The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-12-02

people,"
The abolition of that time-honored
abuse, the Office of posttrsd was a
work that required courage. The sys-
tenn was pernicious one, and had been
prolific in public scandal and in from
tier disturbances. On the fourth of
March, 1899, there were eighty-fve of
these traders. There are now twenty
two, seven of which have been notified
of the revocation of their licenses, and
four more are at posts whose abandon
ment has been ordered, leaving but
eleven in existence at points where
their continued federation is a neces-
sary evil
The measure of Secretary Proctor's
administration which most distinctly
displays his sagacity and illustrates the
practical quality of the man, was his
plan for the enlistment of Indians as
regular soldiers. On this point the
secretary's report is 50 interesting and
the facts he sets forth so important that
we transcribe his remarks in full:
=" In March last general order was issued
authorizing the enlistment of one companv
of Indians for each of the twenty-six regi-
ments of white cavalry aud infantry serv-
ing west of the Mississippi river. This
action was taken after careful inquiry into
the conduct in the past of Indian scouts and
police employed in a military or quasi
military capacity. The primary object,
fyip ha
ment, was to give employment, in useful
and legitimate channels, to a considerable
NUN Der of Indians of the war-like tribes
Having been deprived, by the extinction of
game, of both employment and means of
subsistence, they can not be changed at
once from nomads to quiet and successful
farmers. Incidentally it was hoped that
the habits of obedience, cleanliness and
punctuality, as well as of steady labor in
the performance of both military and in
dustrial work inculcated by service in the
army, would have good effect on those
who might enlist, and also furnish an object
lesson of some value and exert a healthy
influence upon others of their tribes.
" 1t was not deemed advisable to urge
Indians into the service hastily, and special
efforts have been made to inform them of
the responsibilities they would incur and
the duties that would be required of them
as soldiers. The results have been very
satisfactory. Seven companies-three of
cavalry and four of infantry-haye been re.
cruited to their full complement and seven
others partially, and the reports indicate
that the organization of these will be COM
pleted at an early day. l have had an
opportunity TO personally inspect some of
these Indian cavalry troops, and have re-
ceived full reports showing the condition of
others. In good conduct, drill and military
bearing, attention to duty, observance OF
courtesies, and care of horses, arms and
equipment, clothing barracks, mess-rooms
and Kitchens, they are at least equal TO SOL
diers OF other races of no greater experience
For example, Troop l., of the First
Cavalry, recruited from the Crow tribe,
though none of its members had had more
than five months service, furnished as
early as September IA last its full quota of
non. commissioned officers trumpeters, and
. privates for guard, fatigue, and other post
duties; and on recent two weeks prac-
tice march OF the command to which it
belongs demonstrated its capacity for the
performance of the various duties of the
expedition. The colonel of the First Cav
airy recognizes that the men of this troop
possess in high degree the characteristics
and traits essential in light cavalry, and
considers them valuable acquisition to his
regiment. Satisfactory reports have also
been received of the progress of the Indian
infantry companies.
Nothing unfavorable has been brought
to the attention of the department regard
ing the utility as military organizations of
the Indian companies of either arm, but so
lar there is every reason to believe that
much more than was expected of the ex-
pertinent will be realized They are treated
in all respects like other soldiers, and the
same duties are required of them. They
are dressed the same, fed the same, taught
to cook and eat their food in the same man
ner, and in every respect they strive ear
nestly to equal, and, if possible, Guido their
white comrades. All commands are given
in English, and though few of them under
stand the language they learn the sound of
their orders quickly and make rapid
progress in drill.
" Some of the companies which have
only been enlisted for three or four months
would make creditable appearance at any
encampment or review When it is con-
sidered that short time ago many of these
Indian soldiers were blanket Indians, that
few of them ever had on a suit of clothes
slept under roof, ate at table, used a
knife and fork, wore shoes, or had their
hair cut, the transformation is indeed re-
markable
" The habit for a few years of wearing good
clothes. eating good food well cooked by
themselves, and living in clean and comfort
able quarters, and the lesson that these COM
forts are earned by their own good conduct.
Will not be entirely lost upon men of any
race or color. They are receiving ihstruc-
ton in English and in the methods of civil
lZeu ms undl Will nelp Jnem 10 nelp them
selves when discharged. They will be i'm
pressed with the power of the government
and the folly and futiity of disobedience of
its authority.
" am confident that after few months
training they will be fit for any service,
and properly managed will furnish a
valuable addition to the military strength
of the nation. Great care must be taken in
the selection of officers to whom is intrusted
the instruction and development of these
companies Only officers of high character
that believe in the work and in the posi-
bility of progress and civilization for the
Indian, who are patient and faithful and
not only soldiers of the highest order, but
imbued with something of the missionary
spirit as well, should be selected.
" 1t is not only an important step toward
their civilization, self-support, aud control,
but it is the cheapest and best insurance
against further Indian troubles. While /
believe they will prove trustworthy in any
service, even against their own people, they
will, at least, be sureties in some measure
for their respective tribes"
Secretary Proctor's administration
seems fully to justifythe following from
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