New-York tribune., 1892-01-02
INDIANS AS SOLDIERS.
GOOD RESULTS OF SECRETARY PROCTORS
I PERTINENT.
MAJOR sCHwAN FINDS THEM PROFICIENT AND
FAITHFUL AND MAKING RAPID PROGRESS.

MAJOR SCHwAN FINDS THEM PROFICIENT AND
FAITHFUL AND MAKING RAPID PROGRESS.
tsY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNEI
Washington IAN 1.-The movement to incorporate
into the Army an Indian contingent, which was set on
foot by Secretary Proctor and which, together WIN
the numerous reforms in the system OF admhis'r
tion discipline and promotion accomplished py in"'
will mark his administration of the War Department
one Of the most progressive In the peace hs'ors
OF the military establishment Is not likely to lag, now
that he is no longer the head Of the Department
Both MajorGeneral Schofed and AdjutantGenerai
Kelton are strongly impressed with the belief that
Indians can be moulded into valuable soldiers, ana
that the introduction of Indian company into each
wlhie cavalry and infantry regiment, now well uhder
way will 90 far toward solving the difficult problem
of the civilization OF Indians.
Just now Major schwan, of the AdjutantGenerars
Department. who has from the first taken lively in
terest I'm this form OF enlistment Is visiting NUMBER
OF posts at which Indian companies are stationed He
mas visited a company of infantry at Camp Poplar
River, Mont. and troop Of cavalry at Fort Meade
S. D. The troops are composed Of Sioux
Indians, some OF whom were renegaoes
under Sitting Bull in 1877. Major schwan
says that of the infantry company the general
appearance was excellent, fact all the more note
worthy when it is remembered that six months ago all
its members were long haired, unkempt and unclean
creditablc and the soldiers have shown great accuracy
in the use Of firearms although they were unac-
customed to the service weapon. The condition Of the
company's barracks, kitchen and messroom was ab-
solutely faultless the bedding, furniture. WINDOWS,
foors and stoves were ali scrupulously clean. inc
con pany has abundance Of wholesome food served
three times a day and eaten in comfortable surround
ings In addition to the Army rations, most OF the
members receive ration under the Indian service al
lOtnent.
The company is instructed not only In military
work but in the Engi-h language and the rudiments
of an ordinary education. When not on duty the
soldiers attend the post school The commanding
officer Of the company, which is part oi the 2oi
Infantry speaks highly Of the conduct OF the heh s
believes them to be loyal to their officers, ae
pr,clative Of kind treatment we'll as Of the
nocessity of military discipline. and devoid ol
thevng propeEsities They are also possessed oi
fair sense Of justice, well as observaht VI
the rules regarding military courtesy Four'een
members OF the company are married; some oi 'neS'
brought their families with them when they enlisted
and live in substantially built log houses lhuiai
husbands claim the right OF throwing away theii
wives at pleasure and Of entering without ceremony
into marital relations with other women but the com
pany commander enforcing the rule that none OF tn'
soldiers already married shall be allowed ID folio"
this barbarous practice 1t is recommended In the
report that the camp at Poplar River be abandoned, a.
the post Is In state OF decay.
At Fort Meade Major SChwan found q well-equlppeo
cavalry troop attached 10 the Sd Regiment of the
fifty two men comprising the troop. three are hail
breeds and the remainder full bloodS. hghteer
Of the men married. but their families dd not az
company them to the post The troop contains ~
unusually large proportion If young men, some OF then
Younger than the minimum age OF eighteen, )udsli.
from their slender figure, and boysh faces. Iht
troop has non commissioned officers selected from th'
full-b0Oded Of the troop. They seem PROUD OF tca
places are unrcmitting In their efforts To MT them
selves for their duty they exhibit rmness anG tact ant
are treated with respect by the private The irOoI
arms are new and iii good condition The meals ar'
prepared by Indian soldiers under the SUPERVISION
a white nOn-cOmmissOned officer. The troop snow
proficiency In drill and the manual Of arms wa
executed with vim and precision. The drills OF m
troop have been foot, and the work Of the mem
hers has been the caring for thirty-six Wild horse
| recently purchased by the Army.
In November forty of these Indians were unaD
| TO speak English read or write To-Day every on
can write his name, and most OF them are able e
read I'm words OF syllable, while their progress II
arithmetic las been equally gratifying Ii Is recon-
mended that at least teacher and ~ possible tw'
teachers be detailed to assist In educailonal WORK
| this post. The take good care OF the Govern
! mcnt property and are truthful Their commandln
officer has implicit faith in their loyalty, and believe
that in the field they would exhibit sOldiery quahtle
of the highest order Among the best men In IN
| troop are seven who wifi Big Foot at tn
| time Of the Wounded Knee battle. The feeling be
! tween the Indians and white soldiers is friendly.