The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-12-10
INDIAN AFFAIRS.

INDIAN AFFAIRS.
The total Indian population in the Unit
ed States is 177.235. according to a
census made in 1895, exclusive of those
within the State of New York and those
comprising the five civilized tribes OF
this number there are approximately 3S,-
600 children of school age. During the
year 23,39S of these were enrolled in
schools The progress which has at
tended recent efforts TO extend Indian
school facilities and the anticipation of
continued liberal appropriations to that
end can not fail to afford the utmost sat
isfactiOn to those who believe that edu-
cation of Indian children is a prime fac
tor in the accomplishment of Indian civil
ization.
1t may be said in general terms that in
every particular the improvement of the
Indians under government care has been
more marked and encouraging. The
secretary, the commissioner of Indian az
fairs, and the agents having charge of
Indians to whom allotments have been
made strongly urge the passage of
law prohibiting the sale of liquor to all
who have taken their lands in severalty.
earnestly join in this recommendation
and venture to express the hope that the
Indian may be speedily protected against
this greatest of all obstacles to his we'll
being and advancement.
The condition of affairs among the FIVE
civilized tribes who occupy large tracts
of land in the Indian Territory and who
have governments of their own has as
sumed such an aspect rs to render 1t al
most indispensable that there should be
an entire change in the relations of these
Indians - the government. This seems
to be necessary in furtherance of their
own interests as well as for the protection
of non-lndian residents in their ter
ritory. A commission organized and en-
powered under recent laws is now nego-
tiating with those Indians for the relin-
punishment of their courts and the d.
vision of their common lands in. severalty
and are now aiding in the settlement of
the troublesome question of tribal
membership. The receotiOn of their
first proffcrS of negotiations was not en-
couraging, but through patience and such
conduct on their part as demonstrated
that their intentions were friendly, and
in the interests of the people, the prospect
of success has become more promising.
The efforts should he to save these In
dams from the consequences of their
own mistakes and improyidence, and to
secure the real Indian rights as against
intruders and professed friends, who
profit by his retrogresson. \ change is
also needed to protect life and property
through the operation of courts conduct
cd according to strict justice and strong
enough to enforce their mandates. AS
a sincere friend of the Indian, | am eX-
ceedingly anxious that these reforms
should be accomplished with the consent
and aid of the tribes, and that no neces-
sity NAV be presented for radical or dras-
tic legislation 1 hope therefore that the
commission now conducting negotiations
will soon be able to report that progress
has been made towards friendly adjust
ment of existing difficulties. 1t appears
of asphalt has been found on the reser-
walton in Utah occupied by the Uncom-
pahgre-Ute Indians. Every considera-
ton of care for the public interest and
every sensible business reason dictates
such management or disposal of this I'M
portant source of public revenue as will
except it from the general rules and in
cidents attending the ordinary disposition
of public lands, and secure the govern
ment a fair share at least of its advan
tages in place of its transfer for benefit
to interested individuals.
I endorse the recommendation made by.
the present secretary of the interior, as
well as his predecessors. for the
three members, one of whom shall
be an army officer be created to perform
the duties now devolving upon the COM
missioner and assistant commissioner of
Indian affairs. The management of the
bureau involves such numerous and d.
verse details and the advantages of an
uninterrupted policy are so apparent that
hope the change suggested win meet
the approval of the congress.
THE PENSION ROLL.
The diminution of our enormous pen
sion roll and the decrease of pension ex-
peditures which has been so often conf
IDENTIFY foretold still fail in material de-
crease. The number of pensioners on
the rolls at the close of the fiscal year
ended June 80, 1896, was 970,67S. This
is the largest number ever reported. Tue
amount paid, exclusively for pensions
during the year was 1924, 761 .94, a
slight decrease from that of preceding
year. while the total expenditures on ac-
count of pension, including the cost of
maintaining the department and expenses
attending pension distribution amounted
to S142, FOG. 55059. or within very
small fraction of one-third of the entire
expense of supporting the government
during the same year. The number of
new pension certificates issued was co.
GAO. OF these 40.374 represent original
allowance of claims and 15,S7S increase
of existing pensions. The number of per-
sons receiving pensions from the United