St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-12-04

national possession with the warning
example i'll our eyes of the entail OF
lniquitiesin landed proprietorship which
other countries have permitted and still
suffer.
We have no excuse for the violation
of principles cOgently taught by reason,
by example, nor for the allowance or
pretexts which have sometimes ex-
posed our lands to colossal greed. Laws
which open the door to fraudulent &C
QUESTION or administration which per-
mits favor to rapacious seizure by IA
vored few OF expanded areas that
many should enjoy, are accessory to Of
lenses against our national welfare and
humanity not to be too severely con-
demned or punished.
LAND GRABBERS CHECKED.
1t is gratifying to know that some
thing 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 100000
acres have been wrested from illegal
usurpers, improvident grants, and
fraudulent entries and claims to be
taken for the homesteads Of honest in
dustry-although less than the greater
areas thus unjuStly loSt-must afford a
profound qualification to rigbt-feeling
citizens, as it is a recompense for the
labors and struggles for the recovery.
LANDS BELONG TO THE PEOPLE.
Our dear experience ought sufficiently
to urge the speedy enactment of meas
ures of legislation which will confine
the future disposition of our remaining
agricultural lands to the uses of actual
husbandry and genuine homes. Nor
should our vast tracts of so-called desert
lands be yielded up TO the monopoly Of
corporations or graSping individuals, as
appears to be much the tendency under
the existing statute. These lands re-
qllire but the supply of water to become
fertile and productive. 1t is problem
OF great moment, how most wisely
for the public good, that factor shall be
furnished, cannot but think it peril
GUS to suffer either these lands or the
sources OF their irrigation to fall into
the hands Of monopolies, which, by
such means, may exercise lordshlp over
areas dependent On their treatment for
productiveness. Already steps have
been taken to secure accurate and sci
entltic information of the conditions,
which is the prime basis Of Intelligent
action. Until this shall he gained, the
course OF wisdom appears clearly to be
III a SQSpC11OlOu VI 1uIlttI ulSpOSul
which only promises to create rights an
tagonIStle TO the common interest. No
harm can follow this precautionary con-
duct. The land will remain and the
public good presents no demand for
haSty diSpOsSesSion of national owner
ship and control.
STATE GRANTS SHOULD BE SETTLED.
l commend, also, the recommends
tons that appropriate measures be
taken to complete the adjustment of
the various grants made to the states
for internal improvements. and of
swamp and overfiowed lands. as well as
to adjudicate and finally determine the
validity and extent of the numerous
private land claims. All these are ele-
mentS of great injustice and peril to
the settlers upon the localities affected,
and now that their existence is more
pressing, to fix. as soon as possible,
their bounds, and terminate the threats
Of trouble, which arise from uncer-
tainty.
Los CONDITION IS IMPROVING.
The condition of our Indian popula-
ton continues to improve and the proofs
multiply that the Transforming change
so much to be desired which shall Sub
Stitute for barbarism enlightenment and
civilHing education is in favorable pro-
cess. Our relations with these people
during the year have been disturbed by
no serious disorder. but rather marked
by better realization of their true in
terestS and increasing confidence and
good will. These conditions testify to
the value of higher tone Of considera-
ton and humanity which has governed
the later methods ofdealing with them,
and commend its continued observance
Allotments in seyeralty have been made
on some reservations until all those en-
titled to land thereon have had their
shares assigned and the work is still
continued. In directing the execution
of this duty. have not aimed so much
at rapid despatch as to secure just and
fair arrangements which shall best con-
duce to the objects of the law, by pro-
ducing 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 admins
tered. 1t proffers opportunity and
inducement to that independence
of spirit and life which the Indians
pecularities need, while at the same time
the inalienable right of title affords Sc
curity against the risks his ineXperience
expose him to in dealing with others.
Whenever begun upon any reservation
1t should be made complete, so that all
are brought to the same condition, and
as soon as possible. Community in
lands should cease by opening such as
remain unallotted to settlement. Con-
tact with the ways of industrious and
successful farmers will perhaps add a
healthy emulation, which will both in
Struct and stimulate.
REDS NEED EDUCATING.
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 en-
brace all teaehable Indian youths, of
both sexes, and retain them with a
kindly and benefcent hold until
their characters are formed, and
their faculties and dispositions
trained to the sure pursuit of
Some form of useful industry; capac-
ity of the Indian no longer needs dem
onstration. 1t is established: it re-
it shall be done the curse will be
lifted, the Indian race saved, and the
sin of their oppression redeemed. The
time of its accomplishment depends
upon the spirit and justice with which
it shall be prosecuted, 1t cannot BIZ too
soon for the Indian, nor for the inter-
ests and good name of the nation. The
average attendance of Indian pupils in
the schools increased by over 900 dur
ing the year, and the total enrolment
reached 1929. The cost of mainte-
nance was not materially raised. The
number of teachable Indian youth is
now estimated at 40.005, or nearly three
times the enrolment of the schools. 1t
is believed the obstacles in the way of
instrueting all are Surmountable, and
that the necessary expenditure would
be measure of economy
STUBBORN SIOUX.
The Sioux tribes on the great reserva-
ton of Dakota refused to assent to the
act naSSl.d by the congress- at IFS LAST