Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-03


free. upon which should rest. i'm wel-distrib-
uted ownership, the numerous homes Of en-
hghtened. equal and fraternal citizens. They
came 10 national possession with the warning
example in our eyes Of the entail OF iniquities
In landed proprietorship which other coun-
tries have permitted and still suffer Wa>haye
no excuse for the violation OF principles
cogently taught by reason and example, nor
for the allowance Of pretexts which have some-
times exposed our lands 20 colossal greed Laws
which open door to fraudulent ACQUISITION. or
administration which permits favor 10 rapacious
seizure by favored few OF expanded areas
that many should enjoy, are accessory 10 Of
fenses against our national welfare and human
iy, not to be too severely condemned or pun
ished.
RECKLESS WASTE OF THE NATIONAL DOMAIN
Ii is gratifying TO know that something has
been done at last to redress the injuries 20 our
people and check the perilous tendency OF the
reckless waste of the national domain That
over eighty million acres have been arrested
from illegal usurpation, improvident grants,
and fraudulent entries and claims. TO be taken
for the homesteads of honest industry-al-
though less than the greater areas thus unjustly
lost-must afford profound qualification to
right-feeling citizens as IL Is a recompense for
the labors and struggles of the recovery. Our
dear experience ought sufficiently 20 urge the
speedy enactment of measures of legislation
which will confine the future disposition of our
tual husbandry and genuine homes.
Nor should our vast tracts of so-called desert
lands be yielded up TO the monopoly of corpo-
rations or grasping individuals, as appears to
be much the tendency under the existing
statute These lands require but the supply q
water 70 become fertile and productive. Ii is
problem of great moment how most wisely
for the public good that factor shall be
furnished. cannot but think il perilous to
suffer either these lands or the sources OF their
81
which by such means may exercise lordship
over the areas dependent on their treatment
for productiyeness. Already steps have been
taken to secure accurate and scientific informal
ton of the conditions. which is the prime basis
of intelligent action. Until this shall be
gained the course of wisdom appears clearly
to lie in a suspension of further disposal. which
only promises TO create rights antagonistic 10
the common interest. No harm can follow this
cautionary conduct. The land will remain. and
the public good presents no demand for hasty
troll. y ''''
1 commend also the recommendations that
appropriate measures be taken TO complete the
adjustment of the various grants made 20 the
states for internal improvements and of swamp
and overlooked lands, as well as to adjudicate
ana hnally 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 cannot be avoided, no duty
Is more pressing than 20 fix soon possible
their bounds and terminate the threats OF
trouble which arise from uncertainty.
THE CONDITION OF OUR INDIAN POPULATION
continues 10 improve and the proofs multiply
that the Transforming change, so much 10 be
desired which shall substitute for barbarism
enlightenment and civilizing education. is in
favorable progress. Our relations with these
people during the year have been disturbed by
no serious disorders. but rather marked by a
better realization of their true interests. and
increasing confidence and goodwill. These
conditions testify to the value of the higher
tone of consideration and humanity which has
governed the later methods of dealing with
them. and commend its continued observance.
Allotments in severalty have been made on
some reservations until all those entitled 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 dispatch as TO secure Just and
fair arrangements which shall best conduce to
the objects of the law by producing satisfaction
with the results of the allotments made No
measure OF general effect has ever been en-
tered on from which more may be fairly hoped,
If 1t shall be discreetly administered It
proffers opportunity and inducement 20 that
independence of spirit and life which the
Indian peculiarly needs. while at the same
time the inalienability of title affords security
against the risks 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 70 the same condition,
and. as soon possible community in lands
should cease by opening such remain unal-
lotted 10 settlement. Contact with the WAYS Of
industrious and successful farmers will perhaps
add a healthy emulation which will both in
struct and stimulate.
INDIAN EDUCATION.
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 all teach
able Indian youth, of both sexes, and
retain them with a kindly and beneficent
| hold until their charaaers are formed and
| their faculties and dispositions trained to
| the sure pursuit of some form of useful
| industry. Capacity of the Indian no longer
| needs demonstration. Ii is established. IL
remains to make the most of il, and when that
| shall be done the curse will be lifted the
Indian race saved. and the sin of their oppres-
sion redeemed. The time of its accomplish
! ment depends upon the spirit and Justice with
| which Il shall be prosecuted. 1t cannot be too
| soon for the Indian, nor for the interests and
| good name of the nation. The average attend
ance Of Indian pupils ON the schools increased
| by over 500 during the year, and the total en-
rollment reached 1922. The cost of mainten-
ance was not materially raised. The number
of teachable Indian youth is now estimated at
| 10000. or nearly three times the enrolment of
the schools. 1t is believed the obstacles in the
way of instructing all surmountable. and
| that the necessary expenditure would be Q
measure of economy.
THE SIOUX TRIBES
| on the great reservation of Dakota refused TO
assent to the act passed by the Congress at its
last session for opening portion of their lands
to settlement, Notwithstanding modification OF
the terms was suggested which met most Of
their objections. Their demand is for imme-
date payment of the full price OF s1.25 per
acre for the entire body of land the occupancy
| OF which they are asked to relinquish. The
] manner of submission insured their fair UNDER
standing of the law, and their action
| undoubtedly as thoroughly intelligent as their
| capacity admitted. 1t is at least gratifying
| that no reproach of over-reaching can in any
| manner lie against the government, however
advisable the favorable completion of the nego-
| tiation may have been esteemed.
| L concur in the suggestions of the Secretary
regarding the Turtle Mountain Indians. the
| two reservations in California, and the Crees.
They should, in my opinion, receive immediate
attention.
| THE NUMBER OF PENSIONERS
added to the rolls during the fiscal year ended
June 80, 1888, is 6O352; and increase of PEN
sions was granted in As, ZIG cases. The names
of is, $50 pensioners was dropped from the rolls
I H.. for and AZ tla