Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1888-12-04

thus uniustly lost-must afford profound
qualification to right feeling citizens, as II Is
q recompenss for the labors and struggles or
the recovery Our dear experience ought
sufficiently to urge the speedy enactment OF
measures of legislation which win contine the
future disposition of our remaining agricul-
tural lands to the uses of actual huSbandry
and genuine homes
Nor should our vast tracts of 50 called des-
ert lands be yielded up to the monopoly OF
corporations or grasping individuals, as APP
pears to be much the tendency under the eX-
isting statute These lands require but the
supply of water TO become fertile and pro-
ductive 1t is a problem of great moment
how most wisely for the public good that
factor shall be furnished l cannot but think
itsperilous to suffer either these lands or the
sources of their irrigation total into the hands
of monopolies, which by such means may exer-
else lordship over the areas dependent on
their treatment for productiveness Al
ready steps have been taken TO
secure accurate and scientific infor-
nation of the conditions, which is the prime
basis of intelligent action. Until this shall
be gained. the course of wisdom appears
clearly to lie in a suspension of further dis
posal, which only promises TO create rights
antagonistic to the common interest No
harm can follow this cautionary conduct
The land win remain, ami the public good
presents no demand fer hasty dispossession
of national ownership and control
commend also the recommendations that
appropriate measures De taken to complete
the adjustment Of the various grants made to
the states for internal improvements and OF
swamp and overfowed lands, as well as to
adjudicate and finally determine the validity
81. -. l-..s Il
claims. All these are elements of great in
justice and peril to the settlers upon the To-
calities affected end now that their existence
cannot be avoided, no duty is more pressing
than to fix as soon as possible their bounds
arise from uncertainty
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 civihzing 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 to
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 jusS
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 adj
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
iuexpsrience of affairs or weakness of char
acter may expose him TO in dealing with
others. Whenever begun upon any reserva-
ton it should be made complete, so that all
are brought to the same condition, and, as
soon as possible, community in lands should
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 anelioratioa of this
people appears to me 50 promising as the ex-
tension, urged by the secretary, of such COM
plete facilities OF education a shall, at the
earliest possible day, embrace all teachabe
Indian youth of both sexes and retain them
with kindly and beneficent 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 race saved, and the sin of their OPP
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
1922 The cost of maintenance was not ma
terially raised. The number of teachable
Indian youth is now estimated at 40, 900. or
nearly three times the enrolment of the
schools. 1t is believed the obstac es in the
way of instructing are all surmountable and
that the necessary expenditure would be
measure of economy.
The Sioux tribes on the great reserv alton
of Dakota refused to assent to the act passed
by the congress at its last session for opening
q portion of their lands to settlement, not
withstanding modification of the terms was
suggested which met most of their objec-
tons. Their demand is for immediate Fay
ment of the full price of Sl.25 per acre Tor
the entire body of land the occupancy of
which they are asked to relinquish.
The manner of submission insured thrir
fair understanding of the law, and their
action was undoubtedly as thoroughly intlk
Igent as their capacity admitted 1t is at
least gratifying that no reproach of over
reaching can in any manner lie against the
government, however advisable the fayora-
BILE completion of the negotiation may have
been esteemed.
fr,f r.