Bismarck weekly tribune., 1888-12-07

ton continues to improve and the proofs
multiply that the transforming change
ts 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 and increasing confidence and
good will. These conditions testify to
the value of higher tone of consid Iteration
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 con-
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. 1t proffers oppo--
tunity and inducement 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-
others. Whenever begun upon any
reservation it should be made complete
90 that all are brought to the same con-
HIfin11 op11 r,0ccsh14
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 ameioration of this peo-
pie appears to me so promis-
ing as the extension urged BY the
secretary of such complete fa-
cilities of education as shall, at the ear
Hest possible day, embrace all teachable
Indian youths of both sexes, and retain
them with a kindly and beneficient 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 1929. The cost of mainten-
ance was not materially raised. The
number of teachable Indian youth is now
estimated at 4O, ,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-
tion 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
ification 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
snbmissona so lsna0'sh insured eae %saner 96eq f.f
understanding of the law and their action
was no doubt as thoroughly intelligent
as their capacity admitted. It is at least
gratifying that no reproach or over
reaching can in any manner be made
able the favorable completion of the me-
gotiations may have been esteemed. I
concur in the suggestions of the secre-
tary regarding the Turtle mountain In
dams, the two reservations in California
and the Crees They should, in nv
opinion, receive immediate attention.
Pensions.
The number Of pensioners added to the
list during the fiscal year ended June 80,
1888, is GO, 1853, and increase of pensions
was granted in 1910 cases. The names
Of Is. 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 452,557. Of these
there were 8O6 survivors of the war of
1912, 1O,787 widows of those who served
in that war, 16, ,060 soldiers of the Mexi-
can war, and 5,1O4 widows of said
soldiers. One hundred and two differ
ent rates of pensions are paid to these
beneticiaries, ranging from So to $418. .66
per month. The amount paid for pen
slons during the fiscal year was $78,-
775, 1851 81, being an increase over the
proceeding year Of So, ,S08 ,28O.22.
The expenses attending the mainten-
ance and operation cf the pension
bureau during that perion was $3, ,262,-
574.67, making the entire expenditures
of the bureau $82, ,038, ,386.67 being 81 1-2
per cent of the total expenditures of
government during the year.
Revision of Pension Laws.
lam 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 1O2 differ
ent rates of pensions are paid cannot,
in my opinion, be made consistent with
justice to the pensioners or to the gov
ernment, and the numerous private
pension bills that are passed predicated
upon the imperfection of general laws.
while they increase in many cases ex.
isting in equality and injustice lend ad-
ditional force to the recommendation
for 9 revision of the general laws on this
subject. The laxity Of ideas prevailing
among large number of our people re-
rro ~ i,,rr ,,e,,o;o,,, 80