Daily Yellowstone journal., 1888-12-08

speedy enactment of measures of leeisla-
ton which will confine the future dis
position Of our remaining agricultural
lands to the uses OF actual husbandry
and genuine homes.
Nor should our vast tracts Of so-called
desert lands be yielded up to the mon
opoly Of corporations or grasping indi-
viduals, as appears to be much the
tendency under the existing statute.
These lands require but the supply of
water to beco ne fertile and productive.
II is a problem of great moment how
much wisely for the public good that
factor shall lie furnished. | cannot but
think il perilous to suffer either these
lands or the sources of their irrigation
10 fall into the hands Of monopolies
which 10y such means may exercise lord
ship over meas dependent on their treat
ment for productiveness.
sat. Land Grants.
l commend also the recommendations
that appropriate measures be taken to
complete the adjustment Of various
grants made to the states for internal
Improvements. and of swamp and over
flowed land as well 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
titles affected, and now that their exist
ence is more pressing than ever to fix, az
o as possible their bounds, and ter
inmate the threats of trouble which arise
from uncertainty.
n,. Uual.. D...,
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 veal have been disturbed by
no serious disorder. but rather marked
| by a better realization Of their true in
terests and 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 con-
tinued. In directing the execution Of
| this duty | have not aimed so much at
rapid dispatch as 10 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 lie fairly hoped. if 1t shall be dis
| creetly administered. II profFers oppo-.
lunity 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-
ter may expose him 10 in dealing with
others. Whenever begun upon any
reservation il 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 a healthy emulation which
will both instruct and stimulate. but no
agency for the amelioration of this peo-
pie appears 10 me so promls-
Ing as the extension urged by the
secretary Of such complete fs-
%cilities Of education as shall, at the ear
| Hest possible day, embrace all teachable
Indian youths Of both sexes, and retain
them with q kindly and heneficient 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. Ii is es-
tablished: il remains to make the most
of it. and when il shall be done the curse
will be lifted.
The average attendance Of Indian pu.
pills in the schools increased by over JOG
during the year, and the total enrolment
reached l5.2l2. The cost of mainten.
ance was not materially raised. The
number Of teachahle Indian youth is now
estimated at 10000, OF nearly three times
the enrolment of the schools. Ii is I've.
lieved the obstacles in the way Of in.
structing all are suTmountable, and that
the necessary expenditure would he a
measure of economy.
na. DwWn