Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-12-06
PENSIONS.


The number of pensioners added to the rolls
during the fiscal year ended June 80 1885, is Os52
an increase of pensions was granted in 45,716
dropped from the rolls during the for
lous causes and at the close of the year the num-
Der OF persons of ell classes receiving pensions
War of 1872; 1O,7S7 widows of those who served
IN that war; 5000 soldiers of the Mexican
var, and 5,104 widows OF said soldiers
One hundred and two different rates of pensions
are paid to these benefciaries ranging from = to
S4lo-60 per month. The amount paid for pensions
curing the fiscal year was S7S,7s5 Sol. 90, being an
The expenses attending the maintenance of
operations of the pension bureau during that
period was $500 4.65, making the entire
expenditures OF the bureau SS30 3S. 1861, be-
ing Il per cent. of the total expendi-
lures of the government during the wear
/ am thoroughly convinced that our internal pen
sion laws should be revised and adjusted TO ,1ieaE
as far as possible, in the light of our experiences.
an nleritorlouS cases The fact that one hundred
not, IN my opinion, be made consistent with ms
tee TO the pensioner or to the governments: and
the numerous private pension bills that are passed,
preGlcated upon the imperfection of general laws
while they increase in many cases the existino in
equality and injustice, lend additional force
to the recommendations for revision of
the general laws on this subject, The
laNlty of ideas prevailing among q large
number OF our people regarding pensions is be-
upon which they should be granted are in danger
of being altogether ignored, and already pensions
are often claimed because the applicants are as
much entitled as other successful applicants
uted TO military service. If the establishment
of the various precedents be continued,
the granting of pensions be not divorced from
partisan and other unworthy and irrevelant con-
slderationS, and if the honorable name of veteran
unfairly become, by these means, but another
term for one who constantly clamors for the aid
of the government, there is danger that injury
will be done to the fame and patriotism OF many
whom our citizens all delight to honor and that
prejudice will be aroused unjust to meritorious
applications for pensions.
TO TIE INDIANS.
The condition of our Indian population contin-
ueS TO improve, and the proofs multiply that the
transforming change so much to be desired which
is substitute for barbariSm enlightenment and
cureizing education, is in favorable progress Our
relations with these people during the year have
been divuged by no serious disorder, but rather
marked by a better realization of their interests,
and increasing confidence and good viii. These
conditions testify to the value of the higher
tone of consideration and humanity which
has governed the latter methods of dealing with
them and commend its continued observance
AHotmentS IN Severalty have been made on some
reservations, until all those entitled to land there
on nave 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 al
lotmentS 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 proferS opportunity and inducement to that in
dependence of spirit and life which Indian peculiar
tiles need, while at the same time their inability OF
title affords security against the risk his experience
of affairs or weakness of character may 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 unalotted to set
tlement. Contact with the WAYS of industrious
and successful farmers viii perhaps add healthy
emulation which will instruct and stimulate,
l,,rA fc,A L.,
appears to me so promising Us the extension,
urged by the secretary of such complete faculties
of education as shall, at the earliest possible day.
embrace all teachable Indian youths of both
sexes, and retain them with kindly and benefi-
cent hold until their characters are formed and
their faculties and dispositions trained to the sure
pursuit of some form of useful industry. The ca
pacity of the Indian no longer needs demonstra-
tian. 1t is established; it remains to make the
most of it, and when that shall be done the curse
will be lifted, the Indian race saved, and the sin
of their oppression redeemed. The time of its ac-
complishments depends upon the spirit and JUS
tice with which it shall be prosecuted. 1t can not
be to soon for the Indian, nor for the interests and
good name of the nation.
The average attendance of Indian pupils in the
the schools increased by over 900 during the year,
and the total enrolment reached 1922. The cost
of maintenance not materially raised. The
number of teachable Indian youths is now es-
timated at 10000 or nearly three times the
enrolment of the schools. It is believed the
obstacles in the way OF instructing all are
surmountable and that the necessary expend-
iture would be a measure of economy. The
Sioux tribes in the great reservation of Dakota,
refused to assent to the set passed by the con-
gress at its last session for opening proportion
Of their lands to their settlement not WithStandng
modification of the terms was suggested which
met most of their objections. TER demand is for
immediate payment of the f;,il price Of 91.2 per
acre for the entire body of land the occupancy
of which they are asked to renGuish
The manner of submission insured their fair I'M
derstanding Of the law. and their action
undoubtedly thoroughly intelligent their
capacity admitted. 1t is at least gratifying that
no reproacn of overreaching in any manner
be against the government, however advisable the
favorable completion of the negotiation may have
seemed. l concur in the suggestions of the secre-
tary regarding the futile Mountain Indians, the
two reservations in California and the Crees.
They should, in my opinion, receive immediate
attention.