The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1888-12-04

pretexts, (which have for some time ex-
posed our lands to colossal greed. Laws
which open the doors to fraudulent ac
QUESTION, or administration which per-
mits the rapacious seizure by fayorite
OF the expanded areas that the
many should enjoy, are accessory to
otfenses against our national well
fare and humanity. not to be
too severely condemned and punished
1t IS gratifying to know that something
has been done at last 10 redress the
injuries to our people and check the
perllous tendency of the reckless waste
of the national domain. That over
80 GOO, 600 acres have been W1estsd from
illegal usurpatlon, improyident grants
and fraudulent entries and claims, etc.,
be taken for the homesreads of honest
industry although less than the
greater areas thus unjustly lost. must
afford profound qualification to right
feeling citizens as it is recompense for
the labors and struggles of the recovery.
Our dear experience ought sufficiently
TO urge the speedy enactment of mea-
sures of legislation which will confne
the future disposition of our remaining
agricultural lands to the use of actual
hnsbsndry and genuine shomes, nor
should our vast tracts of so called desert
y
corporations or grasplng individuals, as, X
appears to be much the tendency under
the existing statute. The lands require
but the supply of water to become fer
tile and productive. 1t is problem of
great moment, how most wisely for the
public good that factor shall be furn-
lshed. cannot but think it perilous
to suffer these lands, or the sources
OF their irrigation, to tall into
the hands of monopolies, which by such
means may exercise lordship over areas
dependent on their treaI ment for pro-
ductiveness. Already steps have been
taken to secure accurate and scien-
tiic information of the condi-
lions, which is the prime basis of intel
iigent action, Until this shall be
gained, the course of Weldon appears
clearly to lie in suspension of further
disposal, which only promises to create
rights antagonistic to the common in
terests. No harm can follow this eau
tionary conduct. The land will remain
and the public good presents no de-
mands for hasty disposition of ma
tional ownership and control,
commend also the commendationssr
that appropriate measures be taken tot
complete the adjustm cnt of the various
grants Of the States for intern al i'm
provements and of swamp and over
flowed lands as we'll as to adjudicate
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 effected, and now that
their existence is more pressing than
ever, to Tx as soon as possible their
bounds and determine the threats of
VI rio
THE INDIANS.
The condition of our Indian popula-
ton continues to improve and the
proofs multiply that the transforming =
change so much to bs desired which
shall substitute for barbarism, enIight-
eminent 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 better realization of
their true interests and increasing con-
6dence and good will. 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 continued Observance
Allntments 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 lust and
fair arrangements, which shall pest con-
duce to the objects of the law, by pro-
duclng 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 dis
creetly administered. II protfers op-
portunity to that independence
of spirit and life which the Indian pc
culiarities need, while at the same time,
the inalienability of title affords Sc
curity against the risks his inexperience
Of affairs or weakness of character NAV
expose him to in dealing with others,
Whenever begun upon any reservation,
it should be made complete, so that all
are brought to the same condition and
as soon DIS possible, community in lands
should cease by opening such as remain
1nalloted to settlement. Contact
with the ways of industrious and
successful farmers, will, perhaps
lid a healthy emulation, which
will both instruct and stimulate.
But no agency for the ameleoration of
his people appears to me so promising
IS the extension urged by the Secretary
If such complete facilities of education
Is shall at the earliest possible day
embrace all teachable Indian mouths
If both sexes and retain them with a
Kindly and benefoent hold until their
characters are formed and their facilities
md dispositions trained TO such pursuits
Of some form of useful industry. The 4
of the Indian no longer needs 4
demonstration 1t is established. ItA
'emains to make the most of it, and
when that shall be done the curse will
De lifted, the Indian race saved and the
lin of their oppression redeemed. The
line of its accomplishment depends
Upon the spirit and justice with which
t shall be prosecuted. 1t cannot be too
Ioon for the Indian, nor for the
interest and good name of the nation.
The average attendance of Indian pu-
oils in the schools increased by over
700 during the year, and the total en-
reached 1921. The cost of
was not materially raised.