The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-22
A CHANGE IN THE INDIAN POLICY.

n II
President Cleveland's decision to
divorce the management OF Indian al
fairs from politics is most gratifying evil
dence of a much needed reform in this
line. His appointments of the chief of
the Indian bureau and his assistant are
taken to indicate that the new policy
will be carried out in it's fullest mean
ing. That is, according to the express
sion of Mr.. Cleveland in his inaugural
address: "Every effort should be made
to lead them through the paths of civil
ization and education to self-supportlng
and independent citizenship. In the
meantime, as the nations wards, they
should be promptly defended against
the cupidity Of designing men and
shielded from every influence or tempta-
ton that retards their advancement"
Montana is naturally interested in
this matter. Our older citizens have
seen enough of Indians rings to appre-
ciate the outgrowth of any policy de-
signed to correct abuses and carry out
the true objects of the department.
Many Of the most satisfactory changes
have been worked out in this state.
On at least two of the reservations the
problem of Indian labor has been solved
Large crops of hay and many miles Of
irrigating bitches are taken as sufficient
evidence that tho Indians work IN this
respect is as productive as that of the
white man and that this can be &c.
cured by the exercise of sound judg-
ment, careful management and a trust
worthy knowledge of the IndiaG him
self.
From unofficial sources the announce
ment has come that President Cleve-
land favors the transfer of Indian agen-
cies to army officers. We are not pre-
pared to say whether this would be
wholly desirable, but it would at least
accomplish the purpose Of separating
the management of Indians from the
rewards of political service. Army officers
who have been stationed on the frontier
ought to have a good knowledge of In
dian character, and the discipline Of
army methods ought to prove an advan.
tage in the business management of the
agency. At the same time there should
DO no difficulty in finding civilians
suited in every way to the duties Of the
office. In reviewing the list of appli-
cants for Indian agencies in this state
we fail to find the name of one who
should not prove an excellent officer.
The most important change and that
which would be productive of the most
good would be the establishment Of
| Indian schools as near the reservations
as is possible to assure good results
Miles City would provo an excellent 10
cation in all respects. An Indian schoo
at this point could be supplied with al
requirements for education found a
Carlisle or Hampton. On the othe:
hand it would possess a striking advan
tage in that the Indian pupil would b.
close to his home and relatives ant
would thus be permitted to enjoy tina
home society which is as dear to the rec
man as to his white brother. The fail
ure of Indian education in the east i
largely due to the long and wearing
ing separation of the Indian boy iron
his relatives.
The present administration ha
started out to remedy no only this CIV
but Others growing out Of the lack {
methods and business management o
the part Of the government in dealin
with %its:.red skinned wards and promise
tn he successful,