Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1896-03-27

task was Undertaken ny agent II. ".
Cowen in behalf of the government, he
being the agent for the Indians at that
time. The effect of the diSbanding of
the Indians on this reservation was one
of the greatest strides towards civilizing
them known. It was the Grst lesson in
self support--frst effort to enlighten-
ment from the dark throne of super
stitiUusness. 1t gave the government
better idea as to their wants. Like all
Indian tribes, the government issues at
stated periods cattle, horses and farm
ing implements, and teaches them the
best methods Of utilizing the same for
their benefit, through the agency's en-
ployes. The advantage Of issiing stock
to THESE people is very noticeable, con-
sidering the amount seen on the reser-
vation grazing oh its lu&iiriant grass, for
which this portion of the northwest is
noted. The, range stock, notwithstand-
ing the heavy. fall Of snow on the re-
serve, are in excellent condition. The
agency herds are said to be far above
! the average. The same are in charge of
Geo. Hovetmale, one of the finest su-
perintendents of beef cattle; it is stated,
In Montana.
In 1882 the first boarding school for
the Indians was started at this place. 1t
was exceedingly difficult for those who
! had the task of pupiling this school to
overcome the superstitiousneSs of this
part of the Sioux tribe: 1t was diff
cult thing to show these Indians the use
fulness Of an education. But as time
went by, the disappearing of the buffalo
and other game, they were forced to
submit to the precepts Of enlightenment.
They began to send their children to
School more willingly, not thorgh, with
out that mythical feeling for which the
Sioux are noted, as to the outcome of
such step. The managers of the school
toiled faithfully in their efforts to rear
their charge in the simplest methods
known for the advancement Of their
welfare towards civilization. This good
work continued until the autumn Of
1891, when the school buildings were
destroyed bv Ere. After due considera-
ton the Indian department at Washing
!. ton deciLed to abandon the school, and
send the pupils and instructors to other
government: educational Institutions
After the abandonment of the military
cantonement in 1894 at this place, and
through the unceasing efforts of Capt.
H. W. Sprole, the Indian agent. at this
place, and F. A. Hunter, his eifcisnt
clerk, the department decided to re-es-
tablish the Indian boarding school at the
caintonement, with full corps of teach
ers. Today the parents of this school
concu with all, that its pupils are ad-
vancing rapidly toward enlightenment,
gaining precepts of morality, and fitting
themselves for the offices of citizenship.
We wish not to cast any reflections on
the noble teachers of this school when
it was. first organized, or on any since,
but it is duty that we owe to such an
educator rs Prof +. G. Campbell, as
sisted by a corps of diligent workers,
that be has brought this school to the
hign standard which 1t today enjoys.
supt, Campbell has been ever watchful
for the advancement of the school
such interest taken for progress only
known to an alert educator and disciple
Of justice. We have been informed
through an authenticated source that it
ranks first in all respects on the list OF
sgepcy schools. His work in this line
lis highly appreciated BY the pupils, as