Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1888-12-05

think it perilous to suffer either these
lands or the sources of their irrigation
to fall into the hands of moncpolies
which by such means may exercise lord
ship over areas dependent ON their treat
ment for productiveness.
State Land Grants.
Icommend also the recommendations
that appropriate measures be taken to
complete the adjustment OF xarious
grants made to the states for internal
improvements, and of swamp and over
Flowed land 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 local
tiles affected, and now that their exist
ence is more pressing than ever to fix, az
soon as possible their bounds, and ter
inmate the threats of trouble which arise
from uncertainty.
Our Indian Population.
The condition of our Indian popula-
ton continues to improve and the proofs
multiply that the transforming change
Is much to be desired which shall substi-
tute for barbarism enlightenment, and
civilizing education is in favorable pro-
cess. Our relations with these people
during the year have been disturbed by
no serious disorder, but rather marked
by better realization Of their true in
terests ami increasing confidence and
good will. These conditions testify TO
the value of 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 en-
titled to land thereon have had their
shares assigned and the work is still COM
tinued. 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 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. It proffers oppo--
tunity and judgement to that indie
pendence of spirit and life (which the
Indian peculiarities need, while at the
same time the inalienable of title affords
security against the risks his inexperi-
ence of affairs or weakness OF charac-
ter may 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 con-
dition, and as soon as possible COM
munity in lands should cease by OPEN
ing such as remain unallotted to settle
ment. Contact with the ways of in
dustrious and successful farmers will,
perhaps. add healthy emulation which
will both instruct and stimulate, but no
agency for the amelioration of this peo-
pie appears to me so promls-
ing as the extension urged by the
secretary of such complete fa-
cilities of education as shall, at the ear
lest possible day, embrace all teachable
Indian youths of both sexes, and retain
them with kindly and benefcient hold
until their characters are formed, and
their faculties and dispositions trained
to the same pursuit of some form of use
full industry. The capacity of the Indian
no longer needs demonstration. 1t is es-
tablished; it remains to make the most
of it, and when it shall be done the curse
will be lifted.
The average attendance of Indian pu-
pills in the schools increased by, over 300
during the year, and the total enrolment
reached 1922. The cost of mainten-
ance was not materially raised. The
of teachable Indian youth is now
estimated at 40, 005, or nearly three times
the enrolment of the schools. 1t is be-
lieved the obstacles in the way of in
structing all are surmountable, and that
the necessary expenditure would be q
measure of economy. ~
Opening Reservations.
The Sioux tribes on the great reserva-
ton of Dakota refused to assent to the
act passed by the congress at its last ses-
sion for opening portion of their lands
to their settlement, notwithstanding not
of the terms was suggested
which met most of their objections.
Their demand is for immediate payment
of the full price Of $1.25 per acre for the
entire body of land the occu-
pancy of which they are asked
to relinquish The manner of
submission insured their a fair
understanding of the law and their action
was no doubt as thoroughly intelligent
as their capacity admitted. 1t is at least
gratifying that no reproach or over
reaching can in any manner be made
against the government, however advis-
able the favorable completion of the ne
gotiations may have been esteemed. /
concur in the suggestions of the secre-
tary regarding the Turtle mountain In
dians, the two reservations in California
and the Crees. They should, in my
opinion, receive immediate attention.
Pensions.
The number of pensioners added to the
list during the fiscal year ended June 30,
1888, is 6O,252, and increase of pensions
was granted in 1910 cases. The names
of 10, 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 receiv-
ing pensions was 49,, 557. Of these
there were 500 survivors of the war of
1912, 10,787 widows of those who served
in that war, $1,000 soldiers of the Next
can war, and 5,104 widows of said
soldiers. One hundred and two differ
ent rates of pensions are paid to these
beneficiaries, ranging from SO to $416.66
per month. The amount paid for PEN
sions during the fiscal year was $751;
TIE, 661.91, being an increase over the
year of So, 308, 280.22.
The expenses attending the mainten-
ance and operation CT the pension
bureau during that perion was $3,262,-
574.67, making the entire expenditures
of the bureau $50, 038 1886. 81 being 81 1-2
per cent of the total expenditures Of
government during the year.
Revision of Pension Laws.
am thoroughly convinced that our
general pension laws should be revised
and adjusted to meet as far as possible,
In the light of our experience, all meri-
torious cases. The fact that .102 differ
emit rates of pensions are paid cannot,
in my opinion, be made consistent with
justice to the pensioners or to the gov
eminent, and the numerous private
pension bills that are passed predicated
upon the imperfection of general laws,
while they increase in many cases ex-
listing in equality and injustice lend ad-
ditional force to the recommendation
for a revision of the general laws on this
subject. The laxity Of ideas prevailing
among a large number of our people re-
garding pensions is becoming every day
more marked. The principles upon
which they should be granted are In
danpnr of heinn alfoonthpr ionorod o,,d