The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-12-07
HOKE SMITHS REPORT.
REVIEW OF THE YEARS WORK OF
THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
Advocates Comprehensive Forestry System
Reviews Opening of Cherokee Strip
and Discources on the Indian
Policy-Etc., Etc.

WASHINGTON, Dec. Secretary of
the interior, Hoke Smith, in his an :
nual report, reviews the work Of all
branches of the department during the
past years. He comments on the utter
inadequacy of egislation thus far en-
acted to provide for legitimate protec :
ton of public timber to supply the
actual necessities of people dependent
upon it, to promote settlement and de-
velop the natural resources of the pub.
JIG lands. Legislation providing
for a wise and comprehensive
orestry system is recommended.
The secretary discusses at length the
opening of the Cherokee outlet. He
says the plan adopted was carried to
successful conclusion and prevented to
large extent wrongful occupancy of
land by people not entitled to settle
thereon. Referring to the Cherokee
Indian alottments, the secretary states
he sought unsuccessfully to dissuade
those representing the Indians from
seeking to select town sites for specu-
lative purposes. In order to defeat
the plans of the Indian spectators, he
approved the allotments made, but
fixed town sites in such a way as to
thwart their schemes. The secretary
recommends the passage of legislation
to protect people who have not settled
in those towns from this discrimina-
ton. He also recommends as substi-
tute to the present system of settle
ment, the adoption by congress of
some plan which by auction, lottery or
otherwise, may be determined in adj
vance the ownership of each particular
section.
The work of the Indian bureau
shows that they are steadily advanc
ing in civilization Their numbers are
increasing and there are now over
100000. Much good is being accomp-
lished by allotments in veveralty and
schools. The payment of Indian
depreciation claims is deemed sub
ject of grave consideration. Under the
existing law the appropriations intend
ed for the support of these Indians
will be consumed by the payment of
these claims and second appropria;
ton will be necessary to meet their
needs, so the payment of these claims
will eventually devolve upon the gov
eminent. 1t is estimated that these
claims will absorb many millions of
dollars and the policy of subjecting
the treasury to this strain is ques-
toned
Recent troubles in the Choctaw ma
ton are touched upon at length. The
secretary urges the prompt passage of
the bill now pending before congress
extending the jurisdiction of the
United States in the Indian Territory
so as to include the right of removal of
all cases where local prejudice is shown,
without regard to citizenship.
Upon the subject of pensions the
secretary calls attention to the great
amount saved to the government by
the stoppage of payment of illegal pen
sions at Norfolk, Va, New Mexico and
Iowa. Where it was thought pensions
could not be sustained and another
examination necessary, pay
ment of pensions was suspended pend
ing the investigation. This he says,
was done by the commissioner of pen
sions in pursuance of the uniTormlprac-
tice of the bureau existing almost
from its early organization. 1t was
found that many thus suspended were
able to supply proof when notice to
that effect was given, and payment to
these was at once resumed.