Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1892-12-16
DEPARTMENTAL ANIMALS.
the Reports of Secretaries
Noble and Elkins.
The Years Work in the Depart
ment of the Interior.

The annual report OF Secretary Noble, OF
the Interior Department is an interesting
document and covers fully and in detail the
operations Of the department. The volume
of work accomplished during the present
Administration is shown to greatly exceed
that Of any preceding period. This view is
supported by q condensed summary prelim-
mary TO description OF the work OF the
several bureaus under the direction Of the
Secretary for the last fiscal year.
The General Land Office has worked of
the vast accumulation OF former years and
is now on current business, greatly to the
advantage of Western settlera; the Indian
Bureau has made great PROCESS in elevat-
ing the various Indian tribes, in the work
of allotment of land in severalty to indi.
vidual Indians, the consequent disintegra-
ton of their tribal relation, and the de-
velopment of schools. Great reform has
been accomplished in the purchase of In
dian supplies. The Pension Office has dis
posed of an immense volume of work and
has exceeded all former records in the num-
Der of final adjudications. both original and
upon appeals, executing the bene6cent laws
for the soldiers of the Union. The Census
Office has finished nearly all of its immense
and highly scientific work, and what re-
mains is rapidly nearing completion
The Geological Survey has progressed
greatly in its typographical survey of the
States and Territories; in locating reser-
voirs for the irrigation of the arid lands, and
in its other useful divisions. The Railroad
Bureau has kept constant supervision of the
condition Of the road beds and appur-
tenances and given careful consideration
to the question of the maturing debts
of the subsidized railroads and the
future conditions which should govern
them The Patent Office has kept up with
current work, and has introduced several
important reforms. The Bureau of Educa-
ton has greatly EXTENDED its operations in
Europe and our own country, and the dis
tribution of the funds for agricultural
colleges, difficult problem, Las been salts
factorily and efficiently handled.
Educational work among the Indians has
been greatly increased and improved in
efficiency. There has been an increase of
over thirteen per cent. IN attendance of
children in the schools. the total for 1892 be-
ing ~ 1913 scholars.
The reservation system is being rapidly
broken up, and the allotments of land in
sufficient quantity to enable each Indian to
have farm, has developed a sense of indi-
vidual Importance and appreciation of per-
sonal power that is rapidly disintegrating
the tribal relations.
Wherever it is possible the employment of
Indians in preference to whites, at the agen-
cies and in schools is being practiced, and
many important positions are now filled &C.
ceptably by educated Indians.
The Patent Office in preparing exhibit
~
will be a very satisfactory one to the Gov
eminent. The total number of applications
for patents during the year was IS, 945.
The volume of business handled and dis
POSED of by the Pension Office during the
past year was enormous. There were on
June 80, 1892 S76, 06S pensioners borne apon
the rolls, being 19a, 9JS more than were on
the rolls at the close of the last fiscal
year. The total amount expended for pen
sions during the year was $13a, OBS, 6l26S.
and it is estimated that the appropriation
for 1898 of s144, 955, 900 will leave defct-
ency. Some idea OF the magnitude of the
work can be formed from the fact that dur
ing the year 5,375. 100 pieces of mail were re-
ceivet, and ,316 6l6 pieces sent out.
The Secretary presents a bill framed to
give Alaska a better government and is
very earnest in his recommendation that
the condition of the Territory receive the
attention of Congress.
The report also contains an account of the
work up to date on the Nicaragua Canal.
The Secretary expresses the opinion that
this enterprise is o. the utmost i'm portance
to the welfare of the country in either peace
or war, and should have the favor able rec
IGNITION of Congress.