The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1896-10-15

1895 census of 1908 Indians on the Yak
Ina reserve was made by the agent, but
this did not include the wild" Yakimas,
Of whom a complete census has never
been taken, but who are estimated TO
number about 1872, thus making the total
nun Der Of the Indians on the reserve
about 1000. Allotments in severality
have been made to these Indians, the
schedule embracing 1856 names. These
sllotments have not yet been submitted
to the secretary of the interior for his APP
provsl. The "wild" Yakimas could not
be persuaded to take allotments.
The commissioner of Indian affairs be-
lieves that it is highly desirable that a
complete system of irrigation should he
constructed for these Indians. and that
they should be otherwise placed on an
independent basis and enabled to become
self supporting. II the Yakimas can be
induced to give their consent, this can,
the commissioners think, be accomplish
ed by using the proceeds arising from the
sale of portion Of their surplus lands
which are now practically of little use TO
the Indians, and bringing them no reve-
nue. whatever.
In his instructions TO the members OF
the commission, Com missioner Browning
says:
at is doubtful, however, whether it
would be advisable for them to cede all
OF their surplus lands at the present time,
or even any part embracing consider
able number of the allotments which
have been made TO the Indians. The ces.
sion, If any be made, should rather be
comprised Of such portions or portion of
their reservation as embrace few or no
allotments. Besides, large number Of
Indians who are said to have rights on
this reserve have never removed thereto.
In 1885 these Indians we're estimated in
number more than 1000, but in recent
years the number has been placed as low
as 500. OF course, in reduction OF the
reservation, the rights of these Indians
should be considered, and provisions
made for their location thereon. The
number and whereabouts of these It.
dams should be carefully looked into, and
it should be a part of your duty to per-
suade them, il possible, to remove to the
reservation. Should they refuse to do
this, it is doubtful whether they should
be given voice in any agreement ne
gotiated.
"Such agreement should provide for
the cession of the lands negotiated for to
the United States, the same to be restored
to the public domain, and the agreement
should be freely signed by at least ma
iority of the male adult Indians"
The commission, in addition to the
specific instructions regarding each
agency to be visited, also received lsrg'
number of general instructions, but tn,
manner in which the proceeds OF the sale
shall be disposed of or expended, except
ing as to making provisions for an irriga
tion system, has been left to the wisdom
and judgment Of the commission, to be
determined after careful examination
of the needs and condition OF the In.
dians, and after consulting their own
wishes in the premises. The commits
sion is cautioned, however, that the terms
OF payment should be such as will best
tend to render the Indians selfsupport-
ing and ia dependent OF governmental
aid at an early day. Provision for rations
and annuities for long term of years
are, If possible, to be avoided. The com.
mission is also urged to give careful at.
tention to the educational needs of the
Indians and make provisions for their
improvement wherever practicable.
An effort is to be made by the commits.
sion to have inserted in the agreement
providing for the cession OF lands, a
clause to the effect that all lands retained
by the Indians shall be subject for rs
years to all laws of the United States,
prohibiting the introduction of intoxi-
cants or their sale or disposition to the
Indians whether under the care of an
agent or not.
No undue pressure is to be brought to
bear upon the Indians to make any kind
of an agreement, it being merely the
duty OF the commission to represent to
the Indians that the sale OF portions of
their land will mean an income by which
they will be enabled to better their con-
dition, whereas their surplus lands now
bring them little or no revenue. The
commission is given full power to fix the
price which 1t shall agree to be paid tor
the lands to be ceded. The commission
is authorized to incur such expenses as
may be necessary in the performance OF
their duties, including subsistence for
the Indians while in attendance at the
council.
VIM. Mcmillan has gone to 0rting to
spend the winter with his family.