Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-08
this system Is too Obvious to need ccm-
NAVAL MILITIA.


prising young men. active and energetic
I'm the discharge or their duties, and
promising great usefulness
This establishment has nearly the same
relation TO our navy as the National
Guard in the different States bears 10 our
army; and II constitutes n source Of
supply for our naval forces the impor-
lance OF which Is Immediately apparent.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
The report Of the Secretary Of the In
terror presents a comprehensive and in
terestlng exhibit OF the numerous and
important affairs committed TO his super
vision. II is impossible In this communi-
cation to do more than briefly refer 10
few OF the subjects concerning which
the Secretary gives full and instructive
information.
The money appropriated on account Of
this department. and for its dis1urse-
ment for the fiscal year ended June %.
1895, amounted 20 more than Sl57Oo0Oo0
or n greater sum than was appropriated
for the entire maintenance Of the gov
eminent for the two fiscal years ended
June 30. 1861.
our public lands. originally amounting
to 1870, 1900 acres. have been so reduced
that only about G00O000o still remain IN
government control. excluding Alaska
The balance, being the most valuable por-
ton, has been given away 10 settlers, 20
new States. and to railroads, or sold for
a comparatively small sum.
The execution OF railroad grants has
progressed rapidly during the year. and
since the 4th Of March, 1893. about % 0o,-
0o0 acres have thus been conveyed 20 these
corporations | agree with the Secretary
that the remainder Of our public lands
~ me 0Dr ffff L. wifi "a
their alienation guarded by better econo-
my and greater prudence.
The commission appointed from the
membership Of the National Academy OF
Sciences, provided for by an act OF Con-
gress, to formulate plans for national
forestry system, will, IL Is hoped, soon
be prepared to present the result OF its
thorough and intelligent examination Of
this important subject.
THE INDIANS.
phe total Indian population Of the
United States Is 177.235 according 20 a
census made in 1895, exclusively Of those
within the State Of New York. and those
comprising the five civilized tribes
OF this number there are approximately
$4,000 children. During the year 1883 OF
these were enrolled In schools. The
progress which has attended recent ef-
forts 70 extend Indian-school facilities
and the anticipation Of continued liberal
appropriations 70 that end, cannot fail
TO afford the utmost satisfaction TO those
who believe that the education OF Indian
children is a prime factor I'm the accom-
plishment Of Indian civilization
1t may be said in general terms that in
every particular the Improvement OF the
Indians under government care has been
most marked and encouraging
he mi e s. n
dian Affairs, and the agents having
charge Of Indians to whom allotments
have been made, strongly urge the pas
sage OF a law prohibiting the sale OF
liquor 10 allottees who have taken their
lands I'm severalty l earnestly join In the
recommendation, and venture 10 express
the hope that the Indian may be speedily
protected against this greatest Of all ob-
stacles to his well-beng and advance
ment.
The condition OF affairs among the tive
civilized tribes, who occupy large tracts
Of land in the Indian Territory, and VINO
have governments of their own. has as
sumed such an aspect as to render IL al
most indispensable that there should be
an entire change In the relations Of these
Indians TO the General Government. ms
seems TO be necessary in furtherance or
their own interests, as well as for the pro-
lection OF non-Indian residents I'm their
Territory. commission organized and
empowered under several recent laws IS
now negotiating with these Indians Tor
the REIMBURSEMENT of their courts ana
the division OF their common lands IN
severalty. and are aiding IN the settle
ment Of the troublesome question Of tribal
membership. The reception Of their first
proffers of negotiation was not encourag-
ing but through patience and such con-
duct on their part as demonstrated that
their intentions were friendly and in the
interest Of the tribes the prospect OF sue
cess has become more promising. The ef-
fort should be 10 save these Indians from
the consequences Of their own mistakes
and improvdence and TO secure 10 the
real Indian his rights as against intru-
ders and professed friends. who profit by
his retrogression. a change is also need
ed to protect life and property through
the operation of courts conducted accord
ing to strict justice and strong enough 10
enforce their mandates
As sincere friend Of the Indian, ! am
exceedingly anxious that these reforms
should be accomplished with the consent
and aid Of the tribes, and that no neces-
sity may be presented for radical or dras-
tic legislation. l hope, therefore, that the
commission conducting negotiations Will
soon be able TO report that progress has
been made toward a friendly adjustment
OF existing difficulties. 1t appears that a
very valuable deposit OF gilsonite or as
phaltum has been found on the reserva-
ton in Utah occupied by the Uncom-
pahgre Ute Indians. Every consideration
of care for the public interest and every
sensible business reason dictate such man
agement or disposal OF this important
source OF public revenue as VIII except IL
from the general rules and incidents at
tending the ordinary disposition OF pubic
lands, and secure to the government a
fair share at least Of its advantages, IN
place OF It's transfer for nominal sum TO
interested individuals.
I endorse the recommendation made by
the present Secretary of the Interior as
well as his predecessor. that perma-
nent commission, consisting OF three
members, one Of whom shall be an army
officer, be created TO perform the duties
now devoving upon the Commissioner
and Assistant Commissioner of Indian
Affairs. The management Of the bureau
involves such numerous and diverse de-
tails, and the advantages OF an uninter-
rupted policy are so apparent, that
hope the change suggested VIII meet the
approval OF Congress.
THE PENsION-ROLL.
The diminutlon OF our enormous pen
sion-rol and the decrease of pension
expenditures, which have been SO often
confidently foretold sim fail OF ma
terialization. The number Of pensioners
on the rolls at the close Of the fiscal year
ended June 90, 1896. was Go,6lS. This is
the largest number ever reported. The
amount paid, exclusively. for pensions
during the year was slSS Z4,76i.9i. a
slight decrease from that OF the preceding
year; while the total expenditures on ac-
count of pensions, including the cost OF
maintaining the department, and the ex-
penses attending pension distribution.
amounted TO Slt2 2O5 $50 80 or within a