The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1894-12-22
FAR WESTERN INDIANS.


ton. 4"H.
WASHINGTON, Dec. lT.-General de
vastation OF crops, resulting from Sc
we're droughts, and in some sections
from the ravages Of gophers, are re-
ported in all the Indian agencies.
Many Of the Indians, encouraged by
fair spring weather, made preparations
for large crops, but the sun and hot
winds commenced early in May and,
lusting during the summer, resulted in
u sinai harvest. and on some reserva-
tions in the total failure of the crops.
Al the Crow Creek and Lower Brute
agency, liz South Dakota, not n busl,el
of grain has been harvested nor any
vegetables gathered. The old method
of Strengthening cattle, which was Off
cially characterized as degrading, de-
moralizing and filthy, has been aban.
doned and the construction of the new
slaughter house is considered of great
importance.
Among the Crow Creeks the custom
airy weekly dances have been stopped
and dancing allowed only twice Il
month, with All enforced Abandonment
of exciting speeches and the custom of
throwing away property during the
dancing. For the first time in their
history the Crows are supplying tho
beef cattle for the ration issue. The
disatfected element OF the Lower
Brules, who have been living south Of
White river. on the Rosebud reservu.
ton, have, with the exception of ten
families, gone on their reservation aud
arc fast becoming settled. The hand
ling Of these Indians, who are enrolled
ut Lower lsrule agency, and draw ra-
tions there, has been II different un.
dertaking, owing to the opposition
among the Indians and some of the
whites. Whole fields OF grain We're
destroyed by the gophers at the Devils
Lake agency and Fort Totem. This
plague is held largely responsible for
tho great misfortune Of the Indians
during the year. These Indians arc SO
o that the loss of an OK or horse
means the abandonment OF . fn.m.
The industrial future Of tile Indians
aud their ability to become self sup
porting, says Captain Cinpp. of Fort
Bartholdt agency, in his annual report,
depends on stock raising. Sharp disci.
primary treatment has stopped the here
tofore frequent unauthorized killing Of
stock. and horned cate are rapidly in
creasing. The drougl.ts and blighting
hot winds have made the Standing
Rock agency unadapted to agriculture,
and this year many of the fields are
, Ntal failures. This uncertainty of
raising crops has made stock raising
She leading industry. and in this con
siderable progress has been made. The
Indians ut the Forest City agency.
South Dakota. with The exception OF
the settlement Of $50 of Cherry Creek.
favor taking allo,ments in seyernlty.
The indians on the tintah and Ooray
reservation, i'll Utah, are on the firm
road 10 prosperity and civilization, ac-
cording to the unnual report of Major
Frandlett, the agent.
The Gintahs have doubled their
farming acreage. and have cvinccd
great interest in crop cultivation. The
Uncompaghres have beer given little
encouragement in assistance in farm
ing, The allotments in scverAlty of the
lands Of the Coucr d'Alcne Indians. who
are using valuable land for mere graz
ing purposes, is recommended by Cap.
tain Bndd of the Colvillc agency, in
Washington. The work of removing
the Upper aud Middle Spolxnnes from
the vicinity of Spokane Fails has
. proved n slow, tedious process. neccssi-
sating considerable work for the agent
during the year.
Inspector Thomas p. Smith of the in
terror department has returned to
Washington. after making IL long tour
OF inspection of the Indian reservations
in Washington, Montana, Idaho and
the Dakotas.