Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1891-12-29
SECRETARY MOBILES REPURT.

SECRETARY MOBILES REPuRT.
The last annual report of Gen. John
W. Noble, secretary OF the interior, de-
votes much space to the interests OF the
west. In regard to irrigation matters he
urges that it is Of the greatest Importance
that the national government retain
general control. 1t is not impossible or
improbable that one state at the head OF
the stream, where alone can great bodies
OF water be stored, will go use this advan-
tage as to deprive the state, lower down
the stream, OF its due share OF the water.
So, the secretary argues, the welfare
of communities may depend upona wise
interference by the national government.
The secretary recommends, that timber
reservations he made about the heads OF
the streams that are to make irrigation
possible, and that these reservations be
established as national parks and properly
protected.
He quotes largely from the report OF the
surveyor general of New Mexico in regard
to land grants and the small holdings of
the people and says the impossbillty OF
describing the small holdings by legal
subdivisions is apparent, and it is recon-
mended that congress enact such further
legislation as will make available to this
class of persons the privilege intended to
be granted them, and that the period with
in which such claims must be filed under
the law be extended.
A very full statement of the condition
of Indian affairs is given. Great improve
ment in the physical condition of the In
dams has been effected, and their interest
in education and the attendance of the
schools has largely increased. The allot-
ment law, commonly known as the Dawes
BILL has secured for its author the praise
OF all interested in the welfare of the In
dams. 1t has been accepted as the very
best means of solving the Indian problem,
and it is now receiving an administration,
chiefly by written consent and agreement
of the Indians, that promises to develop
rapidly it's benefits for allottees.
The secretary explains in detail the
methods pursued in the examination
of pension claims, showing that every
precaution is taken against fraud, and
says it is meant to complete early the al
lowance of all pensions, while those en-
titled are alive, if possible; but because
this tremendous task is being efficiently
accomplished, it is wrong to conclude
that many claims without merit or illegal
are allowed.
The admirable management Of the
bureau Of education by Commissioner
VIM. T. Harris is favorably commended
by the secretary.
In speaking particularly of New Mexico
Gen. Noble gives synopsis OF the report
of the governor, and says that the most
notable thing in it is the progress that has
been made in public education.
The report in regard to the Yellowstone
and other national parks is very interest
ing. In the former park the large game
in the park has continually increased.
There is abundant evidence that many
buffalo are centented and quiet in the
park, and that they are on the increase.
A herd of about thirty, with several small
calves, had been seen near the Trout
Creek lunch station and elsewhere. Two
small bands of about thirty each, one
with twelve or fifteen calves, were found
near the west line of the park, in addition
to several single ones and small punches.
1t is no exaggeration to say there are 200, |
and probably there are 400, within the
park, and that they are thriving. The
elk have increased enormously, and most |
conservative estimates place their num-
bers at 1000 Their continuance in the
park is assured, and their overflow into
adjoining territory will furnish abundant
sport for the hunter. Mountain sheep,
deer and antelope are tame, numerous
and on the increase. They are hunted
but little, if at all. There are few
moose in the extreme southern part of
the park.
In appendix A Secretary Noble gives
his reason for thinking that the fact that
the government gave the Cherokees an
outlet to the west for hunting did not
give them title to the land in that out
let.
The report, as whole, is an able and
comprehensive document, and gives
vivid picture of the greatness and growth
of the nation. 1t reflects great credit
upon the administration and upon the
secretary whose comprehensive mind