Milford chronicle., 1888-12-07
THE INDIANS


The condition of our Indian population
continues to improve and the proofs multi
ply that the Transforming change, so much to
be desired, which shall substitute for barba-
rism enlightenment and civilizing education,
is in favorable progress. Our relations with
these people during the year have been dis
turbed by no serious disorders, 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 human
ity which has governed the later methods Of
dealing with them, and commend its CON
tinued observance.
Allotments in severalty have been made on
some reservations until all those entitled tc
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 con-
duce 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 ad-
ministered. 1t proffers opportunity and
inducement to 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 char
acter may expose him to in dealing with
others. Whenever begun upon any reserya-
tion it 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. Contact with the ways of indus
trious and successful farmers will perhaps
add healthy emulation which will both in
| struct and stimulate.
NECESSITY OF EDUCATION.
But no agency for the amelioratiOn Of this
people appears to me so promising as the ex-
I tension, urged by the secretary, Of such COM
plete facilities Of education a, shall, at the
earliest possible day, embrace all teachable
Indian youth of both sexes and retain them
with kindly and beneticent hold until their
characters 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. 1t is established. 1t
remains to make the most of it, and when
that shall be done the curse will be lifted, the
Indian racs saved, and the sin Of their op-
preston redeemed The time Of its accom-
| plishment depends upon the spirit and justice
with which it shall be prosecuted. 1t cannot
be soon for the Indian, nor for the interests
and good name Of the nation.
The average attendance of Indian pupils
on the schools increased by over 900 during
the year, and the total enrolment reached
1929. The cost Of maintenance was not ma
terially 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 are all surmountable and
that the necessary expenditure would be a
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
a portion of their lands to settlement, not
withsta1ding modification Of the terms was
suggested which met most of their objec-
tions Their demand is for immediate pay
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