Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-12-06
TO THE 1xai4ys.

The condition Of our Indian population contin-
ues 10 improve, aud the proofs multiply that the
transforming change so much to be desired whicl
is a substitute for barbarisnI, enlightenment and
cureizing education, is in favorable progress Our
relations with these people during the year have
been diYulged by no serious disorder, but rather
marked by better realization of their interests,
and increasing confidence and good viii. These
conditions testt. to the value Of the higher
tone of consideration and humanity which
has governed the latter methods of dealing with
them and commend its continued observance.
Allotments in severalty have been made on some
reservations, until all those entitled TO land there
on have had their shares assigned and the work
is still continued in directing the execution of this
duty. i have not aimed so much at rapid dispatch
as 70 secure just and fair arrangements, which
shall best conduce to the objects of the law by
producing satisfaction with the results of the al
lotments made No measure of general effect has
ever been entered on from which more may be
fairly hoped, if it shall be dscreely administered.
Ii profers opportunity and inducement TO that in
dependence OF spirit and life which Indian peculiar
tiles need while at the same time their inability OF
title affords security against the risk his experience
of affairs or weakness Of character 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 condition, and
as soon as possible community IN lands should
cease by opening such as remain unalOtted to set
tlement Contact with the ways of Industrious
and successful farmers viii perhaps add healthy
emulation which will instruct and stimulate,
but no agency for the amelioration Of this people
appears TO me so promising as the extension,
urged by the secretary of such complete faculties
of education as shall at the earliest possible day,
embrace all teaChable Indian youths Of both
sexes, and retain them with kindly and beneii-
cent hold until their characters are formed and
their faculties and dispositions trained 10 the sure
pursuit of some form of useful Industry. The ca
pacity of the Indian no longer needs demonstra-
tian. IL is established; IT remains to make the
most of il. and when that shall be done the curse
will be lifted, the Indian race saved, and the sin
of their oppression redeemed. The time OF its &C
compliShments depends upon the spirit and jus
tice with which it shall be prosecuted II can not
be to soon for the Indian, nor for the interests and
good name of the nation,
The average attendance Of Indian pupils in the
the schools increased by over 800 during the year,
and the total enrolment reached 1879 The cost
Of maintenance was not materially raised. The
number Of teachable Indian youths is now es-
timated at 10000. or nearly three times the
enrolment Of the schools It is believed the
obstacles in the way of instucting all are
surmOuntahle and that the necessary eXpend-
iture would be n measure OF economy. The
Sioux tribes in the great reservation OF Dakota,
refused TO assent to the act passed by the con
gress at its last session for opening a proportion
Of their lands to their settlement not wthstandng
modification Of the terms was suggested which
met most of their objections Their demand rs for
immediate payment of the fun price OF 81 % per
acre for the entire body Of land the occupancy
Of which they are asked 20 relluuuiSh.
The manner Of submission insured their fair I'M
tlerstanding VI the law and their action was
undoubtedly as thoroughly intelligent as their
capacity admitted II is at least gratifying that
no reproach of Overreaching can In any manner
be against the government however advisable the
favorable completion of the negotiation may have
seemed concur in the suggestions Of the secre-
tary regarding The Tuttle Mountain Indians, the
two reservations in California aid the Crees.
They should, In my opinion, ieceiye immediate
attention.