New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-04


hounds and terminate the threats Of trouble
which arise from uncertainty.
THE INDIANS.
The condition of our Indian population con-
inues 10 improve and the proofs multiply that the
Transforming change so much TO be desired,
which shall substitute for barbarism enlighten-
ment and civilzing education, Is in favorable
progress Onr relations with these people dur
ing the wear have been disturbed by no serious dis
ORDERS but rather marked by better realization OF
their true interests, ana increasing cohndenCe
and g'cd will. These conditions TESTIFY 10 ,ns
value OF the higher tone OF consideration ana
humanity which has governed the later metnods
Of dealing with them, and commend It's continued
observance
some reservations until all those entitled to hnd
thereon have had their shares assigned; ana me
work is still continued In directing the eNecu-
ton of this duty / have not aimed so mucn aC
rapid dispatch as 10 secure just and fair arrange.
,nents which shall best conduce to the OBJECTS OF
the law, by producing satisfaction with the re,
suits Of the aotments made. NO measure Oh
general effect has ever been entered from which
more may be fairly hoped, II il shall be discreety
administered 1t profers opportunity and IN, m
ducement 10 that independence OF sprt ana the
same time the inalienability Of title affords Sc
curity against the risks his neXperience OF AFFAIRS
or weakness Of character may oppose nan 70 ,nv
reservation il should be complete, so that all are
brought to the same condition and as soon as pos
sible, community in lands should cease oy opeii-
ing such as remain unallotted to settlement.
Contact with the ways of industrious and sue
cessful farmers will perhaps, add healthy emu
lation which will both instruct and stimulate
But no agency for the amehoraton OF TINS
people appears to me so promising the extension
urged BY the Secretary, OF such complete facilities
of education as SHALL at the earliest possible day.
sexes, and retain them with a kindly and benefi-
cent hold until tleir characters are
formed and their faculties and dis.
some form Of useful industry Capacity Of the
Indian no longer needs demonstration. 1t is cs-
tablshed. 1t remains to make. the most of 1t,
and when that shall be done the curse will he
lifted the Indian race saved, and the sin of their
oppression redeemed The time of its accomSsli-
ment depends upon the spirit and justice win
which it shall be prosecuted. 1t cannot be too
soon for the Indian, nor for the interests ana
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 1922. The cost
of maintenance was not materially raised The
number of teachabe Indian youth is now estl-
mated at 10000, or nearly three times the en-
staces in the way of instructing are all sirmoun-
able, and that the necessary expenditure would be
"a measure of economy.
The Sioux tlibes On the great reservation of
Dakota refused 10 assent the act passed by the
Congress at its last session for opening portion
of their lands TO settlement, Notwithstanding
modification of the terms suggested which
met most of their objections. Their demand is
for immediate payment of the full price of 81 %
per acre for the entire body Of land, the occu-
pancy OF which they are asked 10 relin9nlsh
The manner of submission insured their falr
understanding of the law. and thelr action was
as thoroughly intelligent. as their
capacity admitted 1t is at least gratIyTg I dnar
lie against the Government. however advisable
the favorable completion of the negotiation may
have been esteemed.
regarding the Turtle Mountain Indians. the two
in California ald the Crees. they
should. in my opinion, receive immediate attention
PENSIONS.
The number Of pensioners added TO the rolls
daring the fiscal year ended June so, 1888, is
60 252; and increase of pensions was granted in
45, 7l6 cases The names of -, 73O pensioners
were dropped from the rolls during the year for
various causes and at the close Of the year the
number Of persons of all classes receiving PEN
sions was 452557 or these there were 500
viyors of the war of 9l2 10, 7S7 widows cf those
who served in that war. 5000 soldiers OF the
Mexican war. and 104 widows of said soldiers.
One hundred and two different rates Of pensions
are paid to these benefciaries, ranging from 81 TO
Sal sc per month.
The amount paid for pensions during the
fiscal year was 1S,775,S61 %. being an increase
The expenses attending the maintenance and
operation Of the Pension Bureau during that
period was s3,202,524 81. making the enure ex-
n IL per cent of the gross income and nearly 81
per cent Of the total expenditures OF the Govern
ment during the year
| am thoroughly convinced that our general
pension laws should he revised and adjusted TO
meet. as far possible in the light of our eX
one hundred and two different rates OF pensions
are paid cannot. in my opinion be made consistent
with Justice TO the pensioners or to the Govern
ment; and the numerous private pension bils
hat are passed. prcdicated upon the lmperiection
of general laws while they increase in many
eases existing inequality and injustice, lend adj
ditiona force to the recommendation for re-
vision Of the general laws on this subject
The laxity Of ideas prevailing among large
number OF our people regarding pensions Is bocom-
ing every day more marked The principles upon
which they should be granted are III danger OF
being altogether ignored, and already pensions
are often claimed because the applicants are 0s
much entitled as other successful applicants rather
than upon any disability reasonably attributable
to military If the establishment of vicious
presidents be continued. if the granting Of pen
,ions he not divorced from partisan and other
and irrelevant considerations, and if
the honorable name of veteran unfairly becomes
by these means but another term Tor one who
constantly clamOrs for the and OF the Govern
ment. there is danger that injury VIII be done
to the fame and patriotism of many whom our
citizens all delight to honor and that prejudice
will be aroused unjust to meritorous applicants
for pensions.
AGRICULTURE
The Department of Agriculture has continued,
with a good measure OF success its efforts to
develop the processes. enlarge the results. and
augment the profits of American industry Ii
has collected and distributed practical informa-
ton. introduced and tested new plants. checked
the spread of contagious disease of farm animals,
resisted the advance of ,noXiOus insects and de-
structive fungus growtls, and sought to secure 10
agricultural labor the highest reward Of effort
and the fullest immunity from loss lis records
OF the year show that the season Of SSS has been
one OF medium production. generous supply of
the demands of consumption has been assured, and
a surplus for expectation. moderate in certain
products and bountiful in others, will prove Il
benefactior alike TO buyer and grower.
our years ago il was found that the great
cattle industry OF the country endangered
and those engaged in it were alarmed at the
,apid extension Of the European lung plague OF
DleurO- pneumonia. Serious outbreaks existed In |