate measures be taken to complete
the adjustment of the various grants made to
the states tor internal improvements and of
swamp and overlooked lands, as well az to a d..
Judicate and finally determine the validity and
extent of the numerous private land claims All
these are elements of great injustice and peril
to the settlers upon the localities affected,
and now that their existence is more
pressing measures should be taken to fix
as soon as possible their bounds and ter
inmate the threats of trouble which arise from
uncertainty. The condition of our Indian popu-
lat1ou continues to improve, and he'proofs Inui-
tiply that the transforming change so much to
be desired which shall substitute for barbarism
enlightment and civilizing education, is in fav-
orable process. Our relations with these people
during the year have been disturbed by no seri-
Gus 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 humanity which has gov
erned the latter methods OF dealing with them
and commend its continued observance Allot-
ments in seyeralty have been made on some res
ervaUiOns until all those entitled to land thereon
have have had their shares assigned. and the
tion of this duty have not aimed so much at
rapid dispatch as to secure just and fair
arrangements which shall best condnce to the
objects of the law; by producing satisfaction
with the results of the allotments made. No
measure Of general effect has ever been entered
on from which more may be fairly hoped if it
shall be discreetly administered. 1t protfers OPP
portunity AID inducement to that in
dependence OF spirit and life which the
Indian peculiarites needs, while at the same
time the iualienable right of title affords secur-
oric
or weakness of character may expose him to in
dealing with others. Whenever begun upon any
reservation it should be ruade complete, so that
all are brought to the same condition, and
soon as possible community in lands should
cease by opening such as remain unallOtted to
settlement. Contact with the ways of indus
trious and successful farmers will. perhaps, add
healthy emulation which will both instruct and
stimulate. but no agency for the amelioration Of
this people appears to me so promising as the
extension urged by the secretary, of such COM
plete facilities OF education SHALL at the ear
Hest possible day, embrace all seachable Indian
youths Of both sexes. and retain them with a
kindly and benefcen. hold until their characters
are formed and their faculties and dispositions
trained to the pursuits of some form of useful
industry. The capacity of the Indian
NO LONGER NEEDS DEMONSTRATION.
1t is established: it remains to make the most
OF it, and when it shall be done the curse will be
lifted, the Indian saved and the sin of
their oppression redeemed. The time of it's
accomplishment depends upon the spirit and
Justice with which it shall be prosecuted. 1t
cannot be too soon for the Indian, nor for the
interests 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 teachable Indian youth is now
estimated at 4O.OO5, or nearly three times the
enrolment of the schools. 1t is believed the
obstacles in the way of instructing all are sur
mountable and that the necessary expenditure
would be measure of economy. The Sioux
tribes on the great reservation of Dakota re-
fused to assent to the act passed by the
congress at it's last session for opening portion
of their lands to settlement, notwithstand-
ing modification of the terms was suggested
which met most of their objections Their de-
mand is for immediate payment OF the full price
OF 20 per acre for the entire body of land. the
occupancy Of which they asked to reinauish
The manner Of submission insured their fair
understanding of the law and their action was
undoubtedly thoroughly intelligent us their
capacity admits. It is az least gratifying that
no reproach of oVer-reaching can in any man
ner lie against the government, however advis-
able the favorable completion OF the negotiation
may have been esteemed. concur i'll the sug-
gestions of the secretary regarding the Turtle
Mountain Indians, the two reservations in Cali
fornia and the Crees. They should, in my opin-